Noosa conservation traineeships open

Trainees at a recent clean up day. Supplied

Noosa Landcare has opened applications for its next Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management traineeship program, offering a paid, 22-week full-time placement designed to build practical skills for a career in the environmental sector.

Participants will work across Noosa Landcare’s native plant nurseries as well as field-based projects throughout the Noosa Biosphere, contributing to activities aimed at supporting the recovery and resilience of the region’s natural environment.

The program provides hands-on training in plant identification, vegetation management, ecological restoration and nursery production.

Trainees also gain foundational qualifications, including weed management skills, conservation techniques and a chainsaw level-one certificate.

The position is designed to support the recovery and resilience of the natural environment.

Noosa Landcare’s Business Development and Training Manager, Mal Smith, said more than 140 people had participated in the traineeship program over the last seven years.

“The program is designed for a range of people: those who are maybe out of work, returning to the workforce or looking for a career change.”

“It’s very much an entry level course into conservation and land management.”

“We give the trainees the fundamental skills including weed management, conservation techniques, and a chainsaw level one certificate.”

“It’s very much foundational skills – a foot in the door to the industry.”

“There’s over 3,500 species of native plants here in South East Queensland, but we obviously don’t expect they will learn them all.”

“Every year we hold two traineeships. The completion rate is really high, around 90 per cent.”

Applications can only be accepted from persons not currently working or enrolled in study and must be aged 18 and over.

The traineeship is a temporary full-time position with training provided to assist in the transition to ongoing employment.

For more information on the traineeship program and to access the application form, go to www.noosalandcare.org or contact Mr Smith on email: mal.smith@noosalandcare.org

Applications close 5 December 2025 and the start date is 12 January 2026.