Work experience

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is committed to providing work experience opportunities for both secondary and tertiary students.

When you undertake an unpaid work experience placement with our Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships (QPWS&P) division, you will be able to explore potential career options and gain valuable hands-on experience.

The type of placement activities you could undertake will vary depending on locations and operational arrangements at each location. Your (up to) 30 day placement may include tasks such as:

  • conducting revegetation and weed control activities
  • contributing to conservation and regeneration projects
  • helping care for and rehabilitate injured animals
  • participating in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • inspecting and cleaning machinery, tools and equipment
  • providing visitor information and supporting visitor management activities
  • participating in work health and safety processes.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a QPWS&P work experience, you must:

  • be a at least 14 years old
  • be enrolled with an Australian secondary or tertiary education provider
  • gain approval from your education provider
  • gain written confirmation of Public Liability and worker’s compensation insurance from your education provider.

Express your interest

To express your interest in a work experience placement, please complete the following expression of interest registration form.

Once your eligibility has been assessed, you will be contacted directly by one of our QPWS&P team members to discuss further.

If you are a tertiary student who is required to undertake a placement as a mandatory part of your studies, this is called an industry placement and not work experience. Find out about the department’s Industry Placement Program to register your interest.

If you are not eligible to undertake a work experience or industry placement, we would love you to consider volunteer with us. We have a range of volunteering opportunities across Queensland including:

  • caring for and rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned animals
  • planting native trees along wildlife corridors
  • helping monitor and relocate turtle nests as well as counting nests and hatchlings

If you have any questions around any of the above information or if you would like more information, please email us directly at CareerPathways@des.qld.gov.au.