Volunteer with Global Conservation Force!

Join the fight to protect wildlife and empower conservation efforts around the globe! At Global Conservation Force (GCF), we offer diverse opportunities for passionate individuals to get involved. Whether you're interested in volunteering with our administrative and educational teams, traveling with us on an impactful Ecotour Safari, or participating in professional training courses, there's a role for you to make a difference.

Get Involved!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting GCF’s mission by working behind the scenes. GCF is almost 100% volunteer run and managed! This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in conservation-related fields while supporting critical wildlife protection efforts. Regular volunteers often work remotely or from one of our hubs and are integral to sustaining GCF’s operations.

Professional Development Courses

For those looking to take a hands-on approach, GCF offers specialized training courses designed to prepare individuals for fieldwork. Our Professional Development Courses include:Introduction to Anti Poaching Course, Introduction to Snare Patrols, K9 Field Training and Integrated Operations, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care in Dangerous Game Environments, Introduction to Tactical Man Tracking, Field Photo Journalist. Participants in these courses gain the knowledge and certifications needed to contribute effectively in the field. Completion of these courses is a prerequisite for those interested in volunteering in our on-the-ground operations.

snare removal patrols

Experience conservation firsthand by joining one of our ethical Ecotour Safaris. These trips combine luxury and adventure with impact, offering participants the chance to: Visit wildlife reserves and sanctuaries. Engage with local communities and learn about their conservation efforts. Witness anti-poaching initiatives and meet the rangers on the frontlines. Our Ecotour Safaris are perfect for individuals or groups looking to immerse themselves in conservation work while traveling responsibly. These trips are designed to inspire, educate, and directly support our field projects.

GCF Ecotour Safari Amakhala

Volunteering in the Field

GCF welcomes field volunteers, but this opportunity is reserved for individuals who have completed our anti-poaching bootcamp training course. By ensuring that all field volunteers are properly trained, we maintain the safety and effectiveness of our conservation efforts. Field volunteers work directly alongside our teams and partners, contributing to critical operations such as: Supporting anti-poaching units. Assisting with wildlife monitoring and research. Participating in community outreach and education programs.

Anti Poaching Volunteer Africa

How to Get Involved

Ready to make an impact? Here’s how to start your journey with GCF:

  1. Apply as a Regular Volunteer: Fill out our online application form and join our admin, education, fundraising, program development, internal operations, or training program team.

  2. Sign Up for a Professional Development Course: Check our training calendar and enroll in a course that matches your interests.

  3. Join an Ecotour Safari: Explore our upcoming trips and book your spot

Volunteer With Global Conservation Force

More Information

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers assist with:

 

Administration: Help with event planning, donor outreach, and organizational logistics.

 

Education: Develop and deliver engaging programs that raise awareness about conservation challenges and solutions.

 

Fundraising: Organize campaigns, assist with grant writing, and help with merchandise sales to generate vital funds for our projects.

 

Program Development: Work on the creation of new initiatives, refine existing programs, or add to current GCF field programs under our four pillars of impact.

 

Internal Operations: Collaborate with team members across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa, as well as stateside donors and partners, to support GCF’s mission needs in and out of the field.

 

Internal Training Programs: GCF volunteers have inside access to participate in their own development under the professional guidance and training of experienced GCF team members in multiple disciplines of wildlife conservation and protection. These opportunities lead to field training and education programs alongside GCF’s anti-poaching and in-situ team members.

Professional Development Courses

For those looking to take a hands-on approach, GCF offers specialized training courses designed to prepare individuals for fieldwork. Our Professional Development Courses include:

  • Introduction to Anti Poaching Course

  • Introduction to Snare Patrols

  • K9 Field Training and Integrated Operations

  • Tactical Emergency Casualty Care in Dangerous Game Environments 

  • Introduction to Tactical Man Tracking

  • Field Photo Journalist

Participants in these courses gain the knowledge and certifications needed to contribute effectively in the field. Completion of these courses is a prerequisite for those interested in volunteering in our on-the-ground operations.

