Work experience

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service offers work experience placements for students with our teams across various depots and districts.

Placements are available for:

  • High school students in Years 10, 11 or 12
  • CIT students completing a relevant diploma that includes a work placement.

During a placement, students will observe day-to-day operations and learn about the skills and responsibilities involved in different roles across the service.

Placement locations

Work experience opportunities may be available at:

  • Athllon Depot – ranger and general services duties
  • Mitchell Depot – ranger and general services duties
  • Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Visitor Information Centre, ranger and general services duties
  • Namadgi National Park – Visitor Information Centre, ranger and general services duties
  • Murrumbidgee River Corridor – ranger and general services duties
  • Googong Depot – ranger and general services duties
  • Stromlo Depot – forestry operations, fire management (non-frontline), biosecurity and rural services, volunteer management and visitor services

Placements are usually one week long. Opportunities depend on operational requirements and staff availability to supervise and support students.

Work experience placements are not available during the fire season, generally from 1 October to 31 March. This period may be extended depending on seasonal conditions.

A park ranger or guide demonstrates a natural object, such as a piece of wood, to a young participant during an outdoor educational activity. Mountains and a clear blue sky form the background.

How to apply

Complete the ACT Parks and Conservation Work Experience application form.

Applications can be submitted by:

  • Students
  • School careers advisors
  • Parents or guardians.

You will need to provide:

  • Personal details
  • School or tertiary education information
  • Emergency contact details
  • Placement preferences
  • A short pitch about why you would like the placement
  • Acknowledgement of the placement conditions.

Applications are reviewed by the Work Experience Coordinator and forwarded to the requested depot or district.

Each area assesses applications based on available dates and staff capacity. While we aim to accommodate requests, placements cannot always be offered.

For questions about the program, or to discuss accessibility considerations, email ACTParks.Education@act.gov.au.

Three people stand on the veranda of a rustic heritage-style building. Two wear field uniforms and wide-brimmed hats, while the person in the centre holds a handheld camera or recording device and wears a backpack.

Eligibility and conditions

To be considered for a placement:

  • You must complete the ACT Parks and Conservation Work Experience application form.
  • You must demonstrate an interest in working or studying in natural and cultural resource management, conservation, environmental management, tourism, recreation or forestry.
  • Your school or education provider must arrange insurance cover for the student for the duration of the placement.

Please note:

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee a placement
  • You will be notified once your application has been assessed and advised on the outcome.
  • Placements are available during school terms only, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
  • Apply at least 14 days before your preferred start date. Applications received within 14 days may not be able to be processed in time.
  • Students should expect a combination of office-based and field-based experience. Final arrangements will be confirmed with the host team.

Two people stand on a dry grassy hillside overlooking a bushland landscape. One person uses binoculars to scan the distance while another holds a notebook or field guide, observing the surrounding environment under a clear blue sky.

Other ways to get involved