• Position Title: Internships – Samburu Research Centre
• Location: Samburu National Reserve, Kenya (Samburu Research Camp)
• Employment Type: Full-Time Internship (1.5 Months; 3 Tracks: March-April, June-July, September-October 2026)
• Number of Vacancies: 3 (1 Per Track)
• Category/Department: Internships / Volunteering / Wildlife Conservation / Research
• Reporting To: Research Manager
• Application Window: November 1 – December 31, 2025 (Specify Track)
• Salary: Unpaid (Note: Expenses covered: food, accommodation, laundry, security, work internet. Interns cover Nairobi-Samburu transport (~KES 5,000–10,000 round-trip). International applicants pay USD 35/night + flights/insurance. No stipend—focus on experience. Use for budgeting; no negotiations as unpaid.)

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The Samburu Research Centre Internships at Save the Elephants (STE), a leading wildlife conservation NGO, offer immersive 1.5-month placements in Samburu for Kenyan university graduates pursuing ecology careers. These highly competitive roles (3/year) involve data collection/analysis in elephant behavior, human-elephant conflict, or monitoring, ideal for BSc in Zoology/Botany/Environmental Sciences/GIS or Diploma in Wildlife Management holders with fieldwork experience.

As part of STE’s mission to protect elephants since 1999, interns contribute to reserve management reports, aligning with Kenya’s KES 50 billion conservation sector and Vision 2030’s biodiversity goals. Unpaid but expense-covered, this opportunity suits self-motivated, field-ready learners eager for hands-on research in a remote, inclusive camp.

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About Save the Elephants

Save the Elephants, founded in 1999 by Iain Douglas-Hamilton and headquartered in Nairobi with Samburu camp, protects African elephants through research, anti-poaching, and conflict mitigation, influencing policy for 500,000+ elephants. With 50+ staff and partnerships with Kenya Wildlife Service, STE publishes 20+ studies yearly, contributing to Kenya’s KES 20 billion wildlife sector, aligned with Vision 2030’s tourism.

STE fosters a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and stewardship, rated 4.3/5 for impact on reviews. For Interns, STE offers mentorship, data tools, and reserve access, creating a workplace where your research aids conservation in a diverse, inclusive field team.

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Key Responsibilities

As an Samburu Research Intern at STE, you will support projects. Core duties include:

• Conduct scientific data collection (e.g., elephant tracking, conflict surveys).
• Perform basic analysis using Excel/GIS for statistics/graphs.
• Contribute to monthly reports for wardens/researchers.
• Participate in field activities (tracking, camera traps, community outreach).
• Write final internship report on activities for park management.
• Assist with long-term monitoring or behavioral studies.
• Ensure ethical fieldwork and data security.
• Adapt to remote camp life (no pay, but covered basics).

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Qualifications and Skills

The Samburu Research Internships require:

• Eligibility: Kenyan citizen over 18.
• Educational Qualification: BSc in Zoology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, GIS, or Diploma in Wildlife Management/Conservation from WRTI/equivalent.
• Experience: At least one prior fieldwork experience (academic or attachment/internship in conservation).
• Technical Skills: English proficiency; scientific writing (e.g., BSc project); Excel/MS Office for stats/graphs; basic GIS/software for analysis (preferable).
• Personal Attributes: Self-motivated, resilient for remote/extreme conditions (heat, malaria precautions).
• References: At least one academic supervisor with contacts.

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Company Culture and Values

Save the Elephants fosters a culture of scientific curiosity, ethical stewardship, and community, reflecting its elephant protection legacy. With 50+ staff, STE promotes diversity through inclusive research and local hiring, encouraging collaboration via camp debriefs and global publications. Values of integrity, innovation, and impact guide operations, with Interns central to data-driven conservation.

STE supports growth with mentorship and report feedback, creating a purposeful workplace rated 4.3/5 for adventure. For Samburu Interns, this means immersive fieldwork in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in wildlife research.

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How to Apply

Apply now for Samburu Research Centre Internships at Save the Elephants.

Email CV + cover letter to interns@savetheelephants.org during November 1 – December 31, 2025, specifying preferred track (March-April, June-July, September-October 2026).

Include (as single PDF, filename: YourName_Track):

1. CV (academic/fieldwork focus).
2. Cover letter (why STE, skills offered, track preference).

STE is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Note: Unpaid; expenses covered as detailed.

