Volunteering for the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program combines hard work with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and stunning scenery. Life as a volunteer looks like staying up late at night to spot nesting turtles and tracks by moonlight, lying on the sand watching turtles lay, collecting tagging data and taking measurements, walking several kilometres in the sand daily, having conversations in the darkness with strangers who become friends, sleeping during daylight and swimming in pristine water, and helping each other cook and clean in shared living spaces. It’s not easy, but it’s a fulfilling and exciting role that contributes greatly to the success of the Program’s monitoring and conservation outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

When can I volunteer?
The turtle nesting season in the North West Shelf is from late October through to February. The Program’s monitoring occurs over four weeks from late November to late December, finishing before Christmas.
How long can I volunteer for?
There is one rotation of volunteers each week. Most volunteers will stay on the island for a single week, but some experienced volunteers stay on for two weeks. Due to the environmental conditions (high heat and humidity) and the work, two weeks is the maximum duration for volunteers.
What experience do I need to become a volunteer?
There is no formal experience required to be a volunteer with the Program. Volunteers from all backgrounds and experiences are considered and will receive the training necessary before heading to the field and on the ground to ensure they are ready for the work. However, a love of the outdoors and the ability to walk long distances (several kilometres per day) in sand and heat is required.
What are the costs for volunteers?
Volunteers must pay a flat fee of $150 to attend which goes towards running costs for the monitoring program. Flights to the departure town (where you will be flown or transported via boat to the island) are to be booked and paid for by each volunteer, with the cost reimbursed after attending. All other expenses for the volunteering are covered by the Program.
Is there an age restriction for volunteers?

All volunteers must be over 18. 

Locations

Thevenard Island

Thevenard Island is located off the coast of Onslow in Thalanyji Country. Volunteers stay in cabins equipped with bathrooms and kitchen amenities close to the monitoring beach. Photo - Clodagh Guildea/DBCA

Delambre Island

Delambre Island is located off the coast of Karratha in Ngarluma Country. Volunteers camp on the monitoring beach in supplied tents and share a camp kitchen and toilets. Photo - DBCA

Other turtle monitoring programs

There are several Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Non-Government Organisation (NGO) turtle monitoring programs that run across Western Australia. These programs monitor a range of turtle species, including flatback, green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. 

Depending on the location and species, other programs may run at the same time or different time to the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program. There are plenty of opportunities to be involved in turtle monitoring in Western Australia!  

Photo - Craig Duncan/DBCA

Find out more here

Volunteering with DBCA

In addition to turtle monitoring programs, the Department has many other volunteering programs you can contribute to within the Parks and Wildlife Service. Volunteers are involved in on-ground projects that contribute to conservation, science, recreation and tourism. Some of these projects can give you access to work in areas not usually available to the public, like working in restricted areas or with rare fauna and flora. 

DBCA (including the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program and Parks and Wildlife Service) recognises registered volunteers for their contributions by including them in its rewards program.  Volunteers can get park passes and discounts on Parks and Wildlife Service publications and subscriptions like LANDSCOPE magazine.

Photo - Alan Gill/DBCA

 

Find out more here

Register your interest

Interested in volunteering for the next nesting season?
Volunteer now

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.