Volunteers and Internships - Cassinia Environmental

Get involved at Cassinia

Cassinia recognises that one of the most important ingredients in the quest to achieve environmental sustainability is passionate, educated and practical people. Our casual volunteering and internship programs offer opportunities to those who want to explore their passion, expand their learning and gain practical experience.

We seek to provide opportunities for students and adults to receive hands on experience in the environmental and agricultural fields. We have a diverse range of projects in which to become involved, and from which valuable work and life skills can be learnt.

We have a (very) extensive network of contacts across the environmental and conservation sectors from which volunteers will have opportunities to connect with.

If you would like to volunteer with us there are two options. You can sign up as a casual volunteer or undertake an internship with us.

Intern experiences

Mia-
Intern Volunteer

“I was very grateful to get the opportunity to do an internship with Cassinia and had no idea of how much I would grow and learn throughout my time there. I have never met a more friendly and warm group, who all truly care for the environment and each other. I am studying my Masters of Environment at the moment and this was the perfect accompaniment to my degree. I had the opportunity to go out to Boort on a field trip and be out on Country with Dja Dja Wurrung and Yung Balug man Amos. This was truly a highlight and such a special experience.”

Josh-
Intern Volunteer

“Leaving school, I decided to chase my passion for environmental conservation so was keen to gain industry-based experience. I wanted to further understand what a career in the environmental field could offer and what possible opportunities may exist. I was ready to put my money where my mouth was and place myself in a position of positive growth within a dynamic and exciting workplace learning the skills that will make me more valuable within the industry. Being involved previously with Cassinia I already knew it was the right environment for my passion to evolve into success.”

Susan-
Casual Volunteer

“In August 2017 I was looking to volunteer in a way that helped our natural environment, didn’t involve too much interaction with others or decision-making and gave me some exercise and peace.
I found it but I’ve received so much more. For me, the best part of each day at Sheoak Hill, Glenmore is always the peace within the trees, the wildlife and the actual work. I have also met many amazing and lovely people who I would never have stumbled across otherwise.
I’ve learnt so much about the different native plants, birds and horrible weeds, which I happily spray, cut down and dig out. Potatoes baked in a fire of boxthorn was a highlight of winter.
The people I am with regularly are so helpful, patient, lovely, and funny. We always have a ball and I sleep well that night.”

Ab-
(Master of Environment, University of Melbourne)

“My internship with Cassinia was very rewarding and helped build some important real-world environmental problem-solving
skills. I was able to utilise my knowledge and experience and contribute to Cassinia’s goals and objectives and I felt like a
valued member of the team during my internship. As my internship was project based, I was able to deep dive into a project
about erosion management, but also given the opportunity to contribute and learn about other aspects of Cassinia.”

Adeline-
Intern Volunteer

“Interning at Cassinia gave me invaluable hands-on experience with all the different aspects of environmental restoration. I developed a biodiversity monitoring plan which allowed me to be involved in both planning and on-ground work.
In addition to working closely with the amazing Cassinia team, I also collaborated with external partners, giving me great industry exposure. It was great to apply my background in zoology and ecology to a project knowing that my work was contributing to the greater good of Australia’s ecosystems.”

Caitlin-
Intern Volunteer

“I am currently studying a masters degree in ecosystem management and conservation and I am interested in landscape-scale environmental management. Through my internship at Cassinia I gained practical experience in understanding how to balance conservation and sustainable agriculture. The team at Cassinia are, like me, interested in determining how we can best manage patches of ecologically significant remnant vegetation, whilst also building diversity and resilience into degraded agricultural systems across Australia.
A significant proportion of my internship focused on monitoring for the presence of the Striped Legless Lizard. I was given the flexibility and freedom to also participate in fieldwork outside of my project and was able to dedicate time to research about species surveying, ecological management, and biodiversity offsetting.”

Sandra-
Casual Volunteer

Monia-
Casual Volunteer

“Volunteering with Cassinia has been such an inspiring and enriching experience, and I feel really lucky to have been part of the important conservation work you are undertaking.
From learning about habitat restoration, seed collection and planting days to getting hands-on with rabbit pest management, weed control, and farm activities, every moment has been a chance to grow my knowledge and passion for environmental conservation.

Patrick,
(Master of Environment, University of Melbourne)

“I interned with Cassinia Environmental as part of my Master of Environment degree in order to gain industry experience in landscape scale restoration projects. My internship was centred around site surveys to measure carbon sequestration from environmental plantings. The project has given me valuable knowledge and experience in conducting rigorous site surveys, capturing and applying data, and project management. I have enjoyed my time in Cassinia’s supportive work environment, and I have made connections here that I know will last well into the future.”

Casual Volunteer FAQ

How do I become a Volunteer?

If you would like to become a casual volunteer with us, please fill in the expression of interest form below. We will acknowledge your interest and if we have places for more volunteers we will email you out the necessary paperwork.

When are volunteers needed?

Volunteers are needed when we undertake large tree planting projects, threatened species surveys, noxious weed eradication or other large scale tasks.
All volunteering will take place alongside our permanent staff Monday – Friday.

Do I need a licence and vehicle?

Yes. All interns need a drivers licence and their own vehicle. Relying on public transport is not an option for interns.

How strenuous is the work?

The tasks volunteers will be asked to undertake can involve a lot of walking and manual handling. Volunteers need to be physically fit and healthy. If you have any medical conditions you will need to disclose these in your expression of interest form.

