In line with the 2022 World Environment Day campaign #OnlyOneEarth, the Endangered Wildlife Trust would like to encourage youth to explore careers in conservation during June 2022, South Africa’s youth month. With only one Earth to call home, it’s in everyone’s best interest to invest in its wellbeing. And why not have fun and feel great doing it?!
Exploring careers for youth in wildlife conservation
Keen on a career in conservation?
A career in conservation doesn’t necessarily mean a scientific job, but any role that contributes to the conservation of nature, including as part of support services like finance or communications. We want to highlight less obvious career opportunities in the wildlife and environmental sector – drawing more young people into the economy, helping the government fight unemployment, and getting more young people to take transformative action to celebrate, protect, and restore our planet.
You don’t have to be a scientist to work for the EWT
Many young people would never consider a career working with wildlife if they did not study biological sciences. But it turns out you don’t need to be a scientist, a frog expert, or have an MSc in carnivore ecology to help conserve our one and only Earth. There are many of us here who went a different route – lawyers, graphic designers, accountants, human resources managers, photographers, IT technicians, public relations practitioners, grounds keepers, and more. The key to making it here is looking in the right places. And for those who still have the opportunity to choose what to study, there are many conservationists to follow for guidance. If you want to work for the Endangered Wildlife Trust, the best way is to look at all the different paths our staff have taken to become conservationists.
Find out how you can get a job in conservation
Some EWTers have taken it upon themselves to share their journeys to conservation with you throughout youth month to raise awareness and get more young people interested in conservation. In this way, we can build our capacity and strengthen our ability to save species, conserve habitats, and benefit people. Keep an eye on our social media pages to find out how you can embark on a career in conservation.
PR and Marketing Coordinator
Threatened Amphibian Programme Manager – also dubbed “the frog lady”
Wildlife and Energy Programme Senior Field officer
Here’s what it took Richard to become a grant officer in conservation
recently received his FGASA qualification to guides hikers on The Old Salt Trail
Sengani spends his time clearing alien trees and conducting anti-poaching patrols in Medike Nature Reserve
