The Conservation Career Kick-Starter
Start your career in wildlife conservation with our flagship online course, support community & global jobs board.
Get clear, get ready, get hired.
The Conservation Career Kick-Starter is our proven step-by-step system to get clear, get ready, and get hired in the conservation sector.
No confusion. No ambiguity. Telling you EXACTLY what to do. Walking you through the entire process.
You’ll get a much clearer idea of the sector, the hot (and hidden) jobs, which ones are right for you, what experience and education you need, and how to apply for them, get interviews and get hired.
After going through the course, you’ll have created a personal career plan which gives you confidence in your job hunt and makes everything quicker, simpler and more fun!
“You will not regret enrolling in this course!“
“This is an absolutely unmissable opportunity in my book if you have any career aspirations whatsoever: academic, conservation, consultancy, general graduate market”
Professor Brendan Godley | Chair in Conservation Science, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter.
Proven step-by-step modules
This self-paced course is organised into three modules and seventeen units. You have a full year’s access to the training included within the Kick-Starter, so you can go at a pace that suits you.
The total time commitment is around 15 hours, and you’ll create a clear and complete plan of action for how to secure the conservation job you deserve.
Click the modules below to find out more about each one.
Discover a deeper understanding of yourself, laying the foundations for a successful career.
Units include:
- Your Superpowers | Uncover the unique skills and abilities you possess.
- The History Test | Learn from your past roles to help your future career.
- Your Skills | Identify what you love doing, and are great at!
- The Airport Test | Enjoy exploring where you might want to be in five years’ time.
- Your Preferences | Get clear about which work contexts suit you.
- Your Causes | Clarify the issues you might want to tackle in your career as a conservationist.
Module outcome – A clearer understanding of who you are, and what’s important in your career going-forwards.
Identifying your dream job within the expansive conservation sector.
Units include:
- Conservation Employer Types | Learn the different employer types within the conservation, their pros and cons, and explore which is right for?
- Conservation Job Types | Get a clear picture of the 15 key conservation job types in the sector, their duties, employment criteria, plus an analysis of the hot (and hidden) jobs.
- Your Job Shortlist | Explore the jobs which suit and excite you, to produce your shortlist.
- Your Target Conservation Job | Nail your target conservation job. The one which will make you happy, impactful, and successful.
- Stepping Stones and Switching careers | Identify any transitional roles which can help to get you hired quicker. (Especially relevant for career switchers who might be able to quickly apply your current skills in the conservation sector).
Module outcome – A target conservation job to focus upon.
With a target job the plan becomes simpler. This final module is all about pulling together a plan of action to get you the dream conservation job you deserve.
It includes:
- Your Gaps | Identify and fill any gaps, quickly, easily, and cheaply, to become super-employable for your chosen role.
- Commitments | Make a commitment to ensure your career in conservation starts quickly.
Outcome – A clear and complete plan of action for how to secure the job you deserve.
Learn our proven ten-steps system for how to apply for a conservation job.
This includes CVs, Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications Forms.
By the end of the module, you’ll know the process to follow to craft applications that get you interviews.
Understand the key aspects of preparing for, and delivering, great interviews that get your hired.
We’ll cover how to handle nerves and ensure you really shine on your special day. Delivering an interview that gets you hired.
By the end of the module, you’ll know the process to follow to be fully prepared to deliver interviews that lead to job offers.
Meet Your Instructor
Hello, my name is Dr Nick Askew, I’m the Director of Conservation Careers.
I founded Conservation Careers in 2013 with a simple goal – to make it easier for people to find meaningful work protecting the natural world.
After years of working in conservation, I saw how many passionate, talented people were struggling to find their place in the sector. I wanted to change that – to bring clarity to conservation careers, share honest advice, and build a global community where we can all learn from one another.
Over a decade later, that vision has grown into a movement. Today, Conservation Careers supports over 700,000 conservationists in 178 countries, helping students, career switchers, and professionals find their path and make an impact.
Together with our amazing team and network of Experts in Residence, we’re here to guide you on your journey – with practical training, personal support, and a community that believes in your potential.
I can’t wait to hear your success story – and celebrate the day you say, “It was the Conservation Careers community that changed everything for me.”
Here’s to you, and to a world where wildlife – and conservationists – thrive.
