Welcome to our AWC Volunteer Community

In October 2026, AWC will be undertaking annual transect surveys of Numbats (Myrmecobius fasciatus) at Scotia Sanctuary.

We are looking for enthusiastic and capable volunteers to assist AWC field ecologists in conducting Numbat transect surveys. These surveys involve two observers standing in a safety frame on the tray of utility vehicles (ute) whilst driving along 1-2 km transects, with an aim to spot and record Numbats to attain population estimates. Surveys coincide with periods of warmer weather when individuals are more likely to be out foraging and in periods where juveniles are dispersing from natal ranges. 

Volunteers will work under instruction from AWC staff and will be required to adhere to AWC’s workplace safety guidelines. As such, only AWC staff will be driving for the duration of the survey.

Previous experience in field work is strongly desired, but not essential. All volunteers will receive a full induction into the project and comprehensive training from AWC staff. We are looking for enthusiastic people interested in learning more about our unique wildlife and their conservation. This opportunity would be ideal for anyone interested in gaining more experience in field-based skills required for a career in conservation.

Volunteer tasks

Volunteers will work within a team led by the Project Coordinator and AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including: 

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

Required skills:

AWC Provides 

Logistics:

Volunteers can either meet staff at the AWC office in Buronga, NSW, and travel to Scotia together in AWC vehicles, or make their own way directly to Scotia Sanctuary. Note that travel to Scotia requires driving on unsealed roads. Please let us know your travel preference so that we can plan accordingly.

Accommodation will be provided at Scotia; however, you will need to bring your own bedding (see ‘What to bring’). Facilities include a communal kitchen with all cooking equipment, private bathroom, drinking water and communal spaces. Showers are available, although due to running on desalinated bore water, we ask you to keep them short. Wi-Fi is available in the main office building; however, we kindly ask that excessive use/high data activities to be avoided during your stay. There is no reliable phone service at Scotia; however, the office landline can be used if required. 

All meals and snacks will be provided. For communal meals (e.g. dinner), all staff and volunteers are expected to pitch in for cooking and clean up. If you haven’t given your dietary requirements via the Better Impact portal, please let us know ahead of time. Please feel free to bring any personal snacks or food if desired.

Volunteers Provide 

What to bring:

*Don’t forget these items! They are essential for this survey to shield your face and eyes from sun and dust while standing on the back of the ute tray.

Project Coordinator Contact

Emma Fitzsimmons

Email: Emma.Fitzsimmons@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 that 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.