Employment opportunities
Senior Environmental Officer (Knowledge Exchange) - PSCA, Specified Calling Level 3, $109,533 - $120,969 p.a. plus 9.5% superannuation.
48-month fixed-term, full-time position (with possibility of extension or permanency).
Applications close Midday, Tuesday 3 March 2020.
Applications through WA government jobs board.
Student opportunities
We currently have four PhD candidates, if you are interested in future opportunities with North West Shelf Flatbacks, please contact us.
Volunteer opportunities
DBCA run two monitoring programs each year, which provide opportunities for volunteers to get involved with and learn more about the North West Shelf Flatbacks. (Read more below)
Alternative volunteering opportunities monitoring flatback turtles in WA can be accessed from the monitoring locations map.
Alternative volunteer opportunities with other species of turtle may be found on the DBCA wesbsite.
If you are not able to volunteer there are lots of other ways that you may be able to contribute to the conservation of turtles in WA. See the individual sections on threats to flatback turtles to find out what you might be able to do.
Thevenard Island
Accommodation
Thevenard Island is one of the Mackerel Islands, a group of 10 islands off the coast of Onslow, WA. The island is accessed by a 45-minute boat trip. Staff and volunteers stay at fully self-contained cabins. Cabins have two to five bedrooms with two single beds in each bedroom.
Cost
Covered:
- Transport from Perth to Onslow by plane and from Onslow to Thevenard Island by boat and return.
- Food and accommodation on Thevenard Island.
Not covered:
- Food and accommodation in Perth/Onslow prior to and after the trip to Thevenard Island.
- Transport to and from the airport in Perth.
- International volunteers are expected to have their own personal travel and health insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Delambre Island
Accommodation
Delambre Island is one of the islands of the Dampier Archipelago, off Point Sampson. Staff and volunteers camp on the beach.
Cost
Covered:
- Transport Perth to Karratha by plane and from Karratha to Delambre Island by boat and return.
- Food and accommodation on Delambre Island.
Not covered:
- Food and accommodation in Perth/Karratha prior to and after the trip to Delambre Island.
- Transport to and from the airport in Perth.
- International volunteers are expected to have their own personal travel and health insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Major responsibilities
Volunteers help with research on flatback turtles. Duties include:
Patrolling the beach at night for nesting turtles; tagging; measuring; taking skin biopsy; deploying satellite tags; patrolling the beach and counting tracks during the day; monitoring nesting success and hatching success; data entry.
Shifts will vary due to tides, the number of turtles on the beach and the number of staff/volunteers available, however volunteers should expect long hours working under difficult conditions (approximately 5-8 hours per night).
Requirements
All participants must be physically able to
- walk the beach at night for five/six hours carrying 6kg
- walk on uneven terrain (rocks, soft sand)
- walk 6 - 12km in hot (30-40°C) daytime conditions
- lift 15kg
- Applicants must, present fit for work whilst on duty and act in accordance with the Department’s Code of Conduct. Senior First Aid qualification is desirable.
