Welcome to our AWC Volunteer Community

Volunteer Project Description – Pilliga SMT 

Project Title: Pilliga Small Mammal Trapping (SMT) 2025 

Project description:  

A volunteer is required to assist ecology staff with our annual ecological health monitoring survey. A standard box trap array will be set up at sites around the forest to sample small mammals.  

The survey will take place on Monday the 24th March – Friday the 28th March 2025. Volunteers are recommended to arrive and depart the day before and after fieldwork, to get sufficient rest, settle in, meet the team and undertake safety briefings. Volunteers will need to commit to the entire week. Significant rain may prevent work until roads dry out, which may delay and extend the survey, so flexibility is an advantage. 

Volunteer tasks:   

The volunteer will be part of a two-person team and assist AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including: 

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

The work is repetitive and physically demanding (walking up to 12 kilometres per day, carrying heavy and cumbersome gear and equipment, average 10 kg), often in extreme conditions, including in temperatures in excess of 35°C. Team spirit and a moderate-high level of fitness and strength is required as part of this role. Carefully consider the fitness requirements, conditions and remoteness of the volunteering activity and seek any appropriate medical advice before deciding whether to apply.  Universal bait balls will be used containing peanut butter during the survey. Peanut butter is unavoidable in this survey so please be aware if you have allergies. 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. 

AWC Provides:  

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 coordinators know.  

Volunteers Provide:  

The volunteer is required to arrange their own transport to and from Narrabri, and to bring their own bedding (eg. single sheets, sleeping bag, pillow). They will also need to bring their own field work gear including: 

Project Coordinators:  

Maree Vella and Maisie Duffin  

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.