Wildlife Rehabilitation & Volunteer Coordinator

ocation: Limpopo Province, South Africa 🇿🇦

Reports To: Dave du Toit & Josie Cook (Founders & Directors)

Position Type: Full-Time, Long-Term Volunteer (2-Year Minimum Commitment)

About the Role

Are you ready to turn your passion for wildlife into high-impact leadership? The Vervet Monkey Foundation is seeking a dedicated, resilient, and forward-thinking Coordinator to oversee the daily care, rehabilitation, and volunteer training within a primary sanctuary zone.

This is not a passive volunteering role. You will be a vital pillar of our leadership team, managing real-world conservation logistics, directing international teams, and directly shaping the lives of hundreds of rescued primates. If you are looking to build an elite, standout CV in wildlife management, veterinary care, or non-profit leadership, this immersive long-term placement is your launchpad.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & International Training

• Volunteer Supervision: Act as the primary mentor, trainer, and supervisor for a rotating team of international volunteers on a daily basis.
• Operational Continuity: Ensure seamless zone coverage by effectively cross-training and delegating tasks to team members prior to scheduled days off.
• Community Engagement: Foster a welcoming, educational, and collaborative atmosphere, actively sharing your primatology knowledge with the global volunteer community.
• Sanctuary Governance: Attend and actively participate in Wednesday evening volunteer meetings (6:00 PM), staff briefings, and leadership committee meetings.

1. Organizational Progression & Advocacy

• Strategic Fundraising: Actively participate in and champion global fundraising projects, a critical lifeline for the foundation's running costs.
• Content Creation: Author engaging updates and articles for the VMF newsletter, highlighting the milestones of the troops in your zone.
• Adaptive Support: Take on dynamic, evolving responsibilities to drive sanctuary development and improve conditions for both monkeys and volunteers.

Position Logistics & Requirements

• Commitment Length: Long-term placement. A minimum commitment of 2 years is required, with a preference for candidates looking to extend further.
• Trial Period: A standard 3-month probationary trial applies, followed by a collaborative, two-way performance appraisal.
• Working Hours: Standard hours fall between 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. However, flexibility is essential. Out-of-hours shifts, emergency calls, and overnight infant nursery shifts are required—particularly during the peak baby season (November – February).
• Visa Requirements: Candidates must secure a 2–3 year volunteer visa from their home country’s South African embassy prior to arrival. The VMF will gladly provide invitation letters to support your application.

What You Get Out of It (The Career Value-Add)

By stepping into this long-term leadership position, you will exit with a professional portfolio that few global applicants possess:

• Proven Management Scale: Direct experience supervising, training, and motivating cross-cultural teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Crisis Leadership: Demonstrated grit, adaptability, and problem-solving skills honed in unpredictable, remote field conditions.
• Non-Profit Literacy: Direct insight into fundraising, public relations, and committee-level operations within an internationally recognized wildlife sanctuary.

How to Apply

If you are ready to dedicate your time, energy, and heart to saving South Africa's wildlife while fast-tracking your professional growth, we want to hear from you.

👉 Submit your CV and Cover Letter detailing your relevant experience to: info@vervet.za.org