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:

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to gain valuable experience in science communication and ecology focused guiding across AWC’s network of wildlife sanctuaries. This internship program has been designed to provide an exciting training program for those looking for an introduction to science communication in the field of conservation ecology across some of AWC’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. This is a rare opportunity to gain excellent communication and guiding skills to inform AWC supporters about, and be part of, the important conservation work being undertaken by the organisation.  

We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated, and engaging emerging Ecologist Guide to work with and learn from our ecology guiding team in the delivery of outstanding visitor experiences. 

Led by the Field Ecologist and Guide (Senior), you will work with and learn from an experienced team communicating AWC’s conservation science and land management programs to public visitors and AWC supporters.   

The duration of the internship will run for approx. 6 months from March to September 2026. The successful candidate will be provided with a modest living stipend and travel assistance for the duration of the program.  

Required Skills/Section Criteria: 

• A passion and enthusiasm for nature and the conservation of Australia’s wildlife and habitats (an interest in bird watching is desirable).  

• Enthusiasm for science communication, including interest in communicating AWC’s mission and conservation work to AWC supporters and the general public.  

• A highly engaging, friendly, professional and confident personality.  

• Exceptional interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to:  

• Work effectively as part of a small team.  

• Engage with high-net-worth individuals and members of the public (desired).  

• Good ecological knowledge on the function of Australian ecosystems, conservation of threatened species, and impacts of threatening processes.  

• Experience in ecological surveying, such as animal spotting and trapping, animal identification, camera trapping, telemetry and spotlighting (desirable).  

• Good organisational and logistical skills, a demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute many tasks in an efficient manner.  

• Motivation to work in the private nature conservation sector and be willing to help develop and promote AWC’s conservation model.  

• Competence in the use of standard computer software packages, including the Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

• Travel and time in the field: you must be willing to travel away from home for on sanctuary events, often in remote and basic living conditions. 

• Preparedness and capacity to follow OHS and a willingness to implement OHS procedures in relation to the tourism industry; working in remote and harsh environments; working around small aircrafts and helicopters; and working with wildlife.    

Qualifications, Licenses, Certificates and/or Working Rights:

• A bachelor's degree in Ecology (or similar) is essential. (Honours/equivalent experience is desirable) 

• A current valid Australian (or recognised international) manual driver’s license, with experience in 4WD/off-road conditions   

• Current first aid certificate, senior and/or remote first aid (desirable)  

• Working with Children Check (if relevant)  

• National Police clearance certificate 

• Fluency in English  

• Internships are open to all applicants with the right to work in Australia (appropriate visa, permanent residency, etc.), though noting key criteria is an understanding of Australian flora and fauna.   

Inherent Requirements: Due to the nature of this role and the events and guide program, flexibility in working hours is required to meet operational needs. The role involves working on AWC sanctuaries, where meals and basic accommodation are provided during on-site work. It also requires a willingness to work in remote locations for extended periods, for example up to three and a half weeks at a time, and the ability to live and work in extreme weather conditions, including hot, humid, dry, and wet environments. 

How to Apply: 

All our internship details are posted on our internships page, with multiple internships across the country which all have requirements as listed on the page and advertisement. 

If you are interested in applying, we recommend following these steps: 

Step 1: Do your research: 

• Ensure you research what work we do at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and how this relates to your prior experiences and education.  

• Invest time into researching each individual region and how this would align to your academic, career, and personal interests. You can find more info on our FAQs page. 

Step 2: Prepare your application: 

• Visit our careers page and create a new profile or log into your existing profile. Build your resume and application and ensure to keep track of when applications close. 

• For help and information on building your application, please view our FAQs and our application tips. Ecology & Conservation Internship Application Tips can be found here. 

Step 3: Apply: 

• Lastly – once you’ve finalised all the details on your application and have proofread it – apply! 

• Your application will need to include two separate documents to be uploaded. 

1. Your CV or resume 

2. Two-part covering letter 

1. Explaining your interest in applying for the internship program (1-2 pages) 

2. Briefly addressing each of the selection criteria listed above (2 pages) 

• Applications that do not meet the above requirements will not be accepted. 

Applications must be submitted by Sunday 8 February 2026 

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. Applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment checks, which may include a national police clearance, online medical and a values-based assessment. 
3. 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.
4. 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.