We are looking for Research Interns to conduct research and conservation work for projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Programme/Sector: Human-wildlife Interactions project, Urban Biodiversity programme.
Position Type: Intern
Number of Positions: Two
About us: Wildlife Conservation Society - India (WCS-India) is a Section 25 non-profit company incorporated in India and compliant with all Indian regulations. In accordance with the global mission, our overarching goal is to protect and conserve the natural environment, its flora and fauna, and in particular to preserve wildlife and wild places in India. We combine wildlife conservation action and strategic policy interventions with rigorous principles of conservation science and forge long-lasting productive partnerships with governmental and non-governmental partners as well as with local communities. Our conservation action addresses the overarching threats of habitat fragmentation, poaching and wildlife trade, as well as human-wildlife interactions, which impact our biodiversity and its habitats.
Based on these principles, our work has facilitated the consolidation of critical natural spaces while also bringing thousands of marginalised people into the mainstream to access a better quality of life. Considering the ever-changing facets of the issues and challenges associated with wildlife conservation, we accomplish our objectives with the help of communities and stakeholders as diverse as the ecosystems and species we work on.
About the project
The Human-Wildlife Interactions Project under the Urban Biodiversity Programme aims to understand the complex relationship between humans and wild animals. Currently, the project focuses on the interactions of macaques, golden jackals and leopards with humans in the urban landscape of Mumbai. The project aims to provide management interventions based on scientifically robust information on the current scenario. We engage and collaborate with stakeholders to create an environment of co-existence through outreach and capacity building based on scientific findings.
The Position
This is a beginner-level position, and we encourage people with minimal experience to also apply. The Research Intern (RI) is expected to help in fieldwork and other project-related activities in and around Mumbai, including Protected Areas. Our work entails rigorous field activities as well as desk-based assignments. Our projects are conducted in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, and we would be interacting with ground-level staff regularly. The position is available for a period of 3 months starting 3rd November 2025, and we expect a minimum commitment of two months from the RI.
Fieldwork would include aspects like behaviour observations, camera trapping, sign surveys, and interviews with locals, and in addition to field data collection, the RI will help with data entry and other responsibilities listed below. Local travel and food expenses will be covered during the internship period.
Responsibilities:
- Assisting in long hours of data collection.
-
Independently navigating around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to different field sites.
-
Interacting with local communities.
-
Data entry, data validation and data processing.
-
Help in awareness and conservation-related activities in the landscape.
-
Any other work assigned by the Project Manager and supervisors in the field or in the office related to wildlife research or conservation.
Required Qualification
Essential requirements
-
Candidates must be 18 years or older.
-
Good communication skills with stakeholders and community members from the study area landscape. (Fluency in English and Hindi is the minimum criterion)
-
Working knowledge of data management software like Excel.
Other skills
Date of joining: 3rd November 2025.
Compensation: Up to 20,000 INR (Depending on qualification and prior experience)
To apply: Please send together in one file a cover letter (max 200 words) and an updated resume. Send your application using the position title “Research Intern - HWI” in the subject line to desk.mumbai@wcsindia.org by 16.59, 20th October 2025.
Candidates should mandatorily share the contact details of at least two professional references. Please mention your driving licence, driving experience, and language proficiency in the cover letter. Candidates must be Indian nationals.
All applications will be reviewed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be notified for further process.