ORANGUTAN BEHAVIOURRESEARCH ASSISTANT
ORANGUTAN BEHAVIOURRESEARCH ASSISTANT
Volunteer position application pack
We are looking for a field assistant for our Orangutan Behavioural Project based in the Sebangau National Park, Borneo.
The Orangutan Behavioural Project started in 2003 by me, Dr. Helen Morrogh-Bernard (University of Exeter and Co-Founder and Director of Borneo Nature Foundation). We are looking for someone to oversee the day to day running of the project, working closely with coordinators and field staff conducting daily behavioral studies.
This person will make sure the research objectives are being achieved, and that behaviour, range and health data is collected and stored correctly. The applicant must manage their own time, have experience in the field and must be used to working in remote areas.
The field site is one hour from the provincial capital Palangkaraya, in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. You must be physically fit and can work long days in hot humid conditions. The forest is a peat-swamp, walking conditions are hard, especially in the wet season when the forest is flooded. You’ll live at our field camp with local staff, having an awareness and acceptance of cultural differences is a must.
The position starts ASAP, for 1+ year.
How to apply
This position is a volunteer position, with no formal salary, but the following costs will be covered: international and domestic flights up to £1,200, accommodation in town and in the field, living expenses (a stipend for food when in town), travel to and from the research site, park fees, research permit and visa, a £50 contribution to personal equipment and supplies and a £250 annual contribution to your insurance costs. You will need to pay for your own basic healthcare plan and recommended vaccinations.
Applicants for this position should have a degree or other relevant field experience and be fluent in English.
Please email the following to me including a CV; a letter stating why you want the position inlcuding any relevant experience plus two references.
Deadline June 7th 2026.
Please note: exact start date depends on how long it takes to get the research permit which can vary from 2-3 months.