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 from Narrabri 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 alongside 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 and 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, road maintenance, removal of old internal fence material, flail mower road edges, small motor services (depending on experience but not essential and or a requirement), maintaining accurate records during work on Fulcrum. This program will be led by the Project Coordinator and Operations Manager. The tasks include:

Checking and Servicing cameras

• Changing Camera Trap batteries
• Swapping out SD cards
• Clearing vegetation around cameras
• Feral animal monitoring
• Monitoring for gate activity

• 
  A knowledge or understanding of these devices is not essential but preferred. Staff will assist until competent. Computer literate preferred.

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

• Clipping up holes in fence
• Driving manual vehicles and 4wd Operations
• Assisting with fence upgrades
• Filling in animal diggings
• Removing debris from tracks
• Vegetation management along fence line

• This task requires bending and kneeling frequently and the potential to walk long distances, using hand tools etc.

Assistance with track clearing i.e.:

• Removing cut material from tracks
• Moving vehicles along working area etc
• Marking GPS locations of felled trees to be cleared

• This task requires heavy lifting and dragging of cut tree limbs off track and may be over unstable ground.

Checking and topping up water points

• Towing a trailer with over 2000L of water (towing experience is recommended)
• This task requires a knowledge of small pumps and their operation

• This task may come into proximity to bees and wasps

Weed Management

• Locating and monitoring priority weed species using GPS location recordings.
• Manual removal of priority weed species e.g. Prickly and Tiger Pear, Mother of Millions.

• This task requires knowledge of GPS devices and identification of priority weed species.

Maintenance of the Operations Base

• Maintaining Asset Protection Zone around the base
• This task may require manual handling removing plant debris
• General maintenance and cleaning of the Operations Base

Road Maintenance

• Towing a 3.5T tipper trailer loaded with road base
• Filling pothole and large bog holes
• Raking and spreading road base as required
• Driving roads with a drag to remove minor defects
• Operating tractor mounted flail mower to remove vegetation from road edges.

• Tractor work can be performed by competent onsite staff.

Flail Mowing

• Dependant on tractor competency and relevant qualifications
• Using tractor and flail mower to clear overgrown road edges
• Requires removal of tiger pear in some areas prior to tractor work
• Trailing tractor with fire unit is also required.

Small Engine service

• Dependant on skill and experience, oil and sparkplug changes, general clean-down.

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

• How would you rate your 4WD/manual driving experience, must be at least Beginner with a competent understanding of 4wd vehicles and their use on unsealed roads.
• How would you rate your fitness level, must be at least Intermediate
• I have read and acknowledge the Code of Conduct, must be I Agree
• What experience do you have with farming work (fencing/ defencing, using hand tools, weed management etc), must be at least Intermediate
• Carry equipment up to 10kg
• Walking on uneven terrain and up to 5km

AWC Provides:

On-site accommodation will be provided at The Pilliga when rooms are available, alternatively camping sites 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:

• Long sleeve shirt and pants
• Broad brim hat
• Water Bottles
• Day pack
• Personal medication
• Head torch
• Bed Sheet (Single)
• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow
• Food as required for the duration of the program

Volunteer Hours

• Hours will be flexible Monday – Friday, 8am - 4pm

• Hours to be adjusted according to temperatures and discussed with team leader.

Project Coordinators Contacts:

Iain Olivier - Operations Manager

E: Iain.Olivier@australianwildlife.org

Claude Leculier – Land Management Officer

E: claudehenri.leculier@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.