Sumaco Conservation Art InternshipAt — Sumaco Conservation
umaco Conservation invites student interns to use art and design as tools for conservation, environmental education, and community engagement in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This opportunity is ideal for a creative, self-directed student interested in working with local youth, biodiversity, and science communication in a tropical field setting. The intern will help design and lead art workshops for local youth, contribute to community mural projects, and create scientific infographics or interpretive materials for Wildsumaco Biological Station and nearby communities. Projects may focus on local biodiversity, forest conservation, climate change, amphibians and reptiles, and the relationship between people and protected landscapes. Students will build portfolio-ready work while supporting meaningful conservation outreach in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
By the end of this opportunity, students will have developed practical experience in applying art and design skills to conservation, environmental education, and community outreach. Students will learn how to translate scientific concepts into accessible visual formats for non-specialist audiences, including youth, community members, and visitors to a biological station. Students will strengthen skills in project planning, visual communication, community engagement, and culturally responsive education. They will gain experience designing and facilitating youth art workshops, developing mural concepts in collaboration with local stakeholders, and producing scientific infographics or interpretive materials related to biodiversity and conservation. Students will also gain exposure to the operations of a conservation nonprofit and biological station, including how outreach, education, research, and community relationships support broader conservation goals. Depending on the student’s interests and skills, they may leave the experience with portfolio-ready work such as workshop materials, mural designs, completed community art pieces, interpretive signage concepts, or digital scientific infographics.
Students will receive an initial orientation during their first days with Sumaco Conservation. This orientation will include an overview of the organization’s mission, conservation programs, community relationships, biological station setting, expectations for professional conduct, communication protocols, safety considerations, and the specific goals of the internship. Training will include site-specific guidance on working in and around Wildsumaco Biological Station and nearby communities, including expectations for respectful community engagement, working with youth, and communicating across cultural and language differences. Students will also receive project-specific guidance on priority outreach themes, relevant local species and conservation issues, existing educational materials, and appropriate visual messaging. For workshop and mural activities, students will receive guidance on planning age-appropriate activities, preparing materials, coordinating with local partners, and documenting outcomes. For infographic and science communication work, students will receive background information from Sumaco Conservation staff and researchers, along with feedback on accuracy, clarity, and audience accessibility. Training will be a combination of orientation meetings, written materials, informal check-ins, and hands-on project guidance. Most initial training will occur during the first week, with additional instruction and feedback provided as projects develop.
| Type | Frequency | Amount | Explanation | Show to students? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stipend | once | 500 | Travel stipend | Yes |
Please email reservation@sumacoconservation.org introducing yourself and why you're interested in the internship. Please attach a copy of your CV, resume, or art portfolio.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 40 | hours per week |