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Project Title and AWC Sanctuary

Survey Title: Scotia Sanctuary Small Mammal and Reptile Trapping Survey Nov-Dec 2026

Sanctuary: Scotia Sanctuary

Project Description and Dates

Dates:

Survey block 2: 30^th November – 9^th November

Note: you must be available for the entire survey block, please sign up to all sessions.

Availability to extend will be highly favourable as we may need to adjust dates as weather conditions change.

Sanctuary Details:

Scotia Sanctuary is situated in south-western NSW, approximately 150 km north of Wentworth. The property is 65,000 ha in size, bordering South Australia. Scotia has an 8,000-hectare feral predator-free fenced area which is made up of two 4,000-hectare areas known as Stage 1 and Stage 2. Reintroduced animals existing in the fenced area include Greater Bilby, Numbat, Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby, Burrowing Bettong and the Red-tailed Phascogale.

Project details:

 *Please note that you will be submitting an expression of interest only. You will be contacted by an AWC staff member to confirm your position on the survey.

In November and December 2026, AWC will be undertaking small mammal and reptile trapping surveys at Scotia Sanctuary.

We are looking for enthusiastic and capable volunteers to assist AWC field ecologists conducting small mammal and reptile trapping surveys. The trapping arrays consist of pitfall and funnel traps set up at 48 monitoring sites located through Scotia sanctuary to sample small mammals and reptiles.

Work is split into two survey blocks consisting of a 10-day rotation (8 survey days and two travel/briefing days). Primary tasks will include setting up pitfall and funnel traps with associated drift fencing and carrying out morning and evening checks of traps. Time may be allocated to rest in the middle of the day.

Volunteers will work under instruction from AWC staff and will be required to adhere to AWC’s workplace safety guidelines and animal handling guidelines.

Previous field work experience 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 as a team lead by the Project Coordinator and AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including.

• Set up of survey sites: digging trenches, deploying drift fences and opening pitfall and funnel traps
• Assisting with checking pitfall and funnel traps
• Assisting with removal of animals from traps and processing of animals (where appropriate)
• Data entry (use of Fulcrum app on provided tablets)
• Assisting with navigation to sites

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

• A high level of fitness for physically demanding tasks is required (bending, carrying heavy equipment, using digging tools and walking up to 10 km each day)
• The position involves working outdoors and in extremes of weather. Scotia can become very hot during this time of year, and temperatures may exceed 40°C
• Be prepared for long days in the field, including early mornings and late evenings
• Attention to detail, particularly pertaining to data entry
• Ability to work well in a small team in a remote location and maintain a positive attitude in challenging conditions is essential

AWC Provides

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, noting that space in AWC vehicles may be limited.

Accommodation will be provided at Scotia; however, you will need to bring your own bedding (see ‘What to bring’). Rooms may be single or shared. Facilities include a communal kitchen with basic cooking equipment, bathroom (may be shared), drinking water and communal spaces. Showers are available, although due to running on desalinated bore water, we ask you 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 limited to no 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:

• Field appropriate clothing: long sleeve shirts, long pants, wide brim hat, sturdy shoes/boots, rain jacket, sunglasses, gaiters (optional but highly recommended), gloves (e.g. rigger gloves)
• Field gear: backpack, sunscreen, head torch, water bottles (minimum 3L capacity)
• Personal items: casual clothing, bath towel, toiletries and essential medications, pyjamas; bedding (sheets and pillowcase, sleeping bag also recommended),
  • It can get cold at night at Scotia, so bring warm layers (e.g. jumpers, jacket, thermal layers, beanie)

Project Coordinator Contact:

Rachel Ladd

Email: Rachel.Ladd@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.