Student Work Experience Placements

ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) can accommodate a limited number of work experience placements at its various depots and districts in and around Canberra.

Work experience opportunities depend on the availability of appropriate staff to supervise and support a student placement. Placements are usually undertaken for one week (5 days), although one day per week for a semester can on occasion also be accommodated.

Work Experience Applications ( PDF 93 Kb) are received by the PCS Work Experience Coordinator, who will liaise with staff at the student's preferred location and determine if the requested dates can be accommodated within the works program of that area. Although PCS staff endeavour to accommodate all requests, there are times when work commitments do not permit a student placement, and we apologise in advance for any disappointment this many cause.

Please note: No placements are accepted during the fire season. The fire season is generally from 1 October until 31 March, although this time period maybe extended depending upon conditions at the time. The only exception to this is a horticultural placement in the City.

PCS can offer work experience opportunities in visitor services, ranger, park worker, wildlife and horticulture areas. Students generally work across most areas available at a district or depot, to gain a better understanding of the work and skills required for each position. Placements are offered to high school students in Years 10, 11 or 12. Tertiary students undertaking a relevant diploma or degree with a course required work experience placement may be considered if resources allow.

Conditions

For students to be considered for the PCS Work Experience program:

• The educational institution must provide insurance to cover the student for the duration of the placement;
• Students must demonstrate a desire to either work or undertake further studies in areas of natural and cultural resource management, conservation and environmental management, tourism and recreation and/or horticulture or forestry;
• Placements are to be undertaken Monday to Friday only – no weekend Work Experience will be accepted;
• Students must complete a Work Experience Application form and lodge it with the Work Experience Coordinator - refer to contact details below;
• Enquiries and Applications can be made by the student, school careers advisor or the parent/guardian;
• Completion and lodgement of the Work Experience Application Form does not mean that a placement is guaranteed. You will be advised by the PCS Work Experience Coordinator when and if a placement has been approved or not;
• A minimum period of 21 days should be allowed for the approval process. If placement dates are set by the school then Work Experience Applications need to be lodged a minimum of 21 days from required start date. Applications lodged within that 21 day period can not be guaranteed an approval or placement.

How to Apply

Complete the PCS Work Experience Placement Application ( PDF 93 Kb)  and send it to the PCL Work Experience Coordinator by one of the following methods: 

• Fax - 6207 2544
• E-mail - veronica.collins@act.gov.au
• Post - GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601
• Hand delivered - PCL Stromlo Depot, 500 Cotter Road, Weston ACT 2611

You may also like to consider joining one of the many volunteer programs in the ACT, that offer hands-on involvement in caring for the natural environment.