Work experience programs

The Department of Environment and Conservation receives many requests from people wishing to work with the department in a voluntary or work experience capacity.

Work experience programmes for individuals may be limited to one or two weeks depending on availability and demand.

For work experience as a volunteer, contact the Volunteer Coordinator of the Branch or District of the department in which your are interested or in which you live. You can check the District and Branch telephone numbers and the WA State Government Section of the Telstra White Pages. Also look at the Volunteer Programs page.

Educational work experience programs

Most, but not all secondary schools operate a work experience program run by the Department of Education and Training (DET). This program is funded, administered and evaluated by the schools and all students are insured for workers compensation by DET.

The following is a summary of how experience is some operational areas of the Department may be arranged.

National Parks
Working with a Park Ranger in one of WA's National Parks.

• Perth Metropolitan Area
  The closest National Parks are Yanchep and John Forrest. Contact the Ranger in Charge.
• Outside Metropolitan Area
  A list of postal addresses for all National Parks can be obtained from State Operations Headquarters, Como, telephone (08) 9334 0333.

Wildlife Protection
Work experience is not offered in this area of work. Wildlife protection and investigation work is often confidential and/or risky.

No work experience is available in animal care.

State Forests
Working with a Forest Ranger, in a Forest District responsible for the management and control of State Forests or plantations, or with any DEC Forest District Manager. See the DEC Region and District offices page for addresses, telephone numbers and fax numbers.

Science Division
Other work experience may be offered in the Science Division, although places are limited.

The Division has Research Centres or laboratories located at Como, Woodvale, Dwellingup, WA Herbarium, Manjimup, and Busselton. Applicants can contact their nearest Centre for information.