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The Pilliga – Land Management Assistant

AWC Volunteer Project – Land Management

Project description: 

AWC is seeking enthusiastic, motivated, committed volunteers with high work ethics to lend a helping hand and assist with day-to-day Land Management duties and other projects as required within the Pilliga located in the northwest region of NSW approximately 60 km and about 50–60-minute drive from the town of Narrabri. The Pilliga project is a partnership between the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) located in the Pilliga State Conservation Area. The project involves the reintroduction of six regionally extinct native mammals to a 5,800-fenced area in which feral predators (foxes and cats) have been removed.

The Pilliga region, on the northwest slopes and plains of New South Wales, experiences a semi-arid climate. All the creeks are ephemeral, flowing only during significant rain events. The forests have developed on relatively infertile soils which are dominated by White Cypress Pine, Bull Oak, Belah, Rough-barked Apple, as well as several Eucalypt species including the Narrow-leaved Ironbark, Red Gums, Pilliga Box, and Poplar Box. This vital habitat protects a diverse range of threatened species including the Greater Bilby, Western Barred Bandicoot, Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, and Plains Mouse.

The Pilliga Volunteers may have the opportunity to either stay onsite (depending on availability) or travel each day with AWC Staff to the remote working area. Volunteers would preferably have experience driving manual vehicles, have moderate-to-high fitness, be able to work alongside AWC staff following directions, and understand small motors and pump operations. Additionally, volunteers will have to undertake a 4x4 driving assessment from the Operations Manager or an appropriate delegate prior to use of AWC vehicles and must undertake and adhere to site inductions from staff. During Extreme and Catastrophic fire warning days and through the guidance of AWC and NPWS policies volunteers will be required to leave the Pilliga SCA and not return to sites until conditions are safe. Volunteers will be provided suitable accommodation during the above circumstances in Narrabri.

Volunteer tasks:

Volunteers will work as a team focussing on an array of tasks including camera trap servicing and surveying for feral animals inside the fenced area, 3x weekly fence checks, removal of old internal fence, management of priority weed species (manual removal only), checking waterpoints located inside the fenced area, and maintaining accurate records. This program will be led by the Project Coordinator and Operations Manager. The tasks include:

Checking and Servicing cameras

• Changing Camera Trap batteries
• Swapping out SD cards
• Clearing vegetation around cameras
• Feral animal monitoring
• Monitoring for gate activity

• 
  A knowledge or understanding of these devices is not essential but preferred. Staff will assist until competent. Computer literate preferred.

Internal and External fence checks on the predator-proof fenced area

• Clipping up holes in fence
• Driving manual vehicles
• Assisting with fence upgrades
• Filling in animal diggings
• Removing debris from tracks
• Vegetation management along fence line

• This task requires bending and kneeling frequently and the potential to walk long distances, using hand tools etc.

Removal of Internal Fence

• Dismantling netting, wire and clips from star pickets
• Removal of star pickets with tractor and chain.
• Removal of netting, wire, clips and any remaining materials to onsite storage or to Waste Management facilities.

• This task requires tractor operation experience, towing experience and a high level of physical fitness.

Checking and topping up water points

• Towing a trailer with over 2000L of water (towing experience is essential)
• This task requires a knowledge of small pumps and their operation

• This task may come into proximity to bees and wasps

Weed Management

• Locating and monitoring priority weed species using GPS location recordings.
• Manual removal of priority weed species e.g. Carrion Flower, Prickly and Tiger Pear Cacti.

• This task requires knowledge of GPS devices and identification of priority weed species.

Maintenance of the Operations Base

• Maintaining Asset Protection Zone around the base
• This task may require manual handling removing plant debris
• General maintenance and cleaning of the Operations Base

Working Hours

Regular working hours will be 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. However, to prevent heat related ailments (heat stress, fatigue etc.) working hours will remain flexible. During days when the temperature exceeds 35° volunteers will be required to start work earlier in the morning and return to base before 12pm.

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

• How would you rate your 4WD/manual driving experience, must be at least Beginner with a competent understanding of 4wd vehicles and their use on unsealed roads.
• How would you rate your fitness level, must be at least Intermediate
• I have read and acknowledge the Code of Conduct, must be I Agree
• What experience do you have with farming work (fencing/ defencing, using hand tools, weed management etc), must be at least Intermediate preferably experienced.
• Carry equipment up to 10kg
• Walking on uneven terrain and up to 5km
• Physical work in hot remote conditions

AWC Provides:

On-site accommodation will be provided at The Pilliga when rooms are available, alternatively camping sites are available. Facilities include a single bed, cupboard space, bar fridge, ensuite with shower, toilet and air conditioning. Washing machine facilities, kitchen facilities along with basic cooking utensils, plates, bowels and cutlery provided. However, the volunteer will need to supply their own bedding and toiletries.

Volunteers will need to bring:

• Long sleeve shirt and pants
• Broad brim hat
• Water Bottles minimum 3L
• Day pack
• Personal medication
• Head torch
• Towel
• Bed Sheet (Single)
• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow
• Food as required for the duration of the program

Project Coordinators Contacts:

Iain Olivier - Operations Manager

E: Iain.Olivier@australianwildlife.org

Tasman Wood– Land Management Officer

E: tasman.wood@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 i