Conservation Careers Podcast

Conservation Careers

Nick Askew from Conservation Careers uncovers what it's like to work in wildlife conservation. He explores how to get a conservation job, and discusses the latest industry news, by speaking to professional conservationists who share their career stories and advice. So if you want the inside scoop on the life of a professional conservationist and their industry, are feeling lost in your conservation job hunt and need some direction, or wanting to switch careers into conservation but don't know where to start - this is the podcast for you! Conservation jobs, conservation volunteering, conservation internships, conservation careers, conservation news, conservation stories. Check us out at conservation-careers.com to find the most conservation jobs and the best conservation careers advice.

  1. Jul 21

    The Future of Conservation Education | Camille Mougenot

    How conservation organisations can use immersive technology to educate, inspire, and reconnect people with nature, with our guest Camille Mougenot. Have you ever wondered whether technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive storytelling could help people care more deeply about wildlife and the natural world? Today I'm joined by Camille Mougenot, Director of International Partnerships at Wild Immersion - an organisation designing immersive conservation experiences for zoos, aquariums, museums, science centres, and conservation organisations around the world. Wild Immersion believes that technology shouldn't replace nature - it should help reconnect us with it. Through breathtaking 360° films, virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive experiences, they're helping people encounter wildlife in entirely new ways, while strengthening conservation education and inspiring lasting behaviour change. In this conversation, we explore how immersive technology is transforming conservation education, what makes an educational experience truly memorable, and how Wild Immersion designs projects from the first spark of an idea through to a finished visitor experience. We also discuss the importance of storytelling, emotion, and community in helping people connect with nature, before turning to Camille's own career journey and her advice for anyone interested in combining conservation, education, technology, and creativity. It's a conservation education, immersive technology, and storytelling podcast. Enjoy. -- https://wildimmersion.io/en/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wild-immersion/

    The Future of Conservation Education | Camille Mougenot
  2. Jun 11

    Building Marine Conservation Careers in Indonesia | Lauren Sparks

    How Indo Ocean Project is using science, education, and field experience to conserve Indonesia's marine ecosystems, with our guest Lauren Sparks. Indonesia sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle - one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. But protecting these extraordinary ecosystems requires more than passion. It requires science, local partnerships, long-term monitoring, and people willing to dedicate their careers to making a difference. Today's guest is Lauren Sparks, Founder and Director of the Indo Ocean Projec- a marine research and conservation organisation working across Indonesia to protect marine ecosystems through research, education, community engagement, and conservation action. Originally from Canada, Lauren has spent the last 15 years living and working in Indonesia, building an organisation that now supports marine research, conservation projects, and career development opportunities for aspiring marine conservationists. In this episode, we explore the incredible marine biodiversity of Indonesia, the conservation challenges facing its reefs and coastal communities, and how long-term ecological monitoring is helping inform better marine management and policy decisions. We also discuss Lauren's own career journey - from dive instructor and ocean educator to conservation founder and leader - and the lessons she's learned along the way. And for anyone considering a career in marine conservation, we dive into the wide range of opportunities available, the skills employers increasingly need, the growing importance of communications and data analysis, and how gaining hands-on field experience can help launch your career. It's a reefs, research, and careers podcast. Enjoy.

    Building Marine Conservation Careers in Indonesia | Lauren Sparks
  3. Jun 5

    How to Build a Career in Marine Conservation | Dr David Shiffman

    How to build a meaningful career protecting our oceans, with our guest Dr David Shiffman. What does it really take to build a career protecting our oceans? Today’s guest is Dr David Shiffman - marine conservation biologist, public science communicator, author of Why Sharks Matter, and our Marine Conservation Expert in Residence here at Conservation Careers. David has spent his career exploring the intersection of marine science, conservation policy, and public engagement, with a particular focus on sharks and the threats they face. In this episode, we explore David’s fascinating career journey - from a childhood obsession with sharks to becoming a leading voice in marine conservation. We discuss why evidence matters in conservation, what solutions are actually working to protect marine biodiversity, and why sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and science-based decision-making give him hope for the future of our oceans. We also dive into marine conservation careers - the huge variety of roles available, the skills employers are looking for, and David’s practical advice for students, graduates, career switchers, and anyone who dreams of working in the sector. And finally, we discuss our new Certificate in Marine Conservation, which David helped create as our Expert in Residence, designed to help people understand the principles, practice, and career opportunities within marine conservation. It's a sharks, science, careers podcast. Enjoy.

