Welcome to our AWC Volunteer Community

Mt Gibson Outside Mammal Trapping Survey

Project description

Come and join us at Mt Gibson to assist with our Outside Mammal Trapping survey. The Outside Mammal Trapping Survey will be targeting Brushtail Possums and Woylies outside of the predator-proof fenced area (‘safe haven’) as a part of post-translocation monitoring efforts. Brushtail Possums were translocated to Mt Gibson in 2021 and Woylies were translocated outside of safe haven July 2025, and we will be conducting cage trapping as a part of post-translocation monitoring efforts and to assess the health and breeding status of individuals.

In May four teams will be completing 4 nights of mammal trapping from the 4th to the 8^th outside the Mt Gibson safe haven. Two cage traps will be set in the afternoon at each site along each team’s trap lines and then early the following morning traps will be checked, closed and animals processed. We will require 3 volunteers to assist with this survey.

Dates: 4th - 8th May

Volunteer tasks:  

Volunteers will work as a team lead by Survey team leaders and AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including:

• Setting cage traps
• Record Data
• Working at night/ early morning (3am)  
• Using GPS devices
• Assist with animal handling and processing under supervision
• Data entry   
• Assisting with cleanup

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

• Ability to work at night, early mornings and for long hours  
• Ability to work in a remote, shared living space
• Commitment to full date of survey
• Previous trapping experience preferred but not required
• Manual license helpful but not required

AWC Provides:

• Accommodation on site (private room, shared bathroom & kitchen)
• Head torch
• Training in trapping survey methodology and animal handling  
• Field work survey experience
• Opportunity to explore the beauty of a remote, conservation-focused sanctuary!

Volunteers Provide:

• Suitable field work attire – closed in shoes, long pants, long shirt, hat, jumper (might get cold)
• Backpack and large water bottle/ water bladder (2L+ of capacity)
• Bedding – pillow, sleeping bag, sheets
• Food
• Own transportation to sanctuary

Project Coordinator Contact:

Arnika Thorbjornsen – Field Ecologist

Arnika.Thorbjornsen@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.