Every now and then, it’s worth pausing to celebrate. This month, Conservation Careers reached two huge milestones that we couldn’t have dreamt of when we started out 13 years ago. We’ve just published our 100,000th conservation job (100,172 to be exact), and we’ve also passed 200,000 followers on LinkedIn (205,834 and counting). When we started
What happens when you stop fearing sharks — and start listening to them? In this inspiring episode, we dive into the extraordinary world of Cristina Zenato – a trailblazing shark behaviourist, cave explorer, and professional diver who has spent over three decades in the Bahamas. As Founder of the non-profit People of the Water, Cristina has
People often say to me, “Nick, how do you get so much done?” From the outside it can look like I’m spinning lots of plates at once. But the truth is, I’m not working longer or harder than anyone else – I’ve just learned to work a bit smarter. For me, that boils down to
Explore how conservation professionals, educators and career-switchers can use education to scale their impact, with Dave Johnston, Director of Professional Development at the Wildlife Conservation Society, based at the Bronx Zoo in New York. Dave shares a passionate, inspiring perspective on why education is fundamental to conservation – and how zoos, aquariums, and teachers can
How do you design a training programme that actually prepares conservationists for the real world? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Stephen Green, Senior Lecturer at Newquay University Centre and co-creator of our new MSc in Conservation Project Management. Together, we reflect on the story behind this pioneering Master’s, review its first year, and
There’s a saying that’s always stuck with me: “You make your luck.” It’s often discussed in career circles, especially when someone lands a dream job or has a significant breakthrough. And while I think there’s truth in that, I also think it’s a bit more nuanced, especially in the conservation world. Yes, luck matters. But
Applications are open for our MSc Conservation Project Management delivered at Newquay University Centre and awarded by the University of Plymouth. This innovative programme, designed in collaboration with Conservation Careers builds core skills identified as being highly desirable in successful conservationist, whilst allowing you to tailor the course around your own experience and desired career trajectory. In this
Today we’re joined by Sara Kenny – Communications and Marketing Manager at Biodiversify – for a rich conversation on the power of messaging, the art of communications strategy, and why brand matters in conservation. We dig into Sara’s journey from zoology and human rights into charity communications, and now, leading communications and marketing for one
World-first assessment of Critically Endangered species maps path to save more than 10,000 animals and plants from extinction Scientists have outlined the steps world leaders must take to save the world’s most threatened animals and plants from extinction. In the first ever assessment of its kind for all 10,443 species categorised as Critically Endangered by
What can three decades in one wild place teach us about conservation? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Ralston – Natural England Senior Reserve Manager at Yorkshire’s Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve – to explore his remarkable 30-year journey of restoring landscapes, inspiring communities, and navigating change. Craig shares his reflections on the
There’s a common trap in our working lives—and I’ve fallen into it many times: believing that more effort always equals more impact. But that’s not always true. In fact, often it’s not true at all. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly drawn to the Pareto Principle—the idea that roughly 80% of results come from just
What if we gave as much love to insects as we do elephants? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Kate Umbers – Senior Lecturer in Zoology at Western Sydney University and Managing Director of Invertebrates Australia – for a passionate, perspective-shifting conversation about the beauty and importance of bugs. Kate shares why insects deserve a
How systemic transformation, inclusive leadership, and a vision for a nature-positive future are shaping WWF’s global conservation strategy, with our guest Daudi Sumba. What does it take to lead one of the world’s most influential conservation organisations during a time of ecological crisis and transformation? And how do you align 100+ countries, thousands of staff,
How community-based conservation is helping protect Kenya’s last known giant ground pangolins—with our guest Beryl Makori of The Pangolin Project. What does it take to save a species so elusive it was thought extinct in a country for decades? And how do you build trust, change behaviors, and create conservation impact in just a few
Most of the time, when people come to us looking for answers. However, the real magic happens when we shift from seeking answers to asking questions.
