Volunteer Services Officer

The Organisation

As Australia’s only national bird conservation charity, we are on a mission to put birds and nature on the path to recovery within a decade, leading and facilitating action that halts biodiversity loss and restores ecosystems. We can only achieve this with the help and support afforded to us by our diverse stakeholders including supporters, campaigners, donors, members, and like-minded conservation organisations.

BirdLife Australia takes a science and evidence-based approach to bird conservation. Where strong conservation plans are in place and well-resourced the evidence tells us that threatened species can be brought back from the brink of extinction. With a 100-plus year history and Australia’s strongest and longest-lived collection of data and surveys, BirdLife Australia brings a wealth of observation and experience to the protection of native birds.

BirdLife Australia is a diverse organisation with more than 330,000 supporters, donors, volunteers, campaigners, and members, over 130 staff across Australia, and a network of more than 40 voluntary community groups. A significant part of BirdLife Australia’s work is done by volunteers acting either alone, in organised groups or serving on Committees. It is important that all staff understand and appreciate the contribution made by volunteers, and are also mindful of their varying skills, interests and motivations.

BirdLife Australia acknowledges the important role First Nations People throughout Australia have played, and continue to play, caring for Country. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community and pay respect to Traditional Owners and their cultures, and to their Elders both past and present. BirdLife Australia endeavours to facilitate the further engagement of Indigenous Australians in the research and conservation of our native birds.

The Role

Reporting to the Manager Participation, the role will support the work of BirdLife volunteers nationally by providing a point of contact for volunteer individuals and groups for inquiries and requests. In particular, this role will be a key contact and provide support to the BirdLife Southern NSW branch and other local groups. The role will also assist with training volunteers in new processes and procedures. The position will play a key role in supporting cultural change, governance and implementation of conservation and advocacy activities through project administration.

The role will assist the Manager Participation to liaise with BirdLife Australia staff, volunteer branches, Special Interest Groups and external volunteer groups to support them in BirdLife grant

applications. The role will provide administrative support for the BirdLife Australia Community Grants program, worth approximately $80,000 annually.

What you need to know:

This is a part time (0.4 FTE) position on a continual contract based in New South Wales.

For further information please refer to the attached position description. Any questions can be directed Fiona Cahill c/o – people@birdlife.org.au. If you are unable to access the position description, please contact People & Safety on people@birdlife.org.au.

Applications close by 5pm, Wednesday, 23rd September 2026.

Your application must include a cover letter, a statement briefly addressing the selection criteria and your current resume.