TropEco Interns
TropEco Interns make a positive contribution to sustainability and gain skills and knowledge to implement sustainability programs at JCU or in the community. By participating in the TropEco Interns program you receive Certification for your efforts and join a growing number of students making a difference towards a sustainable future.
Applying for a TropEco Internship is easy. Just follow the steps below to get started.
- Read the information about the Interns program on this webpage.
- Check out the list of available TropEco Intern projects for your campus and choose one that interests you.
- Complete the TropEco Interns Application Form.
- Email the completed form to tropeco@jcu.edu.au.
- One of our TropEco staff members will contact you to discuss your Internship placement and create a project plan with you.
To apply for a TropEco Internship, you must be a JCU student, currently studying at either our Cairns or Townsville campuses.
Below is a list of projects available for interns at our Townsville campus. If you're interested in participating or need more information, please reach out. Currently, we only have staff based in Townsville, so any programs at other campuses will need to be conducted remotely.
If you have a project idea that isn't listed and would like to explore its potential, talk to one of the TropEco team members to see if it can be developed into an intern project. If it is suitable, we'll help you get started.
| Project | Description | Contribution per week |
|---|---|---|
| Ecological restoration | Learn the complete process of ecological restoration from the ground up. This on-campus project involves working within a small team to plan, plant, maintain, and monitor a riparian restoration plot. | 4+ hours |
| Flora mapping | This program teaches participants flora identification and involves them in building and managing a large living collection database. Interns collect field data and log it into our interactive portal. | 2+ hours |
| Threatened species translocation | A focused teaching and learning experience on the process and considerations involved in threatened species translocation. This project is recommended for third-year or Master's students seeking experience in threatened species management. | 3+ hours |
| Nursery Assistant | This placement provides hands-on experience in propagating native and exotic plants, processing seeds, weeding, and other tasks commonly faced by environmental students in botanical roles or research. The program trains students in propagating species from easy to advanced, using various techniques, and understanding the special needs of unique species. Additionally, interns can take home excess plants as a bonus. | 4+ hours |
| Flora research | Participate in germination and treatment research focused on endangered species cultivated at JCU for real-world conservation efforts. | 5+ hours |
| General assistance | Interested in getting involved but not sure where to start? This diverse position covers landscaping, site assessment, work on campus ponds, green walls, and related components. | 3+ hours |
| Ecological landscape repair | Enhancing JCU gardens for greater ecological sustainability, including establishing bee and lizard gardens. This project entails planting and mapping new species in the gardens, including endangered and specialized plants. | 3+ hours |
| Fauna surveys | Conducting active surveys and passive monitoring using camera traps and field spotting to expand our database. This includes monitoring and documenting nests and hollows. | 4+ hours |
| Biosecurity monitoring | Gain experience in conducting biosecurity assessments for flora and fauna, and in developing management plans. | 2+ hours |
| Rotary Community Garden | Participate in weeding, mulching, irrigation assessment, and propagation activities at our on-campus community garden, along with growing crops in our nursery. | 1+ hours |
Where is the program based?
The projects are primarily based on campus, with occasional field trips to locations such as Orpheus and Daintree in special cases.
What experience is required to apply?
No prior experience is required; this program is designed for our students, recognizing that not all students have extensive real-world experience. However, some programs may be competitive, and preference is given to interns with relevant backgrounds.
What if I have a field trip or exam scheduled during my internship?
Don't worry, your studies are a priority. If you need time off from the internship to focus on your classes, we will be flexible and accommodate your schedule.
What if I decide to change projects?
It's quite common for interns to change projects as they learn more about different areas through classes or placements. We welcome transfers between programs.