Field Assistant - Limpopo, South Africa

Launch Your Conservation Career in the Heart of Big Five Territory

Location: Limpopo, South Africa | Start Date: ASAP | Duration: 3-6 months 

BRING YOUR FIELD SKILLS TO LIFE WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

You’re passionate about wild spaces, thrive in challenging conditions, and are ready to take your first professional step into meaningful conservation work. You’ve gained your foundational qualifications, and now you’re looking for the right environment to grow your skills, learn from experienced mentors, and contribute to real-world biodiversity outcomes.

At our Limpopo hub, we’re looking for someone like you to support our conservation programs within the iconic Big Five territory. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the field, support a dedicated team, and ensure our participants have a safe, educational, and inspiring experience in the bush.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

As our Field Assistant, you are the bridge between ambitious conservation goals and the ground-level actions that achieve them. By supporting research drives and assisting with the daily operations of the hub, you ensure that every piece of data collected is accurate and every participant is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the protection of the Big Five. You are the backbone of our daily activities, helping us deliver high-quality, ethical conservation impact while building your own expertise as a future leader in the field.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Gain Hands-on Experience: Work across a diverse range of projects, from alien invasive plant removal to camera trap maintenance and reserve upkeep.

Support Field Research: Conduct and assist with research game drives and surveys 

Ensure Data Excellence: Take responsibility for consistent and accurate data collection and entry to support long-term research goals.

Mentor Participants: Welcome new arrivals, providing in-field training and ensuring they remain safe and engaged throughout their journey.

Drive Hub Operations: Actively assist with the daily running of the base, ensuring facilities are clean, stocked, and operational for the whole team.

Conduct game drives for research and participant education, adhering to strict safety protocols in Big Five territory.

Lead by Example: Model GVI protocols and support the social atmosphere of the camp, providing a welcoming environment for participants even during out-of-hours.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

Field Guide NQF2 qualification.

A full, valid driving license and competence in driving manual transmission vehicles in off-road conditions.

Current First Aid qualification.

A valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).

Ability to work legally in South Africa.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage and motivate diverse groups.

The resilience to live and work in a remote, communal camp environment within a Big Five reserve.

Bonus if you also have:

Trails Guide Qualification.

Previous GVI experience.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

A unique and immersive conservation experience in a Big Five reserve.

All meals provided.

Visa support (where applicable).

Growth opportunities across our 17 locations and a pathway into long-term conservation work.

A collaborative, purpose-driven culture.

In-house training and mentoring.

Emergency medical and travel insurance.

LIVING & WORKING CONDITIONS AT LIMPOPO

Our base is located in the heart of the South African bush. Living here means being fully immersed in nature, where the sounds of the wild are your daily backdrop.

Living Conditions: Communal camp living within a secure area of a Big Five reserve.

Food: All meals are provided and shared as a team.

Getting Around: Off-road driving in manual transmission vehicles.

Fitness & Conditions: Must be physically fit and capable of working long hours in a hot, rugged environment.

Packing & Gear: Neutral-toned bush clothing and sturdy field boots are essential.

WORKING AT GVI

At GVI, we're driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. Our dedicated teams are actively working to address global challenges and together, we leverage a diverse set of specialised skills to pursue a shared vision: cultivating a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Working at GVI is fast-paced and fun. You will join a community that values passion, authenticity and innovation, and where we treat each other with respect. But we can do better than words to show you who we are! To see what it's really like to work for GVI: 

🎥 Watch Here

📰 Read Here

👥 Meet the Team

OUR NEXT STEP

If you’re ready to live your values, lead with purpose, and contribute to meaningful wildlife conservation, we want to hear from you.

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!