This is a great program: Parks Victoria (PV) Track Rangers are volunteers who walk and camp along popular tracks during peak holidays in order to provide a presence in key visitation areas and providing hikers with up-to-date park information.

If you have good experience in remote area walking plus appropriate skills and the right personality, it’s a great opportunity to be out in some fantastic country and contribute in a positive way to the management of some of the state’s best parks.

It involves a 4 to 6 day commitment. Full details below.

According to PV:

Participating in the track ranger volunteer program is a great way to help Parks Victoria by providing a presence and friendly contact point at campsites and trails in the Victoria’s national parks, promoting minimal impact techniques to improve awareness of park environment and providing visitors with current park information.

Where?

The program runs in the Great Alpine National Park (Mt Bogong, Mt Feathertop, the Alpine Crossing between Falls Creek and Mount Hotham and Mount Buffalo), Grampians National Park, Cathedral Range State Park and Wilsons Promontory National Park.

When?

The program usually for 4 to 6 days across the New Year period, over selected long weekends and Easter.

What key skills are needed?

You will need strong experience in remote area hiking and camping, high level of fitness, positive attitude, strong communication and interpersonal skills, a valid first aid certificate and must be willing to camp out for a minimum of 4 nights in remote areas.

Volunteers may apply as couples or singles, in which case you will be paired up with a second track ranger to ensure safety. Volunteers must be fully self-sufficient. Download the Volunteer Track Ranger Role Description.

A National Police Check will also be conducted on all successful applicants with the cost covered by Parks Victoria. This is now completed online to save processing times.

A Working with Children Check is also required and can be obtained by visiting www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au. This check is free for all Volunteers.

For any questions please email volunteertrackrangers@parks.vic.gov.au.

How to join

To apply please register your interest here.