Professional Development
Programs

A professional development program with Global Conservation Force provides training for individuals to become skilled wildlife protection and conservation professionals. Participants gain hands-on experience in various conservation practices, including working alongside anti-poaching units, anti-poaching K9s, and/or wildlife veterinary teams. Each program has its own length and timeline but the price of each includes accommodations, food, non-alcoholic drinks, and training programs.

Types of Professional Development Programs

Introduction to Anti Poaching Course (South Africa)

The GCF Introduction to Anti-Poaching training course is tailored to create and train competent, efficient, and effective wildlife protection and conservation professionals. Trainees for this course will endure a physically demanding and mentally challenging 5-week course aimed to serve the real needs of the wildlife protection field. This course is not for the faint of heart, and the preparation should be treated similar to a military or law enforcement boot camp.

Anti-Poaching K9 Eco Tour (South Africa)

GCF has 9 Anti-Poaching K9s deployed on conservation and wildlife protection details in South Africa. This custom tour program is designed to get our guests behind-the-scenes with our K9s, the anti-poaching units, and reserves. Setup for a Max group size of 4, these tours are custom curated to each guests adventure style. Travel alongside the GCF K9 Anti-Poaching Units Project Coordinator, and possibly GCF Field Instructors, as they do assessments, training, and gear supply drops for our K9 rangers. Guests will have the opportunity to get hands on, train with and alongside or K9s, and participate in some patrol duties with our K9 crew. Additional opportunities include participating in wildlife veterinary procedures as part of the broader conservation efforts and goals of Global Conservation Force.

Wildlife Education Outreach (Hanoi, Vietnam)

This program gives volunteers hands-on experience in multi-cultural education outreach with in-class learning, interpretation, and field trips. In partnership with Wildhand, we run an annual, 3 month-long, wildlife education program for youth. The course covers wildlife product demand reduction, illegal pet trade, recycling, wildlife rehabilitation, ecology and environments, endangered species, how to be a champion for wildlife, and ranger work in the national parks. Its focus is to create wildlife guardians every year in the heart of Vietnam’s busiest city.

Field Photo Journalist (Location Varies)

The Field Journalist Professional Development Program with Global Conservation Force offers an in-depth learning experience in conservation storytelling. Participants will apprentice with our Field Photo/Video Journalist, gaining hands-on skills in capturing, editing, and documenting conservation efforts. The program also teaches the art of engaging with stakeholders, donors, and partners while staying true to the story. Participants will learn to effectively publish content across social media, blogs, and other platforms, mastering the full spectrum of field journalism to support and amplify conservation efforts.

ABOUT US

Join the movement to protect endangered species and preserve our planet's diverse wildlife with Global Conservation Force. Together, we can make a difference for future generations.