Kickstar Success
“I am writing you because I had a direct result because of the Kick-Starter course. I used the training correct my CV and applied I for a job. I quickly had an interview, and I am hired!” Jim Houdkamp, Netherlands.
“I wanted to let you know that FFI offered me the role, and I have accepted. I also got offered a role with the RSPB as well! I wanted to thank you again, as the help you’ve provided through the Kick-Starter – I don’t think I would be in the same situation without it!” Rosie Crawley, UK.
“I got the job with WWF! Thanks a lot for everything. I knew a job, in line with my passion, was out there for me. I knew I needed to look for it. But how to start? Conservation Careers helped me a lot in the process of defining what I was most interested in, what I was qualified for and how to pursue it. The coaching during the Kick-Starter Course gave me focus and a plan. A plan that ultimately led to a job I’ve always dreamed of with WWF!” Naomi Terriere, Bulgaria.
“I particularly want to thank Nick for really giving me the confidence to pursue my dream and could not recommend the Kick-Starter highly enough”. Alexander Liversidge, UK.
“Looks like I’ll be dropping out of the Kick-Starter, but with good reason. I just got offered a year-long contract as a co-ordinator ay an animal rehabilitation centre on Costa Rica, working with Sloths (my favourite animal). Two weeks in and the group already has it’s first success story!” Matt Roland, USA.
“I just wanted to share with you that thanks to the Kick-Starter course … I’ve been offered an internship this summer with the Sea Trust! I don’t’ want to brag (although I am a little because I’m so happy hahaha) but if I can do it, we all can! I really think what we did on the course made such a difference to my application!” Chloe Naan, UK.
“I knew I wanted to work in conservation but felt lost and overwhelmed about how to achieve my goal. Even just starting the course gave me the confidence to start applying for conservation jobs. I was quickly invited to 3 interviews and I now have a conservation job!” Lucy Deans, USA
“I just wanted to thank you for the content, set-up and general friendliness associated to the Kick-Starter course. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and experience of this course and would recommend it to anyone I speak to” Natasha Pulford, South Africa.
“This course really helps you to the next level in the conservation career. For me I was just finishing my Masters and it felt like I was falling into the big deep ocean… Conservation Careers helped me to sit back, think over the simplest goals and values of life, they gave me the practical information on how to take the next step in the conservation career but also gives you the courage and self-confidence to do so. Conservation Careers is so personally involved and are willing to help you with everything you are struggling with. They give you the feeling that you are not alone in this blue big ocean”. Jessica van Mildert.
“Thanks to Conservation Careers, I am currently working for RiverCare and BeachCare, a Keep Britain Tidy project that supports local volunteer teams to conduct regular river and beach cleans and wildlife surveys. I genuinely love the job and couldn’t be more grateful to you for helping me to get it!!” Catherine Holborn, UK.
“Thank you Nick for a great Kick-Starter course. I really learned a lot and have been using all my skills in applications. I got an interview the other week and just found out I got the job as an environmental science educator! Thank you again!” KB, USA.
“For anyone considering or unsure of joining this Kick-Starter course, I cannot recommend it enough. It will give you inside knowledge as to how the conservation sector works, help you redefine which sector you would be best suited for and what experience to gain, but most importantly, it will help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants. I can safely say that without this course, I probably would still be working in a pub in Manchester and applying for my dream jobs, unsuccessfully. I now work in one of the most beautiful places in the west of Scotland, get to see amazing wildlife every day and through that teach and inspire people about the importance of conserving our natural world” Kilian Hughes, Scotland.
“Your advice is great, especially to emphasize what I achieved during my positions and study – such a “duh” moment! It gives my CV much more value :)” Stefanie Roy, Australia.
“Thank you, again, for all your help the last two years, you have really provided me with some great opportunities and I have no doubt this has helped me get into my current role at ZSL.” Emma Ackerley, UK.
“I learnt so much (and really enjoyed doing so) and it has given me a great deal more hope in switching to my dream job, I’d happily recommend this Kick-Starter course to anybody thinking about a career in conservation” Jack Capon, UK.
“The Kick-Starter was the bridge I needed to switch from a career in IT to a career in conservation and I know that I’ll be working in conservation by next year! Thanks to conservation careers for helping me make the right decision for my life!” Maureen Doyle – Ireland.