    How to Build a Career in Marine Conservation | Dr David Shiffman
  4. Apr 16

    Snakes, Startups and Saving Nature | Dr Harry Fonseca Williams

    How a conservation entrepreneur is tackling snakebite, restoring ecosystems, and building impact from the ground up, with our guest Dr Harry Fonseca Williams. Have you ever wondered what happens when you combine a passion for wildlife with the drive to actually make a difference? Today’s guest is Dr Harry Fonseca Williams - a toxicologist, conservationist, and founder who is working at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and conservation impact. Harry describes himself as a “snakebite scientist” with a passion for toxic animals, and in this episode we explore two sides of his work. First, his role in founding The LEAF Charity - a fast-growing organisation restoring ecosystems and supporting communities through large-scale tree planting and conservation projects. And second, his work with ToxiVen and beyond, developing cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments to tackle snakebite - one of the world’s most overlooked global health challenges. We talk about what it really takes to build a conservation charity from scratch, how small ideas can scale into meaningful impact, and why turning research into real-world solutions is so important. We also dive into Harry’s career journey, from studying venom pharmacology to launching companies and leading conservation projects, and the lessons he’s learned along the way - including the importance of collaboration, fundraising, and following your passion. If you're interested in conservation careers that go beyond the traditional path - blending science, startups, and real-world impact - this episode will give you plenty to think about. It’s a snakes, science, impact podcast. Enjoy. --- https://www.theleafcharity.com/

    Snakes, Startups and Saving Nature | Dr Harry Fonseca Williams
  5. Mar 24

    Leadership in Conservation Organisations | Chris Lee

    How conservation professionals can build strong teams, positive cultures, and deliver greater impact, with our guest Chris Lee. Today we’re exploring something that sits at the heart of every successful conservation project - but often gets far less attention than it deserves - leadership. I’m joined by Chris Lee, Executive Director at Des Moines County Conservation in Iowa, and co-host of the Parks and Restoration podcast. Chris describes himself as an “organisational ecologist” - applying lessons from nature to help build stronger teams, healthier workplace cultures, and more effective conservation organisations. In this episode, we dig into what good leadership actually looks like in conservation - and why it’s not just about job titles or seniority. We explore how culture shapes performance, why putting people first is essential, and how thinking of organisations as ecosystems can completely change the way we work. Chris also shares his own career journey - from wildlife biologist to organisational leader - including some honest reflections on mistakes, lessons learned, and what it really takes to build a team where people want to show up and do their best work. And we talk about how anyone - at any stage of their career - can develop leadership skills and have a positive impact within their organisation. It’s a thoughtful and practical conversation about the human side of conservation - and how, if we get that right, everything else becomes possible. Enjoy. https://www.parksandrestoration.com/

    Leadership in Conservation Organisations | Chris Lee
4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Nick Askew from Conservation Careers uncovers what it's like to work in wildlife conservation. He explores how to get a conservation job, and discusses the latest industry news, by speaking to professional conservationists who share their career stories and advice. So if you want the inside scoop on the life of a professional conservationist and their industry, are feeling lost in your conservation job hunt and need some direction, or wanting to switch careers into conservation but don't know where to start - this is the podcast for you! Conservation jobs, conservation volunteering, conservation internships, conservation careers, conservation news, conservation stories. Check us out at conservation-careers.com to find the most conservation jobs and the best conservation careers advice.