Volunteer overseas in environmental science
Support biodiversity, nature conservation, climate change, energy science, and more across the Pacific, Asia and Africa
The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative that matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia and Africa, supporting them to achieve locally led development goals.
Australian volunteers work with partner organisations on environmental projects. If you’re interested in cross-cultural exchange, experiencing new opportunities and challenging yourself, learn more about how you can become an Australian volunteer. Assignments are suited to skilled volunteers who are willing to share their skills and knowledge, be flexible and adaptable, and contribute to build capacity in the local context.
Whether you're looking to volunteer in-country or remotely, check out our environmental science assignments and discover the right fit for you.
Can't find the right assignment? We add assignments regularly - sign up to our monthly Assignment Alert to be reminded to view our new assignments.
Practical support so you can focus on your assignment
- Volunteers receive an accommodation allowance and a living allowance for daily expenses like food and internet. We also cover flights, insurance and more.
- We provide extensive support including 24/7 emergency assistance, psycho-social support, comprehensive travel insurance and on the ground support from our country teams.
- We support volunteers' professional development, cultural awareness, and international connections with learning opportunities at all stages of the volunteer journey, including a comprehensive pre-departure briefing.
'My assignment here is to work as a mentor'
Leigh Sparrow reflects on his volunteer role as a Natural Resource and Conservation Officer, alongside his counterpart Conservation Officer Asaeli Tamanitokula. Asaeli is 'very knowledgeable young man' says Leigh, 'and some days I wonder, who's teaching who?'
Skills we're looking for
We’re looking for volunteers to support locally led environmental science projects in a range of organisations. A broad range of assignments are available in biodiversity, nature conservation, climate change, energy science, and more, based on the current priorities of our overseas partner organisations.
In addition to technical expertise, we look for volunteers with skills such as:
- Adaptability and resilience
- Cultural sensitivity
- Relationship-building
If you think you have the right skills, experience and attitude, check out our latest environmental science assignments.
Find your perfect assignment
Our partners are always looking for skilled volunteers, and roles change regularly.
Explore our current assignments
How we support environmental science volunteers
Financial support
Find out about the allowances and reimbursements provided to volunteers.
Learn moreSafety & security
Understand how we support volunteers to remain safe and secure.
Learn moreLearning & development
Discover the learning and development support we provide to volunteers.
Learn moreDiversity and Inclusion
The Australian Volunteers Program is committed to ensuring that volunteers and partners can safely and equitably participate in the program, regardless of their identity. Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey, and we actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer.
Learn about our commitment to inclusion
'When it's extinct, we cannot get it back'
Discover how the Friends of National Park Foundation in Indonesia is protecting habitats for endangered wildlife, with the support of Australian volunteers like Le-Anne Arane.
