Volunteering
IPBio created its volunteer program to expand our projects, bring in new ideas and skills, and foster the exchange of experiences. Through the program, we've connected with and built friendships with people from all walks of life—from Canadian researchers to Italian photographers, and from British economists to Dutch biology graduates. This constant flow of skilled and passionate individuals has allowed us to advance our initiatives, whether in research, ecotourism, or education.
We offer three volunteer programs located in three of Brazil’s major biomes: the Amazon, the Atlantic Forest, and the Cerrado.
For more information about each program, download the volunteer information package below.
Apply Now!
To apply, send your CV to imran@ipbio.org.br
USA
RESERVA BETARY
“Wow. The past two months here have been absolutely incredible. I came to IPBio as a research assistant to track the progression of one of the most devastating fungal diseases affecting amphibians worldwide—Bd—in Boana faber tadpoles. I also helped design experiments involving a rare frog species called Leptodactylus flavopictus to determine its activity patterns and feeding preferences, since IPBio is, as far as we know, the only place in the world that has successfully bred one in captivity. On top of that, I took on additional responsibilities, including caring for the animals at the reserve (turtles, fish, frogs, tadpoles, and lizards), hiking into the forest to collect bioacoustic data, and sampling and testing the aquarium’s water quality. Most of the time, the work didn’t even feel like work—I got to take care of animals and walk through the jungle every day. My time here has truly been life-changing. The relationships I’ve built, the science I’ve done, and the awareness I’ve gained about the natural world will stay with me forever. I hope to build on this experience and eventually become a biologist working in this same kind of environment. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves science, conservation, nature, and is ready for an adventure-filled stay!”
“Wow. The past two months here have been absolutely incredible. I came to IPBio as a research assistant to track the progression of one of the most devastating fungal diseases affecting amphibians worldwide—Bd—in Boana faber tadpoles. I also helped design experiments involving a rare frog species called Leptodactylus flavopictus to determine its activity patterns and feeding preferences, since IPBio is, as far as we know, the only place in the world that has successfully bred one in captivity. On top of that, I took on additional responsibilities, including caring for the animals at the reserve (turtles, fish, frogs, tadpoles, and lizards), hiking into the forest to collect bioacoustic data, and sampling and testing the aquarium’s water quality. Most of the time, the work didn’t even feel like work—I got to take care of animals and walk through the jungle every day. My time here has truly been life-changing. The relationships I’ve built, the science I’ve done, and the awareness I’ve gained about the natural world will stay with me forever. I hope to build on this experience and eventually become a biologist working in this same kind of environment. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves science, conservation, nature, and is ready for an adventure-filled stay!”
USA
RESERVA BETARY
“I came to IPBio for six months to work on the bioluminescent mushroom program, which aims to cultivate these fungi under controlled conditions so that visitors to the reserve can witness the magnificence of their glow—since they naturally appear only during the wet summer months. Some days I’m in the lab running different tests; other days I’m doing research and planning the next project. And when we need to isolate a mushroom or search for new species, we head into the forest at night to look for them. This involves turning off our flashlights and slowly walking while scanning the surroundings. It’s truly a unique and surreal experience. Since I arrived, I’ve played a key role in discovering seven new mushroom species in the reserve. One day, while searching for mushrooms, I even came across a larva glowing with a bluish light. It turns out there's a genus of flies called Keroplatus, and some of its species have larvae that emit blue bioluminescence. This was the first-ever record of a blue-glowing larva in Brazil—or anywhere in South America. Brazil still holds many secrets!”
“I came to IPBio for six months to work on the bioluminescent mushroom program, which aims to cultivate these fungi under controlled conditions so that visitors to the reserve can witness the magnificence of their glow—since they naturally appear only during the wet summer months. Some days I’m in the lab running different tests; other days I’m doing research and planning the next project. And when we need to isolate a mushroom or search for new species, we head into the forest at night to look for them. This involves turning off our flashlights and slowly walking while scanning the surroundings. It’s truly a unique and surreal experience. Since I arrived, I’ve played a key role in discovering seven new mushroom species in the reserve. One day, while searching for mushrooms, I even came across a larva glowing with a bluish light. It turns out there's a genus of flies called Keroplatus, and some of its species have larvae that emit blue bioluminescence. This was the first-ever record of a blue-glowing larva in Brazil—or anywhere in South America. Brazil still holds many secrets!”
NETHERLANDS
RESERVA BETARY
“I arrived at IPBio four months ago and since then, I’ve been working on mammal research in the Betary Reserve. This has included lots of hiking—which I loved—because the nature around the reserve is absolutely beautiful. I encountered some really cool mammals during the research (for example: capuchin monkeys and an oncilla, which is like a small jaguar). The people here are also super friendly and always willing to help. On weekends, we have barbecues, go on stunning hikes through the forest, visit amazing caves like Casa de Pedra—which is the largest cave mouth in the world—travel to nearby islands where you can see dolphins, float down the river in tubes for three hours in the sun, and do so many other incredible activities. I truly value my experience at IPBio and would recommend it to everyone!”