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Tags

Samburu Research Internships, Save the Elephants Careers, Wildlife Conservation Kenya, Elephant Behavior Fieldwork, Full-Time Unpaid Internships, BSc Zoology GIS Diploma, Vision 2030 Biodiversity

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Expert Tips for Success in Samburu Research Internships: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for Save the Elephants’ Samburu Research Internships, I prioritize applications that demonstrate field readiness, scientific curiosity, and ethical commitment in conservation. With a 80% rejection rate due to generic CVs or no fieldwork, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your BSc/Diploma and Excel/GIS skills. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Fieldwork Contribution Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek Interns who deliver data—50% of shortlists go to candidates with collection metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Collected 500 elephant GPS points with 98% accuracy”) grabs attention, proving your readiness. Metrics align with STE’s monitoring goals.

CV Example:
“Collected 500 elephant GPS points as research intern candidate at a reserve with 98% data accuracy.”
Why: This showcases your readiness, aligning with STE’s collection needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at WRTI, I analyzed 300 behavioral observations with 90% report contribution, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s analysis needs, showing recruiters your proven field skill.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I tracked 200 conflict incidents quarterly with 92% validity, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your contribution skills with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with an accuracy/contribution metric (e.g., “98% accuracy,” “90% contribution”). Include “Samburu Research Intern” and “fieldwork contribution” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific results. Attach a redacted data log to your portfolio. Follow up during application window via interns@savetheelephants.org emphasizing STE’s monitoring focus. Network via Kenya Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 2: Highlight Scientific Writing with a Report Example

Why It Works: Scientific writing for reports is core—40% rejections for weak BSc projects. A specific example of writing (e.g., “Authored 5 reserve reports with 95% warden adoption”) shows clarity, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to disseminate, aligning with STE’s final report goals.

CV Example:
“Authored 5 wildlife reports as research intern candidate with 95% warden adoption for management.”
Why: This quantifies your clarity, aligning with STE’s writing needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at a conservation NGO, I documented 10 observations with 90% publication potential, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s dissemination needs, showing recruiters your clarity.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I wrote 3 monthly summaries quarterly with 88% feedback, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your clarity with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Scientific Writing & Report Dissemination” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with adoption metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s warden reports. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific documentation. Attach a redacted BSc project excerpt to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting STE’s report focus. Network via Kenya Scientific Writers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 3: Demonstrate GIS Proficiency with a Mapping Example

Why It Works: Basic GIS knowledge is preferable—recruiters prioritize spatial analysts. A specific example of proficiency (e.g., “Mapped 200 elephant corridors with 95% accuracy”) shows value, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to visualize, aligning with STE’s tracking goals.

CV Example:
“Mapped 200 elephant migration corridors as research intern candidate using ArcGIS with 95% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your value, aligning with STE’s GIS needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at a GIS lab, I visualized 150 habitats with 90% validation, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s visualization needs, showing recruiters your value.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I analyzed 10 spatial datasets quarterly with 88% insight, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your value with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “GIS Proficiency & Spatial Visualization” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s tracking. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific mapping. Attach a redacted GIS map to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing STE’s spatial focus. Network via Kenya GIS Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 4: Highlight Ethical Fieldwork with a Protocol Example

Why It Works: Ethical data handling is mandatory—recruiters prioritize principled collectors. A specific example of ethics (e.g., “Conducted 100 ethical surveys with 100% consent”) shows integrity, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to secure, aligning with STE’s research goals.

CV Example:
“Conducted 100 ethical elephant surveys as research intern candidate with 100% participant consent.”
Why: This demonstrates your integrity, aligning with STE’s ethical needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at a reserve, I ensured 95% protocol adherence in 80 observations, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s secure needs, showing recruiters your integrity.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I upheld 30 ethics in quarterly fieldwork with 88% compliance, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your integrity with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include an “Ethical Fieldwork & Protocol Adherence” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with consent/compliance metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s park. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific safeguards. Attach a redacted consent form to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing STE’s principled focus. Network via Kenya Ethical Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Resilience with a Remote Example

Why It Works: Resilience for remote/extreme conditions is essential—recruiters prioritize hardy fieldworkers. A specific example of resilience (e.g., “Operated 45 days in remote camp with 100% task completion”) shows endurance, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to adapt, aligning with STE’s camp goals.

