Yookamurra - 2026 Yookamurra Bird Survey
Volunteer Project Description – Yookamurra Bird Survey
Project Title: Yookamurra Bird Survey 2026
Project description:
Australian Wildlife Conservancy is seeking 2 experienced volunteer birders with strong knowledge of Murray-Mallee bird species to assist with a spring bird survey at Yookamurra Sanctuary. This survey forms part of AWC's long-term ecological monitoring program, tracking trends in bird diversity and abundance across 36 established survey sites. Volunteers will conduct 20-minute Area Search surveys, identifying and recording birds by both sight and call, with a particular focus on resident woodland, ground-dwelling and honeyeater species, including species of conservation significance such as Malleefowl and Bush Stone-curlew.
The role requires excellent bird identification skills, familiarity with Mallee bird vocalisations, and the ability to work independently in remote field conditions during early-morning surveys. Survey data contributes directly to long-term conservation management and biodiversity monitoring at Yookamurra Sanctuary.
Volunteers can apply solo, or can also apply as a team/couple.
Volunteer tasks:
Volunteers will work as a team lead by Project Coordinator and AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including:
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Survey birds at monitoring sites.
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Identify birds by sight and sound.
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Record observations accurately.
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Navigate using GPS.
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Work in remote field conditions.
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Contribute to long-term conservation monitoring.
Things to be aware of when considering applying for this volunteer role/requirements:
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Strong bird identification skills, particularly for Murray-Mallee species.
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Confidence identifying birds by call.
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Ability to work independently in remote field conditions.
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Experience using GPS, binoculars, and mobile data collection apps.
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Good physical fitness and willingness to undertake early morning fieldwork.
- You will be working early mornings dawn 6am till approx.11am.
AWC Provides:
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Accommodation room and bathroom, kitchen, shared living area
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All necessary training
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All materials including GPS, cars etc.
Volunteers Provide:
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Bedding for a single bed (eg. fitted sheet, sleeping bag, extra blanket or doona)
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Pillow
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Towel
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Clothes for fieldwork eg. long pants, long sleeved shirts.
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Closed in, sturdy shoes for walking over sticks, rocks, uneven surfaces and to protect toes if something is dropped on them
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Broad-brimmed hat
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Warm clothes.
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Raincoat (just in case)
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Head torch for getting around the village. Battery chargers (AAA/AA) are available to use but please label your batteries with your initials to avoid any mix-ups!
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Water bottles (at least two or three at 1L each, minimum)
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Toiletries and any medication for the duration of your stay (closest chemist and doctor is approx. 40mins drive away)
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Backpack
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Sunglasses
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Food for duration of trip including plenty of snacks. Tea, coffee (instant and plunger), sugar, milo and a variety of condiments are provided in the kitchen.
Project Coordinator Contact:
Kahli Gifford
0468 925 754
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.
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
- How would you rate your bird ID skills? Must be at least Intermediate
Schedule Summary
The next 10 shifts (out of 17 total shifts) for this activity are as follows
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 31, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, September 01, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday, September 02, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Thursday, September 03, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Friday, September 04, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday, September 05, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Sunday, September 06, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Monday, September 07, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, September 08, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday, September 09, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
