Conservation Science Careers

All interested secondary school students and university undergraduates are invited to join Bush Heritage Australia's online event on the eve of National Science Week 2026 - Conservation Science Careers.

This virtual event offers the opportunity for students to connect with, learn from and be inspired by field professionals in conservation science.

Individual students are welcome to register, along with course managers or subject teachers who would like to bring a class or group together to join the event.

View the event information booklet for more details.

Event times

• 11.30 am - 12.30 pm - VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS, QLD   

• 11.00 am - 12.00 pm - SA, NT                               

• 9.30 am - 10.30 am - WA                                     
  
  

Bush Heritage Presenters

Ned is a Reserve Manager at Bush Heritage's Reedy Creek reserve in Central Eastern Queensland. His professional background is in botany, field ecology and land management with a focus on invasive weed control. Through his studies in a Bachelor of Forest Science at Southern Cross University, Ned developed a passion for the amazing resilience and biodiversity of the Australian landscape, from the arid rangelands to the sweeping coastlines and everything in between. Ned completed a Seeding the Future internship with Bush Heritage in 2023 and after a few short years has returned as a Reserve Manager at the beautiful Reedy Creek Reserve. Ned knows that in a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever that our young scientists and conservationists are inspired to actively contribute in any way they can. 

Andy is the Ecologist for Bush Heritage Australia's Pullen Pullen Special Wildlife Reserve in Queensland. With a career built on nearly two decades of hands-on conservation across some of the country's most ecologically significant landscapes, he holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Wildlife Biology and Conservation Management and has managed the conservation of some of Australia's most threatened species, including the Northern hairy-nosed Wombat and Night Parrot. He came from humble beginnings, volunteering across the country where persistence paid off and he secured positions with Australia's leading conservation organisations. Andy enjoys teaching and training the next generation of conservationists, volunteering on his projects and encourages them to get hands-on experience, stay curious and pursue their passion, as it can lead to an extremely fulfilling career.

Issy is an ecology intern at Bush Heritage Australia, where she completed her Honours research. She studied Zoology at Monash University, which strengthened her passion for protecting wildlife and for evidence-based conservation. She has worked across conservation settings in Borneo and Malaysia, as well as monitoring Little Penguins, wombats, kangaroos and lorikeets in Australia. She found these experiences exciting and rewarding but also challenging, enabling her how to adapt in the field. Her interest in Indigenous science and culturally grounded conservation aligns strongly with Bush Heritage and has shaped the way she thinks about protecting Country, conservation practice and scientific skills. She recommends that aspiring conservationists reach out to those who inspire them as real-world advice is very valuable.

Host

A proud Kaurareg woman, Tiahni is a conservation biologist and science communicator who brings people together through thoughtful conversation, storytelling, and a deep connection to Country. She currently serves as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager at Bush Heritage Australia, helping to deepen partnerships with Traditional Custodians and protect over 20 million hectares of land and sea Country. Tiahni's leadership and work in sustainability, climate change, caring for Country and empowering First Nations communities has been widely recognised with the 2024 SA Young Australian of the Year, one of Science and Technology Australia’s ‘Superstars of STEM’, the 2025 SA Women of Impact Community Award and a Top Young Gun in Adelaide’s power list of 2026.

Why Conservation Science?

The increasing awareness of environmental issues, coupled with the need for professionals to address them, is driving the demand for conservation scientists. Governments and private companies are investing in environmental protection and sustainability, leading to more job opportunities in this field.

Employment for environmental and conservation scientists in Australia is projected to experience strong growth of over 12% by 2030, driven by the nation's transition to net-zero emissions, sustainability demands, and rising environmental regulations.

The multidisciplinary nature of environmental science also offers great career progression and lateral movement between industries and contributes to a long and fulfilling career with boundless opportunities for growth and change.

Careers in Conservation Science significantly contribute to protecting the planet and promoting sustainable practices. By researching, advising, and implementing solutions, these professionals help manage natural resources, mitigate environmental damage, and ensure a healthier future for all.

Bush Heritage acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the places in which we live and work. We recognise and respect the enduring relationships they have with their lands and waters, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.