About Victorian National Parks Association

The Victorian National Parks Association is an effective and influential nature conservation organisation. We’ve led the creation, protection and defence of Victoria’s natural estate for over 70 years.

VNPA advocates for evidence-based policy to safeguard wildlife, habitat and protected areas. We inspire connections with nature through citizen science, activities, community action and education.

We’re an independent, non-profit, nongovernment, and membership-based charity. We’re an incorporated association with membership open to all like-minded people.

Our Vision: Victoria is a place with a diverse and healthy natural environment protected, respected and enjoyed by all.

About NextGen Nature

VNPA’s NextGen Nature program is led by young adults, for young adults. We design activities to engage, connect and empower people to care for and protect nature. Launched in 2022, NextGen Nature supports 18– to 35-year-olds to get hands-on with nature conservation in creative and impactful ways.

NextGen Nature helps people build practical skills in citizen science, communications, fundraising, and advocacy. Through field trips, workshops and leadership training, we empower young adults to stick up for nature.

Since launching, we’ve run campaign tours, citizen science excursions, and skills-building sessions, all designed to engage and inspire the next generation of nature lovers. While activities are designed for young adults, we also welcome older adults to take part too.

Now, we’re stepping it up. After a successful pilot in 2022/23, we’re taking the program to the next level. Expanding our reach, building our community and getting more young people involved in VNPA projects and activities.

About the NextGen Nature Collective

The NextGen Nature Collective advisory group is a volunteer team of passionate young adults who are driving the NextGen Nature program forward.

These innovators bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to get more young people involved in nature conservation. The group works together to shape the program’s activities, meeting every 6-10 weeks to brainstorm, plan, collaborate and learn.

If you’re passionate about sticking up for nature, this is the place for you. Let’s grow this movement together.

What you’ll gain by joining the Collective

• Build your skills and knowledge: level up your leadership and expertise in nature conservation.
• Shape projects: bring your innovative ideas to life and help design and implement dynamic projects.
• Expand your networks: connect with like-minded people within VNPA, partner organisations and the wider community.
• Create positive change: be part of projects that inspire and empower other young adults to take action and protect nature.

Summary of duties

• Shape how we reach new audiences and share your ideas on how we can engage more young adults in nature conservation. You’ll help craft communication strategies for our activities and workshops.
• Attend at least three advisory meetings annually (held every 6-10 weeks) to contribute to key decisions and guide the program.
• Join at least two NextGen Nature events a year.
• Help lead and support activities that bring the NextGen Nature vision to life.
• There may be additional duties as decided by the collective as we grow and evolve.

Selection criteria

Required skills and experience:

• Passion for engaging young adults in environmentally and socially important issues.
• Passionate about nature.
• Capacity and willingness to work as a collective.
• Motivated to learn more and get involved in nature conservation.
• Enjoy spending time in nature.
• A background in nature conservation is wonderful but not required! We’re also keen to hear from people with different skills sets.

Desirable but not essential:

• Background in Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Media and Communications, Fundraising, Campaigning, Design or Law.
• Experience in advocacy, community engagement and education.

See attached Role Description for further detail.

Interested in becoming a NextGen Nature Collective member?

Click Apply Now!

Please send enquiries to [email protected] using the subject line: NextGen Nature Collective member (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.