Arid Recovery is offering internships in 2025 for recent graduates looking to deepen their practical experience in ecology and conservation. This is an opportunity to work with a small team to gain hands-on experience in the spectrum of land management, ecology, research and communications necessary to advance conservation programs.

Arid Recovery is a conservation research initiative based in the South Australian outback dedicated to the restoration of Australia’s arid lands. Established in 1997, the program is centred around a 123 km2 fenced reserve. Feral cats, rabbits and foxes have been eradicated from a total of 60km2 and six species of locally extinct threatened mammals reintroduced. The remaining area comprises fenced areas of 26 km2 for a recent reintroduction and 36km2 of experimental zone. The reserve is a landscape-scale laboratory for innovative conservation research projects, including climate change adaptations for arid ecosystems and testing solutions for threatened species survival in open landscapes. We are expanding our work ‘beyond the fence’ in partnership with Traditional Owners and neighbours the Kokatha community.

Arid Recovery is partnered with BHP, the SA Department for Environment and Water, the University of Adelaide, Bush Heritage Australia, and supported by the community of Roxby Downs.

Role description

Interns will assist staff in day-to-day operation of Arid Recovery. At various times you will be working with and supervised by the Ecologist, Community Field Ecologist, Conservation Land Management Officer and Chief Executive. You will be involved in a diverse range of tasks including:

• Collection and collation of ecological monitoring data (including track count surveys, vertebrate trapping, vegetation assessments and camera trap monitoring),
• Fence and infrastructure maintenance and feral animal control,
• Community engagement through tours, events, and school visits,
• Working with Traditional Owners,
• Written communications and fundraising,
• Housekeeping tasks essential for running a small NGO, and
• Participation in research projects with Arid Recovery staff and collaborators.

Dates: three internships are offered for 2025 over the following 3-month periods

• 10th February – 9th May 2025
• 28th April – 25th July 2025
• 14th July – 10th October 2025

Accommodation and a living allowance ($210 per week) will be provided, as well as a contribution towards your travel to and from Roxby Downs ($800 total). Opportunities for paid casual work (tour guiding, helping on education visits) will be available.

Selection criteria

• A Bachelor degree in Science or Natural Resource Management
• Some fieldwork experience in ecology or land management
• A willingness to learn and to take on a range of tasks
• Physical fitness for undertaking manual work outdoors
• A willingness to live in a small community in a remote area
• Valid driver’s licence
• Fluency in English
• Eligible for living and working in Australia for at least 4 months
• Manual and 4WD driving experience are desirable

Bringing your own car for travel to the site and during the internship is highly recommended. All suitable applicants will be placed in a talent pool to be considered for future opportunities with Arid Recovery.