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Volunteer Project Description – Pilliga SMT 2026

Project Title: Pilliga Small Mammal Trapping (SMT) 2026

Project description: 

The Pilliga project is a joint partnership between Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) located in the Pilliga State Conservation Area, approximately 1 hour south of Narrabri in NSW. The project management area includes the 5,800ha predator proof fence where locally extinct species have been reintroduced with the absence of feral predators (foxes and cats).

The Pilliga science team are looking for 2 – 4 capable and keen volunteers to assist with our annual ecological health monitoring survey targeting the endemic Pilliga Mouse. A standard box trap array using Elliott traps will be set up at sites around the forest both inside and outside the fenced area to sample small mammals.

This survey will take place for two consecutive weeks from

• Monday the 16^th to Friday 20^th March
• Monday the 23^rd to Friday 27^th March (*excluding the weekend 21st – 22^nd in between)

Volunteers will be available for one or both weeks, just be sure to specify which week if only one or contact the survey coordinator directly. Please note if considering volunteering across the two weeks, AWC is unable to provide accommodation or food for the weekend in between survey weeks.

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 an entire week at a minimum. Significant rain may prevent work until roads dry out, which may delay and extend the survey, so flexibility is an advantage.

Volunteer tasks:  

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

• Setting and baiting box traps (Elliott traps) each afternoon. This will involve a substantial amount of walking through forest/scrub and bending down to set, bait, check and clean traps
• Working through the early hours of the morning including in the dark (from ~5.30am). Volunteers need to be comfortable working in the dark with a head torch
• There may be opportunity for some handling of some small mammals, though this is dependent on the number of captures each morning. Previous small mammal handling and identification experience is a bonus
• Digital data entry using a tablet
• Assisting with pack up of traps on the last morning. This involves some heavy lifting (carrying cases of traps through forest/scrub to and from the vehicles)
• Assisting the team in food prep and clean up every evening

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

The work is physically demanding, with large amounts of walking each day and set up/ pack up days include carrying equipment up to 10kgs, sometimes in extreme conditions, including in temperatures in excess of 35°C. This work can be repetitive, but you get a great chance to see many different parts of the Pilliga forest. 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 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 can be provided however, driving your own vehicle to the operations base is encouraged if you have a capable vehicle (eg. Comfortable driving on dirt roads with some corrugation etc.) The survey will be fully catered (breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks) with preparation of meals and clean up shared amongst all survey participants. Dietary requirements will be accommodated for, but if you prefer to self-cater please let the project coordinators know in advance.

Volunteers Provide:

The volunteer is required to arrange their own transport to and from Narrabri and any accommodation before and/or after survey dates. You will need to bring their own bedding (eg. single sheets, sleeping bag, pillow and towel). They will also need to bring their own field work gear including:

• Long shirt and pants
• Sturdy boots
• Hat & sunscreen
• Wet weather gear
• Backpack
• Water bottles/packs (minimum 2 litres)
• Headtorch
• Warm layers

Project Coordinators:

Hayley Forster

Email: hayley.forster@australianwildlife.org

Maisie Duffin

Email: maisie.duffin@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 these roles attract we regret that we are not able to contact unsuccessful applicants