“Conservation Careers has been such a beacon of hope and opportunity for not only myself but my classmates. I know many of my peers (myself included) consult it regularly, and have had job successes through it. Thank you for providing this service to early career job seekers like us!” Ruby Finlen – Australia.
“Conservation Careers has undoubtedly been the number one resource in my own job search and it does so within what feels like an inclusive community, which is fantastic, especially when you’re job hunting!” Bryn Morgan – England.
“When I saw my dream job come up I knew I couldn’t miss my chance! I decided to get the help and advice from Conservation Careers and, guess what, it paid off: I got the job!” Lise Goudeseune, Brussels.
“This was such a great experience! I’ve received high-quality advice and support! During my application process, I felt as if I have my own team supporting me. Following received guidance, I have learned much more than I would on my own. Total recommendation.” Karolina Kass, Edinburgh.
“I have been extremely happy with the service that Conservation Careers has provided, and I have already managed to a job as a result!” Craig Turley – England.
“Conservation Careers has been a great help as I sought to make a career switch into conservation. And the best thing? With the support and encouragement of the Conservation Careers community, I have now found an exciting job in conservation at WWF!” Karen Sim Clerk – Singapore.
“I’ve worked with Conservation Careers over the past few years and have found them to be supportive in offering students and recent graduates expert advice and information to embark on successful careers in the environment sector”. Richard Carruthers, Careers Consultant – Imperial College London.
Only in CC Pass
We include the Kick-starter inside CC Pass so you’re supported beyond the first step.
Instead of buying a single course and being left on your own … CC Pass gives you access to the Kick-starter plus all our other courses, live jobs, resources, events and support – allowing you to progress at your own pace, return to materials when needed, and get ongoing guidance as your conservation career evolves.
You start small – and you’re guided from there.
Single Courses |
CC PASS |
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Availability |
Available as Single Course |
Available in CC PASS |
THIS COURSE | CONSERVATION CAREER KICK-STARTEROnly in CC Pass |
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Certificate in Conservation Communications (Foundation) |
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Certificate in Conservation Communications Strategy (Advanced) |
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Certificate in Conservation Standards Project Management and Design |
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Certificate in Rewilding |
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Certificate in Community-Based Conservation |
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Certificate in Conservation Fundraising |
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Certificate in Marine ConservationComing soon |
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Certificate in Conservation EducationComing soon |
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Certificate in Conservation ScienceComing soon |
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How to Apply for Any Conservation JobOnly in CC Pass |
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Conservation Career AcceleratorOnly in CC Pass |
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Public Speaking for ConservationistsOnly in CC Pass |
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NEW! How to Get Conservation ExperienceOnly in CC Pass |
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Conservation Scholarship Success MasterclassComing Soon |
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| Best for | Focused skill development | Accelerated professional development |
| Duration | 12 months | Ongoing - Cancel anytime |
| Risk-free access | 7 day money-back guarantee | 7 day free trial |
| Select Currency | $ £ € | |
| Price | £147/ quarter | |
| JOIN CC PASS | ||
Single Courses
CC PASS
|
Availability
|
Available in CC PASS |
|
THIS COURSE | CONSERVATION CAREER KICK-STARTER
Only in CC Pass |
|
| Certificate in Conservation Communications (Foundation) |
|
| Certificate in Conservation Communications Strategy (Advanced) |
|
| Certificate in Conservation Standards Project Management and Design |
|
| Certificate in Rewilding |
|
| Certificate in Community-Based Conservation |
|
| Certificate in Conservation Fundraising |
|
|
Certificate in Marine Conservation
Coming soon |
|
|
Certificate in Conservation Education
Coming soon |
|
|
Certificate in Conservation Science
Coming soon |
|
|
How to Apply for Any Conservation Job
Only in CC Pass |
|
|
Conservation Career Accelerator
Only in CC Pass |
|
|
Public Speaking for Conservationists
Only in CC Pass |
|
|
NEW! How to Get Conservation Experience
Only in CC Pass |
|
|
Conservation Scholarship Success Masterclass
Coming Soon |
|
| Best for | Accelerated professional development |
| Duration | Ongoing - Cancel anytime |
| Risk-free access | 7 day free trial |
|
$
£
€
|
|
| Price | £147/ quarter |
| JOIN CC PASS | |
Got a question?
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch by mail@conservation-careers.com