Arid Recovery is offering two internships in 2026 for recent graduates looking to deepen their practical experience in ecology and conservation. Interns will work closely with our team to gain practical experience across the full spectrum of land management, ecological research, species recovery, and communications that underpin effective conservation programs.

About us

Arid Recovery is an independent not-for-profit organisation managing a 12,300 ha wildlife reserve in South Australia’s arid north. We are committed to combining on-ground conservation with pioneering research to maintain a safe haven for threatened native wildlife within our feral-proof area, while also studying interactions between feral animals and native species in dedicated experimental zones. We apply our findings to broader landscapes through science communication and collaboration with Traditional Owners and other land managers.

Our reserve, located north of the Olympic Dam mine site, has Australia’s largest feral-proof fenced area excluding feral cats, red foxes and rabbits. For 28 years, it has served as a living laboratory for ecosystem recovery and the reintroduction of threatened species, including the greater bilby, burrowing bettong, western quoll, Shark Bay bandicoot, and kowari. This unique reserve enables long-term monitoring, experimentation, adaptive management, technical innovation and the refinement of conservation practice to suit the dynamic arid zone environment

Arid Recovery is partnered with BHP, the SA Department for Environment and Water, the University of Adelaide, and Bush Heritage Australia. The Arid Recovery Conservation Internship Program is supported by the Rendere Trust and Upotipotpon Foundation.

Role description

Interns will assist staff in day-to-day operation of Arid Recovery, with the potential to undertake a small project. At various times you will be working with and supervised by the Ecologist, Community Field Ecologist, Conservation Land Management Officer and Chief Executive. Core tasks may include:

• Collection and collation of ecological monitoring data (including track count surveys, vertebrate trapping, vegetation assessments and camera trap monitoring)
• Data management and reporting
• Participation in land-management activities such as feral-animal control and reserve maintenance
• Community engagement through tours, events, and school visits
• Housekeeping tasks essential for running a small NGO
• Participation in research projects with Arid Recovery staff and collaborators

Internship Dates:

• 4th May - 24th July 2026
• 13th July - 9th October 2026

Essential criteria

• A Bachelor’s degree in Science or Natural Resource Management
• Experience in ecological and/or land management fieldwork
• Experience in data entry and basic data management
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a small team
• Proactive and willing to take on unfamiliar tasks, seeking guidance when needed
• Physical fitness to undertake manual work outdoors in arid conditions
• Willingness to live in a small, remote community for the duration of the placement
• Current driver’s licence
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Eligible to live and work in Australia for at least 4 months

Desirable criteria

• 4WD driving experience
• Senior First Aid
• Experience with remote or arid-zone fieldwork

Please note

Bringing your own car for travel to and from the office and, as well as for personal use during the internship, is highly recommended.

Accommodation and a living allowance will be provided, as well as a contribution towards your travel to and from Roxby Downs. Opportunities for paid casual work (tour guiding) may be available.