Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency in Exeter
Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency

Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead conservation training and inspire future conservationists in iconic ecosystems.
  • Company: Join GVI, a passionate team dedicated to impactful environmental projects.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full room and board, and global growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Experience communal living and teamwork in a vibrant international community.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of conservation while living in stunning natural settings.
  • Qualifications: Advanced degree in conservation and 10+ years of field experience required.

Term: 1–3 years (with opportunity to rotate to another GVI conservation hub thereafter) Start Date: April 2026

ABOUT GVI

We’re driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. We have been connecting thousands of participants with impactful environmental projects in some of the most vulnerable habitats for over two decades. We offer an extensive range of nature conservation programs where people from all walks of life can intern and study.

Working at GVI is fast-paced and engaging, with a strong emphasis on passion, authenticity, innovation, and excellence.

THE OPPORTUNITY: SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION

This is an opportunity for a seasoned practitioner to step into a 1-to-3-year field residency in one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems. We are looking for an expert who is ready to move beyond the laboratory to become a Conservationist-in-Residence. In this role, your primary mission is education through action. You will share your wealth of field experience with participants who are growing their careers through field experience.

You are the person who seamlessly blends theoretical lectures and hands-on fieldwork, ensuring that every student who joins a GVI program receives a scientifically rigorous and ethically sound education.

Locations (April 2026 Start): Wildlife Hubs: The Peruvian Amazon, South African Bush, Costa Rican Rainforest, or Madagascan Forest. Marine Hubs: Seychelles (Indian Ocean) or Fiji (South Pacific).

WHO YOU ARE

You have an advanced degree in conservation or a related field, with 10+ years of field and teaching experience. You understand that real-world conservation is often messy and requires excellent judgment, flexibility, and academic rigour.

LIFE IN THE RESIDENCY

This is a 1-3 year field residency. Following this term, residents may rotate to another global hub. The setting: You will live in a remote, communal setting alongside our dedicated team of international staff and students. The community: You will play a key role in the hub community, contributing to an inclusive environment through shared meals, teamwork, and the experience of living and working together in the field.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

  • Education: Provide technical oversight of our Conservation Research Modules (CRM), including Ecological Restoration, Human Wildlife Coexistence and Biodiversity Monitoring. Work closely with the Impact Director to ensure site-specific research aligns with UN SDGs. Translate complex scientific concepts into hands-on, actionable training that bridges the gap between academic theory and field reality. Provide high-level guidance to participants and early-career conservationists.
  • Program Development: Ensure field activities are ethically sound, of exceptional quality, and reflect the latest best practices in the sector. Act as a technical sounding board for the field team, solving challenges in data collection and project design.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

  • Academic background: An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Resource Conservation or related field
  • Experience: Teaching and field instruction in varied settings (10 years+)
  • Technical toolset: Biodiversity monitoring and field technology (e.g., GIS, camera traps, R).

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

  • Competitive monthly salary
  • Full room and board
  • Emergency medical and travel insurance
  • Global growth opportunities to rotate across our bases
  • Mentorship and support from global colleagues

YOUR NEXT STEP

Please send us your CV and a short Cover Letter sharing why this role is the right fit for you. Kindly note: We genuinely appreciate every application we receive. If you haven’t heard from us within 3–4 weeks, it likely means we’ve moved forward with other candidates this time. That said, we’d love for you to stay connected and consider applying again in the future!

Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency in Exeter employer: GVI

GVI is an exceptional employer for those passionate about conservation, offering a unique opportunity to work in some of the world's most iconic ecosystems. With a strong emphasis on community, collaboration, and personal growth, employees benefit from competitive salaries, full room and board, and the chance to rotate across global hubs, all while making a meaningful impact on the environment and educating the next generation of conservationists.
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Contact Detail:

GVI Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency in Exeter

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know GVI and its mission! Watch the videos and read up on our projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show us that you're genuinely passionate about conservation.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former GVI staff on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by thinking of real-life examples from your field experience. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges and made an impact in conservation. Be ready to share those stories!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency in Exeter

Conservation Biology
Ecology
Resource Conservation
Field Instruction
Biodiversity Monitoring
Technical Oversight
Data Collection
Project Design
GIS
Camera Traps
R Programming
Teaching Skills
Judgment
Flexibility
Academic Rigor

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for conservation and how your experience aligns with our mission at GVI. Keep it concise but impactful, showing us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience in conservation and teaching. Highlight specific projects or roles that demonstrate your expertise and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Head of Conservation Training.

Showcase Your Field Experience: We want to see your hands-on experience! Include details about your fieldwork, any innovative projects you've led, and how you've engaged with participants in educational settings. This will help us understand your practical skills and teaching style.

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for a smoother process! It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!

How to prepare for a job interview at GVI

✨Know Your Conservation Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in conservation. Be ready to discuss your field experience and how it aligns with GVI's mission. They want to see your passion for the environment and your ability to translate complex concepts into practical training.

✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills

Since this role involves a lot of education, prepare to demonstrate your teaching style. Think about how you can engage participants and make learning interactive. Maybe even have a mini-lesson ready to showcase your approach!

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Community

GVI values community living and teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've contributed to a team in challenging environments. Highlight your ability to foster inclusivity and collaboration among diverse groups.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current projects, future goals, or how they measure the impact of their conservation efforts. This will demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking.

Head of Conservation Training: Field Residency in Exeter
GVI
Location: Exeter

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