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Volunteer Project Description - Yookamurra Small Mammal and Reptile (SMART) Survey

 
 
Project Title: Yookamurra Small Mammal and Reptile (SMART) Survey

Dates: 30th September - 17th October. Shifts are 3 hours in the early morning and 3 hours in the late afternoon prior to sunset. 

Project description: Help monitor the wildlife of Yookamurra Sanctuary!

This biodiversity survey gives volunteers the opportunity to work alongside Australian Wildlife Conservancy ecologists to monitor reptiles, small mammals and other native wildlife across Yookamurra's protected mallee landscapes. Data collected during the survey helps measure the success of conservation management, including habitat restoration and feral predator control, while contributing to the long-term protection of the sanctuary's unique biodiversity. Volunteers will gain practical field skills, assist with wildlife monitoring activities, and play a direct role in supporting conservation outcomes for native Australian species.

Volunteer tasks:  
Volunteers will work as a team lead by Project Coordinator and AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including. 
•    Setting up and checking wildlife traps 
•    Conducting morning and evening trap checks across Yookamurra Sanctuary
•    Helping identify and record native wildlife 
•    Collecting ecological monitoring data 
•    Working alongside professional ecologists 
•    Contributing to long-term conservation and biodiversity monitoring at Yookamurra Sanctuary 
•    Staying and working in a unique Murray Mallee conservation reserve
 
Things to be aware of when considering applying for this volunteer role/requirements: 
•    Enjoy being outdoors and working in nature.
•    Are interested in Australian wildlife and conservation.
•    Want hands-on experience with ecological monitoring techniques.
•    Are physically fit and happy working in a remote environment.
•    Enjoy working collaboratively in a team setting.
•    Willingness to start early in the morning, with trap checks commencing shortly after sunrise. And ability to participate in some long field days, particularly on trap setup and pack-down days.
•    Preference for volunteers who can commit to the full survey period to maintain consistency within field teams.
•    Willingness to stay in shared accommodation (you will have your own bedroom) and live remotely for the duration of the survey.

AWC Provides: 
•    Accommodation room and bathroom, kitchen, shared living area
•    All necessary training
•    All materials including GPS, cars etc. 

Volunteers Provide: 
    Bedding for a single bed (eg. fitted sheet, sleeping bag, extra blanket or doona)
    Pillow
    Towel
    Clothes for fieldwork eg. long pants, long sleeved shirts. 
    Closed in, sturdy shoes for walking over sticks, rocks, uneven surfaces and to protect toes if something is dropped on them
    Broad-brimmed hat 
    Warm clothes.  
    Raincoat (just in case)
    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!
    Sunscreen
    Insect repellent
    Water bottles (at least two or three at 1L each, minimum) 
    Toiletries and any medication for the duration of your stay (closest chemist and doctor is approx. 40mins drive away)
    Backpack
    Sunglasses
    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
Kahli.Gifford@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.