Wildlife jobs in Melbourne VIC

Trust for Nature and Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Conservation Science Intern to join an exciting new collaborative internship program.

This unique internship has been created in partnership between Bush Heritage Australia and Trust for Nature to support women and gender diverse people in the early stages of their conservation careers. Over three months, you'll gain hands on experience across two leading conservation organisations while building practical skills, professional networks and contributing to meaningful conservation outcomes.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to gain experience across two leading conservation organisations while contributing to the protection of Australia's unique biodiversity.

• Annual base salary of $61,042 inclusive of superannuation. The pro rata salary for the three-month internship period is $15,260 inclusive of superannuation.
• Three-month full-time internship. Approximately 1.5 months with Trust for Nature and 1.5 months with Bush Heritage Australia.
• A hosted visit to The Quoin in Tasmania to learn from conservation innovators exploring new approaches to ecosystem regeneration.
• One-on-one career guidance with an internship mentor.
• Network building opportunities and continuing alumni connections.

About Trust for Nature

Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit organisation that works with private landowners to protect native plants and wildlife across Victoria. Created in 1972 under the Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972 (Vic), Trust for Nature has a proud history of working across the government, not for profit and private sectors to achieve the permanent protection of important conservation land. Our vision is a future in which Victoria's nature is valued, protected and thriving.

About Bush Heritage Australia

Bush Heritage Australia is a leading conservation organisation dedicated to protecting ecosystems and wildlife across Australia. By 2030, Bush Heritage Australia aims to protect, restore and regenerate 30 million hectares of land, double its direct land management and enhance biodiversity while deepening Aboriginal partnerships. Bush Heritage works alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, farmers and private landholders to protect Australia's unique landscapes and biodiversity.

About the role

This internship provides a rare opportunity to experience two complementary approaches to conservation.

During the Trust for Nature placement, you will work with the Conservation Science team to support the rollout of Habitat Track, assist with citizen science workshops, undertake ecological fieldwork, and contribute to the management and analysis of ecological data.

During the Bush Heritage Australia placement, you will join the Victorian Ecology team to support vegetation monitoring across the Dalyenong reserves, undertake field surveys, manage ecological data and contribute to conservation reporting and communications.

Across both placements, you'll work alongside experienced conservation professionals, develop practical field and technical skills, and build valuable professional networks across the conservation sector.

What you need to succeed

• You are a recent graduate or early career conservation professional who is passionate about protecting Australia's biodiversity and eager to build practical experience across conservation science programs and on ground ecological monitoring.
• You have well developed vegetation identification skills and an interest in ecological fieldwork and conservation monitoring.
• You are organised and a strong communicator with the ability to build positive relationships with people from a range of backgrounds, including landholders, volunteers and colleagues.
• You have experience or interest in ecological monitoring technologies, data management and analysis.
• A willingness to learn, collaborate and contribute to innovative conservation projects.

For the full Selection Criteria download and read the Position Description.

How to apply

To give yourself the best chance of success:

• Answer every application question.
• Ensure you address every part of each question.
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience.
• Learn a little about both Bush Heritage Australia and Trust for Nature before applying.
• Avoid using AI to write your responses. Your application has the best chance of success if we can hear your own voice and get to know you.
• Our internships are highly competitive, so take the opportunity to show us who you are. Share your passion for conservation, tell us about your experiences, and help us understand not only what you can offer through this internship, but also why this opportunity is the right fit for you.

If you require further information, please contact Chrissy Grubbs, Seeding the Future Program Lead, at chrissy.grubbs@bushheritage.org.au.

Bush Heritage Australia and Trust for Nature are equal opportunity employers and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process, and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application process if required.

Applications close: Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11.59 pm AEST.

Interviews are expected to be held in person in Melbourne on Thursday 6 August 2026.

This internship has been made possible through the kind support of the Wedgetail Foundation, LEEAF and the generous donors of the 2026 Celebrating Women in Conservation Breakfast.