Getting on the right track through volunteering
Parks and Wildlife volunteers come from all walks of life. Some belong to a volunteer group, and are involved with projects such as weed management, or mountain bike track maintenance. Some people volunteer as campground hosts, welcoming people to campgrounds across the Northern Territory (NT).
Other Parks and Wildlife volunteers work towards a career in land management, complementing their studies with essential hands-on learning and networking provided by experience out in the field.
A recent recruit to the Parks and Wildlife ranger force, Michelle was looking for a career change when she first came to the NT. The wide open spaces beckoned, and the life of a park ranger sounded great, but she had no experience in living and working in remote areas. Luckily a family member recommended volunteering with Parks and Wildlife, something that Michelle says was 'a fantastic first step!'
'I signed up online as a volunteer and was contacted about a position pretty much straight away at Keep River National Park. I headed out there a few weeks later and was greeted by Rocky and Pam, the Keep River Park Rangers. Pam and Rocky were absolute weapons! They taught me so much, from flora and fauna identification, mechanics, carpentry, chemicals and cultural management. You name it and they schooled me in it.'
'After leaving Keep River I immediately applied for a park ranger position with Parks and Wildlife. While I was waiting to hear about my application I was contacted by Steve at Fogg Dam and asked if I wanted to volunteer with his team. It was a no brainer! Christy, Davo, Ben, Steve and Frank were all fantastic teachers and taught me so much about the different roles park rangers play in conserving NT’s unique and vast environment.'
'What I loved most about being a volunteer was the pride and generosity of the rangers with sharing their knowledge of conservation and land management. Their enthusiasm was contagious and I never had second thoughts about my new career path.'
'Through my volunteer work I was able to secure a position at Mary River National Park as their new T1 ranger. My first week here has just finished and already I am overjoyed in my new role!'
'If I have any advice for people looking to volunteer it would be: Don’t hesitate! Get on track for your new career today!'
Interested in volunteering in parks and reserves? Go to the Northern Territory Government website.
