Welcome to our AWC Volunteer Community

The Pilliga – Land Management Assistant 

AWC Volunteer Project – Land Management 

Project description:  

AWC is seeking enthusiastic, motivated, committed volunteers with high work ethics to lend a helping hand and assist with day-to-day Land Management duties and other projects as required

within the Pilliga located in the northwest region of NSW approximately 60 km and about 50–60-minute drive from the town of Narrabri. The Pilliga project is a partnership between the 

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) located in the Pilliga State Conservation Area. 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.  

The Pilliga region, on the northwest slopes and plains of New South Wales, experiences a semi-arid climate. All the creeks are ephemeral, flowing only during significant rain events. The forests have

developed on relatively infertile soils which are dominated by White Cypress Pine, Bull Oak, Belah, Rough-barked Apple, as well as several Eucalypt species including the Narrow-leaved Ironbark,

Red Gums, Pilliga Box, and Poplar Box. This vital habitat protects a diverse range of threatened species including the Greater Bilby, Western Barred Bandicoot, Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, and Plains Mouse.  

The Pilliga Volunteers may have the opportunity to either stay onsite (depending on availability) or travel each day with AWC Staff to the remote working area. Volunteers would preferably have

experience driving manual vehicles, have moderate-to-high fitness, be able to work along AWC staff following directions, and understand small motors and pump operations. Additionally,

volunteers will have to undertake a 4x4 driving assessment from the Operations Manager or an appropriate delegate prior to use of AWC vehicles, must undertake and adhere to site inductions

from staff. 

Volunteer tasks: 

Volunteers will work as a team focussing on an array of tasks including camera trap servicing and surveying for feral animals inside the fenced area of The Pilliga. Management of priority weed species

 (manual removal only), and checking waterpoints located inside the fenced area. This is program will be led by the Project Coordinator and Operations Manager. The task includes: 

Checking and Servicing cameras 

Internal and External fence checks on the predator-proof fenced area 

 Assistance with track clearing i.e.: 

Checking and topping up water points 

Weed Management 

Maintenance of the Operations Base 

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

AWC Provides:  

On-site accommodation will be provided at The Pilliga when rooms are available. Facilities include a single bed, cupboard space, bar fridge, ensuite with shower, toilet and air conditioning.

Washing machine facilities, kitchen facilities along with basic cooking utensils, plates, bowels and cutlery provided. However, the volunteer will need to supply their own bedding and toiletries. 

Volunteers will need to bring: 

Volunteer Hours 

Project Coordinators Contacts: 

Iain Olivier - Operations Manager 

E: Iain.Olivier@australianwildlife.org  

Aaron Pengelly – Land Management Officer 

E: Aaron.Pengelly@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.