Primate Conservationist Limelight Writer: Shining a spotlight on the people protecting primates—one voice, one story, one connection at a time

New England Primate Conservancy (NEPC) seeks a skilled and thoughtful writer to contribute to our Primate Conservationist Limelight series—an ongoing collection of human-interest profiles that introduce the public to the conservation champions working to protect primates and their habitats around the world.

This series highlights scientists, field researchers, educators, and community collaborators whose work most people would never otherwise encounter. Rather than scientific interviews or technical reporting, these profiles are narrative-driven stories that center the people behind the work, their motivations, challenges, and perspectives, and the broader meaning of their efforts.

About the Role

In this volunteer role, you will conduct open, conversational interviews with primate conservationists and translate those conversations into engaging, accessible profiles for a general audience. Interviews are guided by broad themes but are intentionally responsive, allowing each conservationist’s priorities and experiences to shape the story.

Strong listening skills, narrative judgment, and the ability to translate complex conservation work into clear, human-centered storytelling are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• • Schedule and conduct interviews (via email, phone, or video) with primate conservation professionals and collaborators
  • Follow a loose script for certain key points, while listening for themes, insights, and priorities that emerge organically during interviews
  • Shape interview material into cohesive, narrative-driven profiles rather than structured Q&A transcripts
  • Write in a clear, engaging style appropriate for a general public audience
  • Minimize technical or “science-heavy” language, translating expertise into accessible explanation and story
  • Obtain photographs from interviewees (portraits, primate species, or habitats) and secure permission for use
  • Collaborate with NEPC’s Education Team to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with NEPC’s mission

Writing Style & Audience

The Primate Conservationist Limelight series is written for readers interested in wildlife, biodiversity, and conservation—not for scientific or academic audiences. Articles are human-interest profiles grounded in lived experience and real-world conservation work.

This role is best suited to writers who can:

• • Prioritize story over technical detail
  • Recognize when scientific explanation becomes jargon and reframe it for accessibility
  • Convey meaning, motivation, and impact without oversimplifying or sensationalizing

Ideal Background

• • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfort conducting open-ended, conversational interviews
  • Experience writing narrative nonfiction, profiles, or feature-style articles
  • Strong editorial judgment and sensitivity to the audience
  • Interest in conservation, wildlife protection, or environmental storytelling

Familiarity with primatology, conservation biology, anthropology, or related fields is helpful but not required. Interpersonal skills, narrative ability, and curiosity are far more important than technical expertise.

About New England Primate Conservancy

New England Primate Conservancy (NEPC) is a biodiversity and wildlife conservation organization that uses education and digital storytelling as its primary conservation strategy. Through free, accessible educational resources, NEPC helps learners understand the interconnectedness of life on Earth—and how protecting primates and ecosystems ultimately helps protect us all.

Logistics

• • Remote volunteer position
  • 10–20 hours per month (flexible scheduling)
  • Minimum age: 25

To Apply

Please submit:

• • A brief letter of interest
  • A writing sample (preferably narrative or profile-style)
  • A resume or CV