Ecotour Safari

Experience conservation firsthand by joining one of our ethical Ecotour Safaris. These trips combine adventure with impact, offering participants the chance to:

  • Visit wildlife reserves and sanctuaries.

  • Engage with local communities and learn about their conservation efforts.

  • Witness anti-poaching initiatives and meet the rangers on the frontlines.

  • Opportunity to participate in wildlife conservation veterinary procedures

Our Ecotour Safaris are perfect for individuals or groups looking to immerse themselves in conservation work while traveling responsibly. These trips are designed to inspire, educate, and directly support our field projects.

Volunteering in the Field

GCF welcomes field volunteers, but this opportunity is reserved for individuals who have completed our anti-poaching bootcamp training course. By ensuring that all field volunteers are properly trained, we maintain the safety and effectiveness of our conservation efforts. Field volunteers work directly alongside our teams and partners, contributing to critical operations such as:

  • Supporting anti-poaching units.
  • Assisting with wildlife monitoring and research.
  • Participating in community outreach and education programs.

Through the Wildlife Guardian Anti-Poaching Volunteer Program, selected recruits will work alongside dedicated teams in the field, supporting critical efforts to save rhinos and protect endangered wildlife.

Program Highlights

As a Wildlife Guardian, you’ll gain hands-on experience and develop critical skills, including:

  • Man tracking and situational awareness in the bush.
  • Working alongside dangerous game species.
  • Participating in anti-poaching patrols and security operations.
  • Assisting with reserve data collection to support conservation research.
  • Strengthening team capacity by serving alongside professional Anti-Poaching Units (APUs).
  • Delivering GCF-sponsored gear to teams on the ground.

Spend time immersed in the South African bush, learning directly from professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife. Volunteers can stay for a minimum of one week, with options to extend up to two months.

 

Program Requirements

To ensure the best experience for all involved, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Pass a drug test and have a clean criminal record.
  • Successfully complete a physical fitness test (10-minute mile or less, 50 pushups in one minute, 10 pull-ups).
  • Have completed an in-person, 3-week or longer anti-poaching course. Online certifications will not be accepted. Recognized training providers include:
    • Global Conservation Force (GCF)
    • FSCA
    • Tac Trac APU
    • South African Wildlife College
  • Relevant experience (e.g., law enforcement, firefighting, paramedic, military) is beneficial but does not guarantee acceptance. Comparable experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • FGASA Level 1 certification is recognized as partial experience and may be combined with a shorter GCF course to meet eligibility requirements.

Important Notes

  • Volunteers are responsible for covering their own food, gear, flights, and transportation to reserves.
  • Each Wildlife Guardian will participate individually, joining professional APUs to maximize their impact.
  • Per local laws, firearms are prohibited for volunteers. Approved personal safety gear, such as bear mace, a knife, taser, zip-tie handcuffs, or a bulletproof vest, is allowed.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

  • A one-page statement explaining why they want to join the program, including justifications for their selection.
  • A basic 5-year resume.

Qualified applicants will progress to an interview with a GCF representative, where proof of requirements will be reviewed.

Enhance Your Experience

Each Wildlife Guardian’s registration directly supports anti-poaching efforts, enabling GCF to provide vital equipment to APUs. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from experts while contributing to the protection of rhinos and Africa’s wildlife.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take on this challenge and contribute to the fight against poaching, send your application to info@globalconservationforce.org

How to Get Involved

Ready to make an impact? Here’s how to start your journey with GCF:

  1. Apply as a Regular Volunteer: Fill out our online application form and join our admin, education, fundraising, program development, internal operations, or training program team.

  2. Sign Up for a Professional Development Course: Check our training calendar, under Events, and enroll in a course that matches your interests.

  3. Join an Ecotour Safari: Explore our upcoming trips and book your spot