Applications are now open for the 2026 Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) Desert Internship Program.

The Australian desert is one of the largest and most environmentally and culturally connected areas on the planet. It had been cared for and expertly managed over thousands of years by Indigenous minds, hearts and hands. Today a network of 65 ranger teams looks after country and manage the exceptional cultural and natural values of the desert.

The Desert Internship Program provides an entry pathway into the sector that aims to attract a broad pool of talent and train interns with foundational skills to work in ranger coordinator, or similar positions. Now in its fourth year, the internship is an effective program in introducing, empowering and supporting people seeking careers in the Indigenous Land Management sector, leading directly to employment and career outcomes.

The Desert Internship Program is an immersive four-week program that will provide real-world, practical experience with community-based Indigenous ranger programs.

The internship is paid and is designed to help you transition into the sector and build a career working with rangers in the desert. The internship is a unique opportunity if you are considering a career change or wanting a more purposeful role connected to people and country. We encourage people with diverse skills and experience to apply.

The internship is a proven pathway into a rewarding career in the Indigenous Land management sector. Many previous internship participants are employed in working within the sector.

About The Indigenous Desert Alliance

The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is a member-based, Indigenous-led organisation that plays a vital role in securing the future health of the Australian desert and its people. It does this by strengthening the existing connections between desert people, empowering Indigenous groups to look after their country and by promoting the importance of the Australian desert.

We work with over 65 ranger groups from across the desert to support in our role 'Keeping the Desert Connected' to empower a united voice for the desert.

Please refer to our website for more information on our organisation IDA website.

Desert Internship Program Overview

Proposed Dates: 20th July 2026 until the 14h August 2026 - (These dates are proposed and may be subject to change).

The internship is based out of IDA's Perth/Alice Springs offices and will include a supportive and comprehensive induction process.

Week 1: orientation and learning program with IDA staff at the IDA's Desert hub (Perth) and introduction to the desert ranger sector and the IDA.

Week 2 and 3: immersion with a ranger team in a remote community supported by IDA staff (ln the NT and WA).

Week 4; debrief and short assessment tasks and supported networking opportunities with potential employers.

All travel and accommodation costs will be covered across the internship including return air fares from place of residence to take up the internship if required.

The internship is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous applicants.

For more information on the internship, please refer to our website Desert Internship or contact the IDA directly hrstaff@indigenousdesertallaince.com.

Your Role

Your role as an intern is to learn, listen, participate, reflect and demonstrate your potential to take on a role in the Indigenous land management sector. Specifically, your role as an intern will include:

• Learning, participating and reflecting on your experience
• Participate in induction, mentoring and debrief sessions
• Participate in learning workshops across the internship
• Complete basic assessments and micro projects identified in the learning and assessment framework across the internship
• Building good relationships with Indigenous rangers, other interns and IDA staff members

The learning framework will guide your training across the internship and is focused on four key areas:

• Cultural awareness, community development, relationship building and intercultural facilitation
• Practical field and technical skills
• Project management and reporting
• Resilience and wellbeing

Your Duties

Your primary duties, as indicated above are to learn, listen, reflect and participate in the internship program. In addition to these you will also participate in a range of on-country and in-community activities as part of the two-week immersion element of the internship. Your duties across the immersion will include:

• Follow IDA travel and Work Health and Safety systems and 'Our Ways of Working' cultural induction.
• Support community engagement and communication processes.
• Support the planning, preparation, implementation and pack-up of on-country ranger trips.
• Participate as a member of the team in remote on-country ranger trips.
• Support the collection of field data and other relevant environmental, social and project relevant data.
• Support the preparation of basic trip reports.
• Follow instruction and direction of IDA and host program staff.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• You are passionate about developing a career in Indigenous land management sector and are available to take on an ongoing role.
• You would value the opportunity to work in a remote Indigenous community and gain experience in Indigenous land management.
• You are emotionally mature, have a flexible mindset and build strong relationships.
• You are practically minded; can problem solve and deal with challenges and find solutions.
• You communicate well, value teamwork and want to see individuals and teams thrive.
• You have a driver's license.
• Prepared to travel and participate in remote fieldwork and isolated work environments.

You have the ability to obtain:

• a National Police Clearance, Working with Children Check WA Clearance and /or NT Ochre Card
• Senior First Aid certificate and a nationally accredited 4x4 driving course

(IDA will support you to obtain these prior to the internship commencement if required)

Desirable

• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or working in cross-cultural contexts.
• Tertiary qualifications in natural resource management, environmental science, community development, anthropology and/or extensive related experience in these or other related areas.