About AWC:

AWC is a pragmatic global conservation leader, restoring landscapes and providing hope for Australian wildlife. Guided by science, AWC delivers measurable conservation impacts at scale to secure the future of our most endangered species.

At AWC we are inspired by the unparalleled richness of Australia’s wildlife and we are united by our determination to protect its unique animals and landscapes. It is our mission to effectively conserve all Australian wildlife and habitats and our vision is for a world where Australia’s biodiversity is valued and effectively conserved by an engaged community.

The delivery of AWC’s mission is highly reliant on all AWC working collaboratively with each other as a cohesive, engaged, collaborative, high performing group guided by strong, effective leaders.

AWC’s work is guided by the following values. At AWC, we are:

• Accountable – taking ownership of our actions and outcomes
• Informed – working together to acquire and apply evidence, knowledge and experience
• Respectful – demonstrating care, recognition and integrity
• Dedicated – committed to delivering effective outcomes, with resilience and tenacity
• Innovative – applying creative thinking for effective solutions
• Sustainable – delivering long-term financial and ecological viability.

About the role:

In South-east Australia, AWC has entered into a partnership with the NSW Government (NPWS) to manage Mallee Cliffs National Park in south-west NSW and part of the Pilliga Forest in north-central NSW. At each site, AWC has been contracted to:

• Reintroduce regionally-extinct mammals, initially into a fenced feral predator-free area; and
• Deliver applied ecological, conservation and land management programs.

AWC offers opportunities for promising graduate students to gain valuable field experience in conservation via its Internship Program.

As part of the AWC Internship Program, AWC is seeking to provide an Intern opportunity to a recent graduate or current student who identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The successful candidate will be based at Mallee Cliffs and Pilliga National Parks in NSW and complete the AWC Internship alongside other successful science graduates.

Internship Opportunity

• An outstanding opportunity to make a real contribution to the conservation of Australia’s biodiversity
• Gain valuable experience in large-scale ecology and conservation projects
• Receive training from a dedicated and skilled team of conservation ecologists
• Work across two diverse locations in NSW

The Internship Program provides valuable training in applied conservation biology, wildlife ecology and ecological research. The position involves working closely with a dedicated team to achieve outcomes focused on the conservation of Australia’s biodiversity.

The Intern will spend time at two locations where AWC has been contracted by the NSW Government to deliver conservation projects: the Pilliga Forest (north-central NSW) and Mallee Cliffs National Park (south-west NSW). Key activities at these sites include the reintroduction of locally-extinct mammals, ecological monitoring, and research.

The role has a strong development focus, with training and skill development a priority. The Intern will also be provided with mentoring opportunities from a range of experienced ecologists.

Only applications from people who identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander will be considered. The objective of the Internship is to provide training and experience to help kick-start the career of an Indigenous scientist.

Key Activities

• Gain practical experience in the delivery of AWC’s science program.
• Work as part of a high-performing team focused on biodiversity conservation.
• Major tasks include the reintroduction of locally-extinct species (‘rewilding’), ecological monitoring, and research.
• Contribute to the collection, management and reporting of scientific data.
• Receive hands-on training from skilled professionals relating to the delivery of a field-based science program.

Location:

The Intern will be placed at both the Pilliga forest (based at Narrabri, NSW) and Mallee Cliffs National Park (based at Buronga, NSW).

Duration:

Minimum of two months, and up to a maximum of six months.

Stipend:

A modest living stipend will be provided for the duration of the program and travel costs will be provided/reimbursed. Accommodation will also be provided.

Key Attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology/biology (or similar), or currently enrolled and working towards completion
• Physical fitness and willingness to participate in extended field surveys
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team
• Preparedness and capacity to follow OHS and animal ethics procedures
• A willingness to learn and receive training/mentoring

Eligibility:

The graduate must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to be eligible.

Licences & Certificates:

A valid Australian driver's licence.

Join our Journey:

Take the leap and start your next adventure with the AWC! AWC reserves the right to start screening applicants and interviewing throughout the recruitment process.

Initial enquiries: [email protected] using the subject line: Ecology and Conservation Intern (Voluntary) - Indigenous Identified - Narrabri / Buronga enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications: To submit an application, click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts to complete an online application form. Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description attachment.

If you require support submitting your application, please contact us.

Some helpful links:

• AWC's Internship Program
• Internship Program FAQs

Please note:

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply. Sponsorship is not available.
2. If you apply for this role, AWC will include you in its ongoing updates and communications about its events, activities and fundraising initiatives. You may opt out of these communications at any time.
3. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy-policy. By providing us with your contact details, you consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise.

AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as those who identify as First Nations and Torres Strait Islander, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTIQA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to apply for the opportunity. AWC values and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and where a range of perspectives, cultures, and voices are respected and recognised as a key part to the success of AWC. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must also have the right to live and work in Australia.

Australian Wildlife Conservancy considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s 42 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT)/ s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)/ sub-s 35(1)(b)(ii) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT), s 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)/ sub-s 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA)/ s 41 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tas)/ sub-s 26(3) or s 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)/s 50 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).

Australian Wildlife Conservancy has been granted an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 to advertise and recruit for this vacancy.