National Park Ranger Careership - Israel

Where else but in Middle East can you work to re-introduce populations of wild animals that were mentioned in the Bible? This wildlife reserve in southern Israel works to establish reproduction groups for animal populations that have disappeared from the landscape, as well as for other endangered desert animals.

Long-term participants are needed to join the Israel Nature & Parks Authority (NPA) staff with its on-going conservation and animal care work at the reserve. The reserve is dotted with Acacia trees and includes a variety of desert habitats: an Acacia forest, a salt marsh, and sand dunes. The reserve has three parts: a three-acre penned-in open area, where herds of herbivorous animals live in conditions similar to those in the wild; the Predators Centre, where reptiles, small desert animals, and large predators are on display; and the Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall, where night and day are reversed so that visitors to the reserve can observe nocturnal animals during their active hours.

By shadowing local staff and living with local volunteers you will have the chance to immerse yourself in Israeli culture while getting involved in this important wildlife conservation work.

You will become an integral part of the NPA staff at the Wildlife preserve and other nature reserves in the southern region of the Arava and Eilat. Duties will include:

* Feeding animals and cleaning habitats
* Maintenance, observations and data collection
* Accompanying & assisting park rangers
* Field work and construction of enrichment facilities

During the summer, you may be asked to lead short- term work camps of 6 volunteers at the preserve. You will have the opportunity to meet and to work with local volunteers, and experience life on a kibbutz.  You will get to know up-close this starkly beautiful desert landscape, situated on the African-Syrian rift and directly on the migratory bird route. 

You will need to fly to Tel Aviv International airport and make your way to the project HQ in Tel Aviv. Full assistance will be provided.

You will stay in a basic shared apartment in a Kibbutz with the Israeli National Service volunteers, a 10 minutes drive form the project location. You apartment will include rooms suited for 2 - 3 people, with a bathroom, shower, and fully equipped kitchen. You will be driven each day to the Wildlife Preserve by the NPA staff.

The international beach resort of Eilat is only 40 kilometres away, if you want some snorkelling or a bit of nightlife on the weekend.

* Min age 18 - Max age 60 (depending on physical fitness)

* Able to work in harsh desert climate 

* Good physical fitness

* Motivation to work with animals

* Good English or Hebrew 

* Full travel & medical insurance

* Necessary vaccinations

* Necessary flights and visas

Fee:

 $400 Project Fee for up to 2 months. 25% deposit required to secure your place.
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all accommodation, 24 hour support, orientation and project activities.
 

What's not included:

Food, flights, airport pickup, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these sorted.

Food is not included, you should budget around $50 per week.