Internships
© Wildlife Qld
About our internships
Since 2014, Wildlife Queensland has hosted students from a range of educational institutions seeking placement opportunities in the environmental conservation industry.
Students placed with Wildlife Queensland undertake projects in policy development, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement, and support Head Office staff in the day-to-day running of the Society.
Wildlife Queensland’s placement projects are designed to offer students the opportunity to develop both discipline-specific and transferable skills, as well as an understanding of the contributions and obligations expected of a professional graduate in the environmental field. Activities undertaken during placement include:
- volunteer management
- event organisation
- field surveys
- reporting
- stakeholder engagement
- desktop research
- administration and general office duties.
© Wildlife Queensland
UQ and USC Placement Students, Stan Earnshaw and Jessica McClure set up traps at Mt Elliott as part of their spotted-tailed quoll placement project.
With support, each student takes ownership of their specific project, from experimental/survey design and recruitment/training of volunteers, through to analysis/reporting of data and presentation of findings/recommendations.
In particular, Wildlife Queensland has been a strong supporter of the University of Queensland’s 14-week industry placement, a compulsory course in the Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) degree program. Wildlife Queensland has hosted approximately eight per cent of all environmental management students undertaking their placement, demonstrating a significant contribution to the program. The support and guidance provided by Wildlife Queensland staff and Council members have raised the profile of the Society among the University of Queensland’s students as a preferred placement provider.
Holly Bryant Award
Wildlife Queensland values the input of students and benefits from the outcomes of the placement projects, which have become a fundamental part of the Society’s operations. Each year, an award is granted to one of the Society’s placement students in recognition of their contribution.
Meet our interns
Meet some of our many amazing interns. Click on the ‘+’ symbol to the right of the names below to open more information.
Freya Thornton
© Freya ThorntonFreya Thornton.
Wildlife Queensland intern, 2023
In 2023, Freya Thornton developed a directional paper on the Nature Repair Market Bill. The Bill intended to deliver better outcomes for Australian biodiversity through more private investment in restoration and protection.
However, certain components of the Bill caused concern. Actions were suggested for Wildlife Queensland’s consideration to support the Bill.
“Working as an intern at Wildlife Queensland opened my eyes to the necessary, on-ground conservation work and education being done in Queensland. I loved being able to give back to an organisation as important and historic as this one.” — Freya Thornton
Hannah Barham
Wildlife Queensland intern, 2023
In 2023, UQ student Hannah Barham completed a review on the feasibility of a successful reintroduction of the Richmond birdwing butterfly to the western suburbs of Brisbane.
Hannah undertook a thorough analysis through the use of literature review, GIS mapping, and field surveys to review the present-day condition, spread and connectivity of the butterfly’s larval host plant in the study area.
Hayley Parker
© Hayley ParkerHayley in the Wildlife Queensland office.
Wildlife Queensland intern, 2023
Hayley Parker completed her internship at Wildlife Queensland during her third year studying a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Queensland.
Her internship involved writing a directional paper to help establish Wildlife Queensland’s position on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
“The Wildlife Queensland team were friendly, down-to-earth and passionate.”
“In the future, I would like to work for a non-government organisation helping people and wildlife through policy and advocacy work. I would like to do something meaningful and have a positive impact on the world.” — Hayley Parker
Alyce Tancredi
Wildlife Queensland intern, 2023
In 2023, USC student Alyce Tancredi completed the planning, development, and implementation of a PlatypusWatch community observation survey on Petrie Creek, Nambour.
The project was initiated as a response to community concerns over platypus being killed by vehicle traffic in the area. The survey event aimed to encourage awareness and education of the species and their conservation needs.
Alyce utilised a range of desktop resources (database searches, GIS mapping) to identify the best location for an observation survey. Further, specific observation sites along the creek were chosen and mapped.
Holly Otto
Wildlife Queensland intern, 2022
In 2022, Holly Otto prepared a directional paper on the use of the Common Assessment Method (CAM) of Australia’s Threatened Species.
In-depth interviews with experts, combined with a review of legislation, policy and legislative frameworks and complemented by studies of academic papers provided qualitative data. The adoption of CAM is beneficial, but aspects of its theoretical process have inhibited its effectiveness.
Actions were recommended for consideration by Wildlife Queensland
Amy Bartkowski
Wildlife Queensland intern, 2022
In 2022, Amy Bartkowski prepared a report on Greater Glider populations on state and local government-owned land in the Logan area. The report detailed their population status, habitat quality, and prominent threats, aiming to inform relevant and effective management strategies.
Populations of greater gliders in Logan are increasingly fragmented and isolated due to extensive development. As a result, these populations inevitably differ in terms of habitat, population characteristics and potential threats. Therefore, it’s crucial to take these variables into account when defining management objectives that will deliver conservation benefits.
Samuel Stone
Wildlife Queensland intern, 2021
In 2021, Samuel Stone updated Wildlife Queensland’s Policy on Queensland Protected Area Estate.
The paper highlighted the lack of progress to date in meeting the Queensland Government’s targets, the need for legislative change, additional funding and more political willingness.
Suggested actions to expedite the rate of progress for Wildlife Queensland’s consideration were offered.
Latest internships news
© Ecopix / Freya ThorntonWildlife Queensland intern Freya Thornton receives Holly Bryant Award
Wildlife Queensland proudly announces Freya Thornton as the recipient of the Society’s Holly Bryant Award. The accolade holds special significance as it honours both the memory of a cherished colleague and the commitment of emerging conservationists.
© EcopixWildlife Queensland Internship Program: Bridging academia and conservation
In collaboration with universities, Wildlife Queensland has established a dynamic Internship Program that allows students to contribute to meaningful research and conservation efforts.
Spotlight on: UQ intern Taylor McGregor
University of Queensland (UQ) student Taylor McGregor completed a three-month placement with Wildlife Queensland in 2020 as part of the Society’s Student Placement Program. Read about Taylor and her experience at Wildlife Queensland.