Scotia - Scotia Spotlight Survey MAY 2026
Volunteer Project Description
Project Title: Scotia Spotlight Survey 2026
Project description:
The annual mammal spotlighting survey aimsto generate population estimates for the Bilby and Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby within Stage 1 and Stage 2 at Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary to enable long-term monitoring of population trends. Two observers are positioned on the back of a vehicle driving at slow speeds (~12km/h) while scanning for animals using a spotlight.
Volunteer tasks:
Volunteers will work as a team lead by Project Coordinator and AWC staff to carry out tasks including:
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Standing on the back of a vehicle and searching for bilbies and bridled nail-tailed wallabies using a spotlight
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Using a rangefinder to determine distances and bearings of animals from the vehicle
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Working long hours at night in cold conditions
Things to be aware of when considering applying for this volunteer role/requirements:
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You will be required to work long hours overnight (9pm-5am), likely in quite cold temperatures
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You will need to be able to focus for extended periods
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You will need to be physically capable of climbing into the tray of a utility vehicle using a tow-ball step, and standing on the back of the tray (in a protective frame) for extended periods
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You will need to make your way to Mildura/Buronga or Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary
AWC Provides:
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Food (please advise dietary requirements)
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Accommodation (room with private bathroom, shared cooking facilities)
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All equipment required to run the survey
Volunteers Provide:
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Clothes for field work (long pants, long sleeve shirts, enclosed shoes, and warm clothing essential, thermals and beanie recommended)
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Bedding (linen or sleeping bag, pillow)
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Water bottles, we suggest bringing a thermos or ‘keep cup’ for warm drinks during the night
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Head torch (with spare batteries), binoculars (optional), camera (optional)
Volunteers will need to make their way to our depot at 15 Silver City Highway Buronga, NSW, at 12 noon on Sunday 31st of May 2026. If driving, you can leave your car parked securely at our depot. If flying into Mildura, we can organise to pick you up from the airport. Alternatively, you can also drive directly to Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary on 31st of May 2026.
We will be surveying from Monday 1st to Saturday the 6th, aiming to conduct six nights of surveys.
We will depart Scotia and arrive back at our depot in Buronga on Sunday the 7th of June 2026 at approximately 5pm.
Project Coordinator Contact: Genevieve Heggarty.
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.
Qualifications Required
- I have read and agree to the Code of Conduct (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
- I have read and agree to abide by the Volunteer Agreement (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
- I understand that it is my responsibility (and recommended by AWC) to have my own personal and vehicle insurance cover, and that AWC’s insurance may not cover me in the event of an incident. Must be Yes
Schedule Summary
This activity has the following schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, June 01, 2026 | 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM |
| Tuesday, June 02, 2026 | 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM |
| Wednesday, June 03, 2026 | 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM |
| Thursday, June 04, 2026 | 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM |
| Friday, June 05, 2026 | 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM |
| Saturday, June 06, 2026 | 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM |
