The Pilliga - Pilliga Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Trapping Survey 2026
Pilliga Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Trapping Survey 2026
Project description:
The Pilliga project is a joint partnership between Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) located in the Pilliga State Conservation Area, approximately 1 hour south of Narrabri in NSW. The project involves the reintroduction of six regionally extinct native mammals to a 5,800 fenced area in which feral predators (foxes and cats) have been removed. AWC closely monitors all reintroduced species annually using a variety of methods including live trapping.
The science team in the Pilliga are looking for one capable and keen volunteer to assist with an upcoming trapping survey of the reintroduced Bridled Nailtail Wallaby. This survey will take place for two consecutive weeks from Monday the 10th of August - Friday the 21st of August (excluding the weekend 15th-16th in-between). The volunteer will ideally be available for both weeks, though if you are only available for one of these weeks and still keen to volunteer, then please apply and specify which week or contact the survey coordinator directly.
Shifts for this role vary with night work involved. Full volunteering hours and specific schedule will be provided to successful applicants- please note sign up schedule times are for application/internal estimate hours recording purposes only and not an accurate reflection of actual start-end times.
Volunteer tasks:
The volunteer will carry out tasks at the direction of their AWC Team Leader. Tasks will include:
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Setting and baiting soft Thomas traps each afternoon. This involves walking through forest/scrub and some bending over traps to set, clean and bait.
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Working through the night (typically from 9:00pm to 5:30am – may be earlier or later depending on number of captures) to check and clear traps. Volunteers need to be comfortable working in the dark with a head torch, working through the night and sleeping during the day (morning).
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Using a tablet to accurately record data.
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Assisting with closing and packing up traps on the last night. This involves some lifting and carrying traps (~3 kg in weight) to the car.
AWC Provides:
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Accommodation is located at the Pilliga Operations base and shared with the Science team, consisting of single person’s quarters in a demountable block. This includes a single bed and ensuite, which has shared cooking and laundry facilities. Transport between Narrabri and the Pilliga forest will be provided. The survey will be fully catered (breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks) with preparation of meals and clean up shared amongst survey participants. Dietary requirements will be accommodated for, but if you prefer to self-cater please let the project coordinator know.
Things to be aware of when considering applying for this volunteer role/requirements:
The volunteer is required to bring their own headtorch, bedding, suitable field clothes and toiletries. They will also need to arrange their own transport to and from Narrabri. It is recommended to arrive and depart Narrabri the day before and after fieldwork if possible, to help manage fatigue and to settle in.
If staying for both weeks of the survey, accommodation will also need to be arranged by the Volunteer for themselves during the weekend of the 15th-16th (as well as any days outside survey dates if arriving early or departing late) as volunteers are not permitted to stay at the Pilliga Operation Base without AWC staff.
If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with the project coordinators before applying. While there are no specific requirements for previous experience, some relevant skills are always appreciated.
Project Coordinators:
Lewis Loncar
Hayley Forster
Email: hayley.forster@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 these roles attract we regret that we are not able to contact unsuccessful applicants
Qualifications Required
- I have read and agree to the Code of Conduct (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
- I have read and agree to abide by the Volunteer Agreement (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
Schedule Summary
The next 10 shifts (out of 12 total shifts) for this activity are as follows
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 10, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Friday, August 14, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Monday, August 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