Can I bring children and dogs?

Many of the tasks volunteers will undertake involve moving vehicles and potentially dangerous equipment. Due to OH&S regulations it is not suitable for children under 15 to be on site. No dogs are allowed on the properties.

What do I need to bring to a volunteering day?

When you join us for a day of volunteering you will need the following:

Food and water
Lots of layers if it is cold and Sunsmart clothes if it is hot
A broadbrim hat is a MUST in summer
Work boots
Snake gaiters during warmer months
A deck chair if you would prefer not to sit on the ground at lunchtime.
Your phone. We ask all volunteers to have the Vic Emergency App and the Emergency + App downloaded on their phones.

Can I volunteer for my secondary school work experience or as part of my Uni course?

Yes we take work experience students and Uni students.

Are volunteers insured?

Volunteers are insured when volunteering with us.
We recommend that you have an ambulance subscription and we ask you to download the Emergency + App and the Vic Emergency App

Can I receive a reference for my volunteering?

We are happy to provide references for our volunteers on request.

Once I have registered how do I know when I can volunteer?

Cassinia will send out an email to all volunteers when there is a volunteering opportunity. The email will detail when and where it is, what tasks are involved and how many people are needed. If you are interested and available, you can commit to that volunteering day with us via a return email.

What if I have offered to volunteer but have to change my plans?

We know plans can change. We ask if you cannot make it to let us know as early as possible, so we have time to replace you.

What is the Volunteer Alumni Program?

The Volunteer Alumni Program keeps past volunteers connected with Cassinia Environmental and with each other. It is a group of interested and skilled people who can network and assist each other to continue their work and interest in the environmental field.

Do I need a working with childrens check?

Yes, a working with children check is required. You may apply for a free WWC check as a volunteer with us.

Intern Volunteer FAQ

Why do Cassinia Environmental offer an internship?

Cassinia recognises that one of the most important ingredients in the quest to achieve environmental sustainability is passionate, educated and practical people. Our internship aims to offer opportunities to those who want to explore their passion, expand their learning and gain practical experience.

How long is an internship?

Internships generally run for a 12 or 24 week period.

What is the time commitment?

The internship will be tailored to meet the needs of the intern and the work which is required to be completed. Most interns work 2-3 days per week.

Are interns paid?

Interns are volunteers, not employees and are not paid a wage. Interns will receive a small stipend to cover basic expenses incurred while with us.

What is the application process?

If you are interested in applying for an internship please complete the expression of interest form below. Your interest will be acknowledged and if there are vacancies in the program we will ask you to supply us with more information about yourself including a resume.

Who will manage me?

Interns will have a manager assigned to them who will oversee their internship and any project work.

What will I be doing?

Interns will have a job description created for them. Some interns may work on a very specific project while others may work on a range of both office and field based projects.

Where will I be working?

Interns usually work across a mixture of our properties which are scattered throughout Victoria. They will also work at the Cassinia office based at the Social Foundry in Kyneton and from home.

What qualifications do I need?

No qualifications are necessary. The internship will be tailored to the skill and experience level of each individual intern.

Can I do an internship in conjunction with my university course?

Yes, we will work with you and your university to create a practical and flexible internship for you. We can help you design a project to assist you to complete your fieldwork hours.

Will I have the opportunity to work with other organisations?

Cassinia Environmental have close partnerships with many amazing environmental organisations. If and when the opportunity arises, interns will be given the chance to network with these organisations.

What equipment do I need, computers etc.?

Cassinia will provide any task specific equipment and PPE that you require. You will need to supply your own laptop.

What will I receive at the end of the Internship?

Interns will receive the opportunity to provide feedback on the program to enhance it for future interns.

Interns will receive a completion document outlining their internship, the projects they have been working on and any specific skills they have acquired.

Interns will be invited to be part of the Cassinia Environmental Volunteer Alumni program.

Do I need a working with childrens check?

Yes, a working with children check is required. You may apply for a free WWC check as a volunteer with us.

Would you like to be part of our annual threatened species monitoring program?

Swift Parrot
Photo credit: birdsaspoetry.com

Behr’s Swainson Pea
Photo credit: Kim Cornford

Golden Sun Moth
Photo credit: Laura Barsdell

Striped Legless Lizard
Photo credit: Annette Ruzicka

If you have any questions or would like to start the registration process to become a volunteer with us please fill in and submit the expression of interest form below. Once we receive your form, we will get in touch with you via email.

— Emma, Intern Volunteer

“I interned with Cassinia for 3 months in order to gain hands on experience in environmental management.
A large proportion of my internship was on ground work, working closely with a very skilled operations team, it allowed me to experience all the different practical aspects of land management and restoration. Everyday was always very different! As part of my project, I assessed potential properties to purchase using QGIS, focusing on viable properties for revegetation. The project allowed me to extend my skills in spatial analysis, whilst working beside a supportive team. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Cassinia, where I have made valuable memories within a tight knit company that cares about the environment.passion for environmental conservation so was keen to gain industry-based experience. I wanted to further understand what a career in the environmental field could offer and what possible opportunities may exist. I was ready to put my money where my mouth was and place myself in a position of positive growth within a dynamic and exciting workplace learning the skills that will make me more valuable within the industry. Being involved previously with Cassinia I already knew it was the right environment for my passion to evolve into success.”