Volunteers
Volunteers are a very important part of the Reptile Encounters team. Our goal is to assist our volunteers in gaining the knowledge and experience required to work within the animal industry.
Our volunteers assist in a variety of daily tasks which can include:
- Food preparation
- Enclosure cleaning and maintenance
- Enrichment
- Health checks
- Visitor interactions
- Assisting with general cleaning tasks
To apply for a volunteer position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or over
- Have a valid Working with Children Check
- Commit to the minimum of one regular day a week.
- Are currently studying or completed tertiary education relevant to the animal industry.
Workplace Experience
To book work placement Students must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or over
- Have a valid Working with Children Check
- Are currently studying or completed tertiary education relevant to the animal industry.
Students will assist in a variety of daily tasks which can include:
- Food preparation
- Enclosure cleaning and maintenance
- Enrichment
- Health checks
- Visitor interactions
- Assisting with general cleaning tasks
Reptile Encounters work placement program fills up very quickly, and bookings are essential.
January 2024 Update
Unfortunately we aren’t taking any new volunteers or work placements currently.
Keep checking for updates, an Expression of Interest form will be available when we’re able to take on more.
Thanks so much for wanting to help out and hope to see you soon!
Testimonials
"During my time at Reptile Encounters I have had a huge amount of hands-on experience with Australian wildlife. I have been lucky enough to work on most of the different rounds, allowing for interaction with a range of native species. I have had fun every single day I volunteered, and when combined with the friendly and welcoming staff, it makes for a one of a kind experience."
Ashley Meakin (Volunteer)
"My favourite placement!" I enjoyed being actually able to handle the animals and learn about general husbandry for native pets-something I have never learnt before."
Geneve Manning (Work Experience Student)
"Taking part in daily operations has been incredibly fruitful in my development with learning about native husbandry. I have learned ample volumes about both snakes and lizards with Jenna, Carl and Leah, who have all been great in helping me."
Martin Duckhorn (Work Experience Student)
"It has been a great experience and has opened up more pathways to different places in the animal industry. I have learnt about how to look after many different animals from snakes to possums, their dietary requirements, and enclosures that are needed for them to have a good life in captivity."
Carl Gustus (Volunteer)
Reptile Encounters would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land.
We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present of the Kulin Nation and extend that respect to other Indigenous Australians.