How One Caribbean Biologist is Shaping the Future of Conservation From Cambridge to the Tropics. In this episode of the Conservation Careers Podcast, we speak with Dr Howard Nelson—Lecturer in Conservation Leadership at Fauna & Flora International and the University of Cambridge. Howard brings over 30 years of experience across the Caribbean and the UK,
In nature conservation, rewilding has shown us the power of letting ecosystems flourish naturally. At Conservation Careers, we’ve experienced a similar shift in how we guide career paths. Initially, we viewed careers as a linear process, much like traditional conservation targets: a series of steps leading to a specific goal. However, we’ve come to realize
How Nick Bubb Combines Fundraising, Empowerment, and a Life of Adventure to Guide One of Africa’s Leading Conservation Charities, Tusk. What’s it like to lead one of Africa’s most influential conservation charities? How do you support grassroots leaders across a continent while balancing fundraising, strategy, and your own wellbeing? And how can a mid-career pivot
I’ve spent a lot of my career rushing. I used to start each day with a long to-do list, determined to tick off as many tasks as possible. But in my eagerness to move quickly, I often found myself making mistakes, redoing work, or getting stuck in cycles of inefficiency. If I didn’t accomplish enough
How Turtle Watch Egypt Engages Citizen Scientists, Dive Centers, and Local Communities to Protect Marine Turtles, With Micol Montagna. What’s it like to study and protect turtles in the stunning waters of Egypt’s Red Sea? How can citizen scientists and local communities play a key role in marine conservation? And what are the biggest threats
How Career Coach John Tarnoff Helps Professionals Navigate Change, Find Purpose, and Build Meaningful Careers in Conservation and Beyond. What if midlife wasn’t a crisis but an opportunity? How can professionals transition into conservation careers later in life? And what does it take to reinvent yourself for a career with purpose? Today’s guest is John
Leadership isn’t something you earn when you get a fancy job title. It doesn’t begin the day you become a manager. Leadership starts the moment you decide to take responsibility—for yourself, for your work, and for those around you. We believe everyone is a leader and that leadership skills are just as important to young
What does it take to rewild a nation? How can restoring nature also regenerate communities and economies? And what’s the future of rewilding as a career path? Today’s guest is Rebecca Wrigley, Chief Executive and co-founder of Rewilding Britain. With over 23 years of experience in conservation and community development, Rebecca has led Rewilding Britain’s
We’ve just launched a new content survey and we need your input! This 4-minute survey will help us plan relevant content that empowers conservationists like you to achieve career success – at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re just starting or are an experienced professional, we want to hear from you. Take our Content
What are the ethical implications of using AI in applications? Should AI be banned in application processes? Or should we embrace it cautiously?
Lessons From Four Decades of BirdLife International: Richard Grimmett on Conservation Success and Challenges. How does a passion for birds turn into a lifelong career in global conservation? And what can four decades of experience teach us about the evolution of biodiversity efforts? Today’s guest is Richard Grimmett, Senior Conservation Adviser at BirdLife International, where
Start your career in wildlife conservation in 2025 with our flagship online course, support community and global jobs board. Enrol now and save 50%!
Like many conservationists, we spend most of our time focused on supporting people and the planet, and we rarely pause to celebrate our successes along the way. That’s why we’re dedicating this post to celebrating our achievements from 2024! We are incredibly proud of what we, as a team, along with our partners and global
How can we restore biodiversity while balancing the needs of people and wildlife? And what can large carnivores teach us about coexistence and environmental harmony? Today’s guest is Jonny Hanson, environmental social scientist, conservationist, and author of Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves, and Bears. Jonny brings a unique perspective to conservation,
How do you transform landscapes, restore biodiversity and reconnect people with nature – all at scale? And what does it take to build a pioneering conservation initiative from scratch? Today’s guest is Frans Schepers, co-founder and Executive Director of Rewilding Europe. Frans has dedicated over a decade to leading rewilding efforts across Europe, turning ambitious
