Conservation Internship

A day as a conservation intern

• 05:30 Begin your day with an early morning hike into the rainforest to conduct terrestrial Inline Line Transec
• ILT), observing and recording wildlife activity during peak hours.
• 07:00 Return to the Manu Learning Centre for a hearty breakfast and a chance to discuss the morning’s findings with fellow interns and researchers.
• 08:00 – 11:30 Participate in fieldwork projects such as butterfly monitoring or amphibian and reptile surveys, collecting data across different stages of forest regeneration.
• 12:00 Enjoy lunch at the Centre, followed by a brief rest period to recharge for the afternoon activities.
• 13:30 – 15:30 Engage in sustainable community initiatives, like assisting with agroforestry practices or biogarden research, contributing to local development efforts.
• 16:00 – 17:30 Attend a workshop or training session led by experienced staff, focusing on topics like tropical ecology, data collection methods, or conservation challenges in the Amazon.
• 18:00 Dinner with the Crees community, providing an opportunity to share experiences and insights from the day’s activities.
• 19:30 Optional evening activities, such as reviewing data collected, preparing for the next day’s fieldwork, or participating in cultural exchange sessions with local staff.
• 21:00 Retire for the night, resting up for another day of hands-on conservation work.

Sunday Free day to relax, explore the surroundings, or engage in recreational activities at the Manu Learning Centre.

The mentor

Conservation Biologist & Environmental Educator | Peru

With over 9 years of experience in tropical ecology and environmental education, Jackeline has dedicated her career to research and learning in the Amazon rainforest. A proud Cusqueña, she specialises in tropical biodiversity and regenerative forest systems, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge through immersive field-based education.

Notable Achievements:

Cofounded the Sociedad de Micología Aplicada del Cusco, promoting sustainable uses of fungi in Andean and Amazonian ecosystems.
Former Experiential Learning Coordinator at the Manu Learning Centre, where she led conservation education programmes in the heart of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.

Professional Skills & Experience:

Strong academic background: Bachelor in Biology and Master’s studies in Ecology & Environmental Management at the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco.
Extensive fieldwork experience as Senior and Junior Field Staff with Crees Foundation, conducting research in regenerating forests and leading biological monitoring.
Laboratory and production assistant in sustainable mushroom cultivation with K’allampas SAC.
Field Assistant in amphibian ecology research, focusing on species such as Ameerega macero.

Participated in the Tree Top Manu project, researching canopy ecosystems in Manu’s lowland rainforest.

Skilled in biodiversity surveys including mycology, herpetology, botany, and zoology.
Educator with experience teaching Botany and Zoology at a pre-university level in Urubamba.
Deep commitment to environmental education and local empowerment in the Peruvian Amazon.

Jackeline blends scientific expertise with a gift for teaching, helping the next generation of conservationists understand the ecological and cultural richness of the Amazon.

Accomodation

Manu Cloud Forest 

• 1 night

Where you might spot the cock-of-the-rock in its natural habitat.

Manu Learning Centre Biological Field Station

• Where you’ll be staying

The MLC offers simple, comfortable and breezy accommodation. You’ll share a room with up to three other volunteers. Fresh bedding and a mosquito net are provided weekly.

A space for learning and collaboration

The centre includes research facilities and open spaces designed to support your daily work and project needs.

A community of changemakers

The MLC brings together people from all walks of life—local and international students, visiting researchers, and curious travellers. It’s a space where inclusion, collaboration and respect shape everyday life.

What we expect

Be kind. Get involved. Make yourself at home.