“I arrived at IPBio four months ago and since then, I’ve been working on mammal research in the Betary Reserve. This has included lots of hiking—which I loved—because the nature around the reserve is absolutely beautiful. I encountered some really cool mammals during the research (for example: capuchin monkeys and an oncilla, which is like a small jaguar). The people here are also super friendly and always willing to help. On weekends, we have barbecues, go on stunning hikes through the forest, visit amazing caves like Casa de Pedra—which is the largest cave mouth in the world—travel to nearby islands where you can see dolphins, float down the river in tubes for three hours in the sun, and do so many other incredible activities. I truly value my experience at IPBio and would recommend it to everyone!”
UNITED KINGDOM
RESERVA JUTUARANA
“This was the best experience I could have asked for. The team is incredibly responsible and well-organized. The accommodation is great, and you only pay a small fee for a fantastic place to stay. The work hours are usually from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., which works well in the heat—and you have weekends off. Each day, the team conducts different types of data collection and inventory (fish, trees, mushrooms, reforestation, and birds), as well as a night survey once a week. The people I met there were open, kind, hardworking, and had amazing personalities. The volunteer coordinator is very kind and occasionally organizes barbecues or social activities. It’s super easy to explore the surrounding area on your own or book forest tours. I had moments in this program that will stay with me for life—like discovering bioluminescence during a night hike, snorkeling in the Amazon’s crystal-clear streams, and dancing with the other volunteers to local Carimbó music. This is one of the most transparent, well-organized, and dedicated organizations I’ve ever encountered.”
“This was the best experience I could have asked for. The team is incredibly responsible and well-organized. The accommodation is great, and you only pay a small fee for a fantastic place to stay. The work hours are usually from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., which works well in the heat—and you have weekends off. Each day, the team conducts different types of data collection and inventory (fish, trees, mushrooms, reforestation, and birds), as well as a night survey once a week. The people I met there were open, kind, hardworking, and had amazing personalities. The volunteer coordinator is very kind and occasionally organizes barbecues or social activities. It’s super easy to explore the surrounding area on your own or book forest tours. I had moments in this program that will stay with me for life—like discovering bioluminescence during a night hike, snorkeling in the Amazon’s crystal-clear streams, and dancing with the other volunteers to local Carimbó music. This is one of the most transparent, well-organized, and dedicated organizations I’ve ever encountered.”
UNITED KINGDOM
RESERVA JUTUARANA
“My time working with IPBio was definitely one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of! Some of the most memorable extra activities we did included visiting Santarém to see the pink river dolphins and, on the way back from a bird survey in the Jari Channel, taking a boat trip to spot sloths and squirrel monkeys. Although I stayed for a full month, I honestly feel like I could’ve stayed even longer—discovering new things and spending time in one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been. I would highly recommend IPBio to friends, family, and anyone who wants to make a real difference in conserving the natural world.”
“My time working with IPBio was definitely one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of! Some of the most memorable extra activities we did included visiting Santarém to see the pink river dolphins and, on the way back from a bird survey in the Jari Channel, taking a boat trip to spot sloths and squirrel monkeys. Although I stayed for a full month, I honestly feel like I could’ve stayed even longer—discovering new things and spending time in one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been. I would highly recommend IPBio to friends, family, and anyone who wants to make a real difference in conserving the natural world.”
USA
RESERVA JUTUARANA
“This was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life so far. Alter do Chão is so beautiful, the place you stay is amazing, there are tons of things to do, everything you need is close by, and there are so many great people. It’s truly incredible. Imran and Marleen, the people who run this organization, are absolutely amazing—they’re so kind and helpful with anything you need. They’re truly lifelong friends. The other volunteers were also amazing—you meet so many awesome people with shared interests, it’s just such a great vibe. The accommodations were incredible—I couldn’t have asked for more. There’s an awesome pool, a big kitchen, and the rooms are cool and comfortable with nice beds. It’s fantastic. This was honestly one of the best experiences ever, and I recommend it to everyone. I’ll definitely do it again!!!”
“This was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life so far. Alter do Chão is so beautiful, the place you stay is amazing, there are tons of things to do, everything you need is close by, and there are so many great people. It’s truly incredible. Imran and Marleen, the people who run this organization, are absolutely amazing—they’re so kind and helpful with anything you need. They’re truly lifelong friends. The other volunteers were also amazing—you meet so many awesome people with shared interests, it’s just such a great vibe. The accommodations were incredible—I couldn’t have asked for more. There’s an awesome pool, a big kitchen, and the rooms are cool and comfortable with nice beds. It’s fantastic. This was honestly one of the best experiences ever, and I recommend it to everyone. I’ll definitely do it again!!!”
Portuguese