Welcome to our AWC Volunteer Community

Project Title and AWC Sanctuary

Mt Gibson SMART (Small mammal and reptile) Survey 2026

Project Description and Dates

Come and join us at Mt Gibson to assist with our SMART (Pitfall) Survey. In October/November we will be completing our pitfall survey across the entire 132,000ha property both inside and outside Mt Gibson’s feral predator-proof fenced area. The purpose of this survey is to monitor small mammals and reptiles on Mt Gibson.

We are seeking enthusiastic and capable volunteers to assist AWC ecologists in conducting this survey. The survey will involve three teams of three people each week across five weeks setting and opening drift fences, pitfall buckets, funnel traps, elliott traps, cage traps and camera traps. The survey involves morning and afternoon checks at each site. Approximate working hours are 5am – 10am and 2pm- 6pm. We will be requiring 4-6 volunteers each week to assist with this survey. Volunteers only need to commit to one week of the survey but able to stay for longer if able. Volunteers will work under instructions from AWC staff and will be required to adhere to the AWC’s workplace safety guidelines. Each survey team will be led by an AWC staff member. Previous experience in the field is strongly desired, but not essential. All volunteers will receive a full induction into the project and comprehensive training from staff.

Dates:

Week 1: 12^th – 16^th Oct

Week 2: 19^th – 23^rd Oct

Week 3: 26^th – 31^st Oct

Week 4: 2^nd -6^th Nov

Week 5: 9^th – 13^th Nov

Accommodation will be provided during the volunteer’s duration for the survey, however one week of the survey may involve camping in the bush due to sites being far away from operations base.

We are looking for enthusiastic people interested in learning more about our unique wildlife and their conservation. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in gaining more experience in field-based skills required for a career in conservation.  

Volunteer tasks

Volunteers will work as a team lead by the Project Coordinator and AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including:

• Set up drift fences
• Dig in trenches for drift lines
• Open up pitfall buckets
• Set elliott traps
• Set cage traps
• Set camera traps
• Data collection (via Fulcrum)
• Working in early morning (~5am) and late afternoon 
• Using GPS devices to navigate
• Assist with animal handling and processing under supervision

Things to be aware of when considering applying for this volunteer role/key requirements: 

• Ability to work in early mornings and for long hours 
• Ability to work in a remote, shared living space
• Moderate fitness, including heat tolerance (will be working during summer where max temps can reach up to 42degrees), and ability to cope with fatigue   
• Ability to complete strenuous work in heat
• Commitment to at least one full week of survey
• Previous pitfalling experience preferred but not required
• Camping in remote location (one week might require camping in the field)
• This survey uses peanut butter and oats as bait

AWC Provides

• Accommodation on site (private room, shared bathroom & kitchen)
• Head torch
• Training in trapping survey methodology and animal handling 
• Field work survey experience
• Opportunity to explore the beauty of a remote, conservation-focused sanctuary!
• Transport to and from site from Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary (Perth Hills) to Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary – Depending on the week transport may be possible but other weeks volunteers might need to get themselves to site

Volunteers Provide

• Suitable field work attire – closed in shoes, long pants, long shirt, hat, jumper (might get cold)
• Backpack and large water bottle/ water bladder (2L+ of capacity)
• Bedding – pillow, sleeping bag, sheets
• Towel
• Camping equipment – tent, mattress, pillow, sleeping bag (not all weeks will require this)
• Own transport to Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary - Depending on the week transport may be possible but other weeks volunteers might need to get themselves to site

Project Coordinator Contact:

Aliesha Dodson – Senior Field Ecologist

aliesha.dodson@australianwildlife.org

Recruitment Process- AWC Project Coordinators will assess volunteers’ profiles upon application (signup). Suitable candidates that meet project requirements will be contacted directly for a follow up discussion before final decisions are made. Once successful candidates have been offered a position volunteers will be assigned to the project and should expect to receive all relevant onboarding documentation soon after and before deployment. Please ensure your MyImpact profile is complete with contact details and all supporting information to provide you with the best opportunity for a successful placement.

Please note- due to the high-level of interest we receive for our volunteer opportunities we regret we cannot respond individually to unsuccessful applicants. We thank each of you for your keen interest and ongoing support.