Volunteer position, Kalahari Meerkat Project

University of Zurich and University of Cambridge

Starting April/May/June 2025 and onward

More info and to apply: – https://kalahariresearchcentre.org/volunteering/

Contact: meerkat.volunteers@gmail.com

The Project

The Kalahari Meerkat Project is a long-term field project investigating the ecological causes and evolutionary consequences of cooperative breeding. We are looking for volunteers to spend one year at our study site in the South African Kalahari Desert, collecting behavioural data on our habituated meerkat population.

What we offer

The field assistant will receive extensive training in field and data skills such as animal handling, radio-tracking, observing animals in the wild and working with databases. Accommodation and food will be provided. We provide basic satellite internet connection, with a usage allowance of 2GB per month, any extra usage would be at your own cost. There is a small compensation for your return flight/bus after finishing 12 months at the project.

Thinking of applying?

• Successful applicants usually have a degree in the biological sciences and interest in animal behavioural studies.
• Applicants should have the ability to work and live with about 30+ people in a highly social environment, but be able to also work alone, for extended periods of time.
• Applicants should be physically fit, hardworking, mentally strong, prepared for physically challenging work, and long days in the field.
• In addition, the successful applicants may often be called upon to work longer hours on duties unrelated to their primary work, but for research station maintenance and communal living.
• Due to the isolated location of the site, conducting field work in often extreme weather (high temperatures in summer, and low temperatures in winter), and being away from friends and family for long periods, both the physical and mental comfort of the applicant may be affected. The applicant should thus be self-sufficient, self-motivated, and passionate about their work.
• To apply: All applicants should provide a single PDF document containing their CV and a relevant cover/motivation letter detailing their experience and interest and motivation for the position, titled as their Surname_FirstName.pdf. Send your application to the Kalahari Meerkat Project Managers at: meerkat.volunteers@gmail.com.