About
Volunteer or work in Borneo & the UK
Join our team & make a difference!
We are looking for dedicated individuals to support our mission in the UK and on the ground in Borneo. Whether you are applying for our professional Liaison Officer role at Sepilok or supporting our UK fundraising, your work directly protects the critically endangered Bornean orangutan.
Volunteer roles in Borneo
Volunteer Liaison Officer (fully funded)
Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and looking for a life-changing professional experience? Orangutan Appeal UK is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as a Volunteer Liaison Officer at the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Borneo.
This isn't just a volunteer holiday; it is a vital role representing our charity on the ground. You will act as the bridge between our supporters, visitors and the incredible work being done to protect the critically endangered Bornean orangutan.
- Location: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo
- Duration: 3 months
- Fully Funded: includes return flights from London Heathrow, accommodation and weekly living allowance
There is no fee to take part in this placement.
Open to UK residents only. For a detailed description of the role click here.
The role of a Liaison Officer
As a Liaison Officer, you are the face of Orangutan Appeal UK at Sepilok. Your primary mission is to educate visitors and raise the essential funds needed to keep our projects running.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Public education: Delivering engaging presentations to visitors from across the world about orangutan conservation.
- Charity representation: Providing information, answering questions and promoting our adoption scheme.
- On-the-ground support: Assisting with administrative tasks and maintaining the strong relationship between the charity and the Sabah Wildlife Department.
Candidate requirements
We are looking for professional, self-motivated individuals who can commit to a fixed 3-month placement.
- Excellent communication: You must be comfortable speaking to large groups and people from all walks of life.
- Passion for wildlife: A genuine interest in environmental conservation and animal welfare.
- Resilience: Ability to live and work in a tropical environment with a positive, "can-do" attitude.
- Commitment: Available for a full 12-week rotation in Sabah, Borneo.
How to apply
If you are ready to use your skills to make a real difference for the orangutans of Borneo, we want to hear from you.
We accept applicants for this role year-round and placements are available every three months. Our next available placement is May 2026.
Due to the high volume of interest in this position, we are unable to reconsider candidates who have previously applied and were not selected.
Please note: Aside from the specific Liaison Officer role listed above, we are unable to facilitate general volunteer or work placements at Sepilok. For other enquiries, please contact Sabah Wildlife Department directly.
UK Careers & Volunteering
UK Vacancies
Current Vacancies
We do not currently have any staff vacancies in our UK office. However, as our projects grow, new opportunities do arise. We recommend checking this page regularly or following our social media channels for future announcements.
Join Our Community Fundraisers
While we may not have office-based roles at the moment, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join our global network of community fundraisers.
Whether you are planning a sponsored walk, hosting a bake or plant sale, or organising a school event, your energy directly funds vital support for orangutans in Borneo. You don't need a desk in our office to make a world of difference for the orangutans.
- Want to get started? Explore inspiring ideas on our Fundraising Page.
- Have an idea? We’d love to hear from you! Contact our Fundraising Team to discuss how we can support your efforts.
Positions in Sabah
Wildlife Veterinarian
Open to Malaysian citizens only
An exciting opportunity for a veterinarian to join our team at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah.
Your primary role will be to provide veterinary care to resident and free-roaming orangutans, as well as to other wildlife species, including elephants.
Applicants must have a DVM degree from an accredited university in Veterinary Medicine and be a Malaysian citizen.
Read the full wildlife veterinarian job description.
Learn more about the role of a wildlife veterinarian - watch now
