Monitoring Intern for Przewalski’s horses & kulans

About the Project

Brief Information on the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative: Founded in 2005 and operating under a signed MoU, the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative is spearheaded in Kazakhstan by the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), with financial and technical assistance from Fauna & Flora (F&F), Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), and the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB), working in partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan’s Committee for Forestry & Wildlife, part of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology & Natural Resources. The Initiative is a large‑scale, long‑term partnership to conserve and restore fully functional ecosystems of steppe, semi‑desert, and desert across the historical range of the saiga antelope in Kazakhstan. The Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) is a non‑profit public organisation dedicated to the study and conservation of rare species of flora and fauna, as well as significant areas of Kazakhstan. ACBK is a partner of Birdlife International in Kazakhstan.

Brief Information on the large herbivore reintroduction project: Right in the heart of the Central Asian plains is Altyn Dala, the “Golden Steppe”, and within it lies the region known as Torgai. The unique ecosystem once supported large grazers – the Przewalski’s horses and wild ass, called Kulan. Due to human pressure they were lost, but since 2006 local protection has improved. Kulan have been reintroduced from 2017, and Przewalski’s horses are returning from 2024. By 2028 the project aims to translocate 40 Przewalski’s horses from European zoos and 100 Kulans from within Kazakhstan, creating self‑sustaining founder populations. This requires ongoing protection and monitoring to understand their wider impacts on the steppe ecosystem.

Condition on site: The reintroduction center “Alibi” is an autonomous ranger station in a vast network of wilderness areas in Central Kazakhstan. Temperatures range from 40 °C in summer to –30 °C in winter. Wildlife is abundant, from saiga antelopes to mosquitos. Modern technology provides self‑sufficiency: stable Wi‑Fi and electricity, water from a neighboring lake, and a simple washing machine. The station has four rooms (kitchen, two bedrooms, veterinary office) and residential yurts in summer. Housekeeping and dishwashing are shared among interns. Occasionally, a vehicle is available for supply runs; otherwise, explorations are on foot.

About the Position

This position aims to

• Secure sound monitoring of the behaviour and welfare of reintroduced Przewalski’s horses and Kulan within the acclimatization enclosures
• Assess the animals’ parasite load regularly using fecal sampling and basic analysis in the field lab on site
• Track daily observations using the conservation software “Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool” (SMART)
• Keep the off‑site project team up to date to enable immediate response to any observed trends
• Support, and lead where relevant, animal management interventions as required

Your Tasks

• Daily observation of animals in the enclosures, including assessment of social interactions and recording Body Condition Score
• Overall health monitoring of the animal groups in the pre‑release enclosures: checking for signs of wounds, lesions, behavioural changes and signs of pain
• Taking daily video footage of Przewalski’s horses according to provided schedule and storing/uploading the data chronologically
• Operating multiple camera traps: setting up in the field, data download and interpretation of footage
• In coordination with Reintroduction Center caretakers and project leaders:
  • Support supplementary feedings and water provision and report on the animals’ consumption quantity and frequency
  • Implement minor adjustments to enclosures as required
  • Fecal sampling according to provided sampling list
  • Consistent documentation of all findings and developments on the smartphone application “SMART” and where necessary, in “ZIMS”
  • Taking informative pictures of the animals to support regular and reliable reporting to the national and international team

Your Profile

• Enrolled in or graduate of veterinary medicine, biology, animal husbandry or related subjects
• Familiarity with equid behaviour – need to be able to interpret social interactions
• Ability to follow monitoring schedules and data collection protocols reliably
• Basic knowledge of conservation principles and practices
• Ability and willingness to work in a very remote area
• Physical fitness and ability to cope with challenging field conditions
• Ability to work and stay motivated without on‑site supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills and respectful behaviour towards local employees and other interns
• Willingness to adapt to the field‑work lifestyle (e.g. limited dietary options)
• Passion for wilderness and nature
• English Level B2
• Kazakh or European citizenship
• Valid vaccination against Rabies

Preferred, but optional

• Experience with data collection and analysis using scientific methods and protocols
• Experience with remote field work and/or rural Central Asian conditions
• Proficiency in Russian or Kazakh language
• Experience with photography, writing for public communication, etc.

We Offer

• Internship contract at Frankfurt Zoological Society (for international citizens) or Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (for Kazakh citizens), including insurance
• Basic salary (39 h/week)
• Coverage of expenses for visa, required vaccines and travel to Kazakhstan
• Hands‑on experience in an internationally recognized conservation project
• Involvement in wildlife management and soft‑release strategies
• Meaningful impact on Kazakh nature conservation
• Connection to a dynamic and dedicated international and national team of conservationists
• Amazing nature and wildlife experience
• Cultural immersion and exposure to the unique traditions and landscapes of Kazakhstan

Your Application

Please submit your application including a motivational letter, CV and earliest start date via our online application form . You may address your application including a motivational letter and CV to Stephanie Ward (Project Leader Altyn Dala).

We look forward to receiving your application.

Your contact person
Adrianna Wozny
Junior HR Generalist