Who is the VNPA?

The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) is Victoria’s leading nature conservation organisation and has been at the forefront of conservation campaigning for more than 60 years. VNPA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, which exists to protect Victoria’s unique natural environment and biodiversity through the establishment and effective management of national parks, conservation reserves and other measures. We achieve this by facilitating strategic campaigns and education programs, developing policies and by running hands-on conservation work, bushwalking and outdoor activity programs which promote the care and enjoyment of Victoria’s natural heritage.

What is the VNPA Student Placement Program?

The VNPA is looking for students to take part in our Student Placement Program. This program is independently hosted by the VNPA and presents an exciting opportunity to gain experience in the professional workplace and not-for-profit sector. The VNPA is interested in working with students who have a passion for Victoria’s natural environment and national parks and who are keen to gain more experience in environmental outreach, advocacy and citizen science.

This program provides professional workplace experience with the VNPA and is not an education program. As a not-for-profit, we have insufficient resources to offer placements for discrete, personalised student projects.

What roles are available?

Placements are available across a range of disciplines depending on the current needs of the VNPA.  Refer to Student Placements for details on the current roles we’re looking for.

What’s involved?

Each role has different requirements. Refer to the relevant Role Description for more detailed information. In general:

  • The program requires successful applicants to work in the VNPA office for one day per week for a 13 week semester.
  • Successful applicants will work under the supervision of the relevant program coordinator.
  • The program will be limited to activities in the VNPA office. Field related activities for volunteers are available but are outside the scope of student placements. Subscribe to NatureWatch updates and/or ReefWatch updates to receive information on field based volunteer opportunities, join the relevant program’s mailing list via https://vnpa.org.au/explore/look-listen-learn/.

Eligiblity?

In general, placements are offered to tertiary students who are:

  • Studying a course relevant to the role.
  • Passionate about the area of work.
  • Have some experience (preferred but not essential).

Refer to Selection Criteria in the relevant Role Description for more information.

When are placements offered?

Placements are offered in each academic semester.  Refer to the Student Placement page for details.

What does the VNPA provide?

The VNPA offers:

  • Practical workplace experience with a leading Victorian nature conservation organisation.
  • Opportunities to connect with industry stakeholders including volunteers, local community groups, land managers and scientists
  • A professional reference and a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the placement.
  • Potential for contribution towards course requirements (to be negotiable on a case by case basis)
  • An allowance of $250 per placement for reimbursement of travel and associated costs.

What does the VNPA require?

As part of the placement, students need to commit to:

  • Attend the VNPA office one day per week for a semester (13 weeks). Follow the duties outlined in the Role Description.
  • Agree to the terms and conditions of the VNPA’s Student Placement Agreement.

How do I apply?

Please fill out online application form.

More information?

Please contact the relevant contact person.