Environmental Science & Policy internship in Australia
Work on research, conservation and environmental policy projects in Australia.
What you'll do
Your day-to-day
As an Environmental Science & Policy intern in Australia, you might:
- Help collect field data on ecosystems and wildlife.
- Research environmental issues and help draft policy documents.
- Help run community and school programs on conservation.
- Analyze environmental data to support decisions.
- Support habitat restoration and pollution reduction projects.
You'll build research, data and communication skills for environmental work.
Local know-how
What to know before you go
Environmental science and policy in Australia
Australia's environmental work is shaped by law and by a few huge natural assets. The Great Barrier Reef is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, a federal agency that sets zoning rules, issues permits and publishes a reef Outlook Report every five years. Nationally, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is the main federal environment law, and large projects that may affect protected species or places must be assessed under it.
That mix of science, regulation and reporting is what many host teams work on, from impact assessments to data and community programs. The reef is off Queensland, but our Australia internships are in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, so most placements are city-based. Expect research, data and writing tasks, with any fieldwork depending on the host company.
Job roles
Research Assistant Intern
Help with fieldwork, lab work and data analysis for environmental studies.
Policy Development Intern
Research issues and help draft policy documents.
Environmental Education Intern
Help design and run workshops for schools and communities.
Sustainability Projects Intern
Help businesses and communities reduce their environmental footprint.
Conservation Intern
Work on habitat restoration and species protection.
Community Outreach Intern
Get local people involved in conservation projects.
Your exact tasks depend on your host company, and all our host companies in Australia work in English.
The industry
The Environmental Science & Policy industry in Australia
Economic impact
Australia has unique wildlife and landscapes, from the Great Barrier Reef to the outback, and managing water, fire and climate risk matters to its economy.
Technology
Teams use drones, satellite images and data tools to monitor ecosystems and manage natural resources.
Career opportunities
Research, policy, consulting, education and conservation roles are all options, and your internship helps you see which path fits.
Prices
How much it costs
Asia Internship Program prices depend on your program and how long you stay. See the destination page for the full price table.
FAQ
Questions interns ask
Can I intern with a government agency on environmental policy in Australia?
We can't promise a government placement. Tell us your goal on your free call with a career advisor and we'll look for the closest match, such as a consultancy or NGO.
Can I work on the Great Barrier Reef during an environmental internship in Australia?
Our Australia internships are in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, so reef fieldwork isn't typical. Reef-related research and policy work in an office is more likely.
Is there environmental law work in an Australian internship?
Some host companies handle approvals, compliance or policy writing. We can't promise a legal role, and interns never give legal advice.
Applications open all year
Your field, somewhere new.
It's free to apply, and you only pay a deposit once you're accepted.