Volunteering expression of interest

We offer volunteer placements on our reserves, from home and in our offices. Most placements have a specific start and end date so you can fit them around your schedule and preferences.

From remote wilderness areas to regional centers, our reserves offer diverse opportunities. Explore where you can volunteer to discover the roles available, frequency of placements, and locations that might suit your interests.

Volunteers are essential to everything we do. On reserves, tasks can include land management, ecological monitoring, grounds maintenance, and more. Volunteers also support our behind-the-scenes operations through research, administration, and data analysis. Home and office-based roles are offered less frequently.

We welcome adults (18+) from all backgrounds. Volunteers under 18 may be able to participate with the direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Some volunteer roles require specific skills or knowledge. In particular demand for reserve-based roles are:

• Land management skills
• Trades such as builders, plumbers and electricians
• General handyman or maintenance experience
• Skills in maintaining small or mobile plant and equipment

For remote placements we may require experience living and working in such environments. Some roles may only require a good level of physical fitness for tasks like walking through uneven terrain or performing repetitive actions like bending or squatting.

Yes! Volunteers are given the training and support they need to succeed. This includes:

• Onboarding: A comprehensive introduction to our organisation and the Volunteer Program.
• Site induction: Detailed guidance on working safely in the field.
• Ongoing Support: Supervisors and team members are always available to help and answer any questions during your placement.

Volunteer opportunities are advertised via email, along with a Volunteer Job Description that details the prerequisites and tasks for each role. To apply, simply submit an expression of interest for a specific placement. We match volunteers to roles based on their skills, experience, and availability.

Volunteering with us offers:

• Access to incredible natural locations
• Opportunities to gain new skills and hands-on conservation experience
• The chance to connect with like-minded people
• A direct impact on protecting Australia’s unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage
• Many volunteers say the friendships and memories they form are as valuable as the work itself!

Some reserves have limited resources, including facilities, vehicles, and equipment, which means we can host only a small number of volunteers at a time. Seasonal weather conditions also affect when and where we can safely run volunteer placements.

Children may be allowed to participate if supervised by a parent or guardian. This depends on the specific placement and available facilities. Pets, however, cannot be brought onto reserves due to conservation and safety concerns.

Volunteer placements are limited between November and March due to extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, fire risks, and monsoonal rains in the north.

Volunteering comes with no costs, but you may need to cover some expenses, including travel to the reserve and meals during your placement. Accommodation is often provided, and some fuel reimbursements are available for trips exceeding 250 km round trip. Details on financial support are included in each placement description.

Yes! Bush Heritage maintains Volunteer Workers personal accident insurance to cover certain expenses in case of injury or disability while volunteering. However, this doesn’t include travel-related disruptions (e.g., floods or fires). We recommend you also consider travel insurance and an ambulance subscription for added protection.

For reserve placements, you'll need to arrange your own transport to the property. Reserves are generally remote from populated centres and without public transport options. Some reserves require 4WD vehicles with high clearance.

Accommodation varies by location, ranging from basic workers' quarters with shared facilities to simplified base camps. If no on-site accommodation is available, we’ll provide basic motel-style lodging nearby. We’ll provide full details about the accommodation when we advertise each volunteer opportunity.

Volunteering in remote areas can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with some challenges. These may include:

• Limited water, electricity, and modern conveniences
• Potential exposure to extreme temperatures and rugged conditions
• Isolation from medical care and emergency services

When travelling to remote areas, preparation is key. Ensure you have:

• A roadworthy vehicle with two spare tyres
• Extra water, food, and fuel
• Maps, a satellite phone, and a first aid kit
• A clear emergency plan

Quick tips: Let someone know your travel plans and expected arrival time and check road and weather conditions before setting off.

We deeply value the contributions of our volunteers and understand that everyone appreciates recognition in different ways. Here are some of the ways we celebrate and thank our volunteers:

Work Shirts: Volunteers in caretaker or public-facing roles receive branded work shirts as a token of our appreciation and to represent Bush Heritage.

Exclusive Invitations: Volunteers gain access to private events, webinars, and behind-the-scenes updates, offering unique insights into our work.

Spotlights and Stories: We highlight the contributions of our volunteers in newsletters, blogs, and social media to celebrate their efforts and inspire others.

Acknowledgment in Publications: Volunteers are recognised in our Impact Report and other organisational publications, ensuring their contributions are shared and celebrated widely.

Opportunities to Lead: Volunteers can join the Volunteer Advisory Committee, helping to shape decisions and ensure their voices are represented.

Feedback Opportunities: We regularly gather input through surveys, ensuring our volunteers have a voice in improving their experience and the program as a whole.