CV Example:
“Operated 45 days in remote bush camp as research intern candidate with 100% task completion.”
Why: This quantifies your endurance, aligning with STE’s remote needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at a field station, I endured 30 heat days with 95% data quality, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s adaptation needs, showing recruiters your endurance.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I managed 15 extreme conditions quarterly with 88% productivity, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your endurance with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Resilience & Remote Adaptation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with completion metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s heat/malaria. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific operations. Attach a redacted field diary to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing STE’s hardy focus. Network via Kenya Remote Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 6: Highlight Excel Proficiency with a Graph Example

Why It Works: Excel for stats/graphs is required—recruiters prioritize data handlers. A specific example of proficiency (e.g., “Produced 50 graphs in Excel with 95% clarity”) shows skill, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to analyze, aligning with STE’s basic goals.

CV Example:
“Produced 50 elephant behavior graphs in Excel as research intern candidate with 95% clarity.”
Why: This quantifies your skill, aligning with STE’s Excel needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at a lab, I computed stats for 30 datasets with 90% accuracy, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s analysis needs, showing recruiters your skill.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I graphed 20 trends monthly with 88% insight, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your skill with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include an “Excel Proficiency & Graph Production” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with clarity metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s reports. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific production. Attach a redacted Excel graph to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing STE’s basic focus. Network via Kenya Excel Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Reference Strength with an Academic Example

Why It Works: At least one academic reference is required—recruiters prioritize endorsed candidates. A specific example of reference (e.g., “Referenced by supervisor for 95% fieldwork endorsement”) shows credibility, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to network, aligning with STE’s supervisor goals.

CV Example:
“Referenced by Zoology supervisor as research intern candidate with 95% fieldwork endorsement.”
Why: This quantifies your credibility, aligning with STE’s reference needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at university, my lecturer endorsed 90% project quality, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s network needs, showing recruiters your credibility.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I secured 3 references quarterly with 88% strength, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your credibility with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Reference Strength & Academic Endorsement” section in your CV with supervisor contacts and endorsement metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s academic. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific securing. Attach reference letter to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing STE’s supervisor focus. Network via Kenya Referenced Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 8: Highlight Track Preference with a Period Example

Why It Works: Specifying track is mandatory—recruiters prioritize committed applicants. A specific example of preference (e.g., “Preferred June-July for 100% availability”) shows planning, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to commit, aligning with STE’s slot goals.

CV Example:
“Preferred June-July track as research intern candidate with 100% availability commitment.”
Why: This demonstrates your planning, aligning with STE’s period needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at a project, I committed to 45-day March-April with 95% delivery, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s commitment needs, showing recruiters your planning.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I aligned 3 periods quarterly with 88% fit, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your planning with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Track Preference & Period Commitment” section in your CV with preferred track and availability metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s seasons. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific alignment. Attach a redacted availability calendar to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing STE’s slot focus. Network via Kenya Track Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Conservation Passion with a Mission Example

Why It Works: Passion for conservation is valued—recruiters prioritize mission-aligned interns. A specific example of passion (e.g., “Volunteered 200 hours in anti-poaching with 90% impact”) shows dedication, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to contribute, aligning with STE’s elephant goals.

CV Example:
“Volunteered 200 hours in elephant anti-poaching as research intern candidate with 90% community impact.”
Why: This quantifies your dedication, aligning with STE’s mission needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research intern candidate at a sanctuary, I educated 50 locals with 85% awareness, preparing me for Samburu’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s contribution needs, showing recruiters your dedication.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I promoted 10 co-existence events quarterly with 88% engagement, aligning with STE’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your dedication with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Conservation Passion & Mission Contribution” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with impact metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to STE’s human-elephant. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific volunteering. Attach a redacted passion statement to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing STE’s elephant focus. Network via Kenya Passion Wildlife Interns on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Field-Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize Interns who convey field passion and alignment with STE’s elephant protection. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to STE’s goals (e.g., reserve reports) makes you memorable. Referencing Samburu shows research, a key shortlisting factor.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Field-ready Samburu Research Intern candidate with BSc Zoology, 98% data accuracy, passionate about STE’s Samburu reserve impact.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with STE’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 95% ethical surveys and GIS mapping, I’m eager to contribute to STE’s 1.5-month Samburu fieldwork for elephant co-existence.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to STE’s goals, making your application compelling.

Interview Example:
“As research intern candidate, I collected 92% valid points at a reserve, ready to support STE’s Samburu monitoring.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to STE’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your fieldwork, a key achievement (e.g., “92% valid”), and passion for STE’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in field-appropriate attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, references. Reference Samburu. Follow up via interns@savetheelephants.org emphasizing STE’s protection vision. Network via Kenya STE Samburu Interns on LinkedIn for insights.

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