We’re looking for tertiary students to take part in our Student Placement Program.

The program is an exciting opportunity to gain professional work experience in the environmental not-for-profit sector. We’re interested in working with students who have a passion for Victoria’s natural environment, national parks, and are keen to gain more experience in environmental outreach, advocacy and citizen science.

Comments from past students

‘Being in an environment with so many people doing positive things has been pretty inspiring and added to feelings of hope.’ – Gemma

‘A VNPA placement will help cement the path of your passion. Whether it’s the science of conservation, or conversations about science, VNPA has it all.’ – Jeremy

‘My placement has been one which has given me a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for environmental science and conservation in Victoria, and has greatly contributed to my professional development.’ – Rachel

Please see below for more information, placement vacancies, and instructions on how to apply.

Key dates

Applications are currently closed. Applications for the next round of student placements will open late June.

How to apply:

  1. Read the Student Placement Program Guidelines below
  2. Consider the role that you’d like to apply for and read the relevant role description
  3. Complete an online application

If you’d like to apply for more than one role, you only need to fill in one application.

Contact us for more information

If you have any questions after reading through the guidelines below, please get in touch.

Sera Blair, NatureWatch Coordinator   e. [email protected]

Caitlin Griffith, Community Learning & Engagement Manager  e. [email protected]

 

Student Placement Program Guidelines

Who is VNPA

The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) is Victoria’s leading nature conservation organisation. We’ve been at the forefront of conservation campaigning for over 70 years.

We’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation. Protecting Victoria’s unique natural environment and biodiversity through the establishment and effective management of national parks, conservation reserves and other measures is our reason for being. We achieve this by facilitating strategic campaigns and education programs, developing policies and by running hands-on conservation work and outdoor activity programs which promote the care and enjoyment of Victoria’s natural heritage.

What is the VNPA Student Placement Program

We’re looking for students to take part in our Student Placement Program. It’s independently hosted by us and presents an exciting opportunity to gain experience in the professional workplace and environmental not-for-profit sector.

Each role has different requirements. In general:

  • The program requires successful applicants to work in the VNPA office, typically one day per week for a 13 week semester, but this is negotiable.  Placements are usually a minimum of 10 weeks.
  • Successful applicants will work under the supervision of the relevant program coordinator.
  • Programs are typically limited to office based activities. Field related activities for volunteers are available but are generally outside the scope of student placements. Join the NatureWatch and ReefWatch mailing lists to stay up to date about upcoming field based opportunities.

Eligibility

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.

What do we provide?

We offer:

  • 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 end of the placement.
  • The placement may count towards volunteering or professional experience course requirements (negotiable on a case by case basis).
  • An allowance of $250 per placement for reimbursement of travel and associated costs.

What do we need from you?

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 VNPA’s Student Placement Agreement.

Apply now for our student placement program.