Volunteer with us

Volunteering is a great way to take action towards sustainability and contribute positively to the University community. Our volunteer opportunities offer students the chance to learn about waste education, promote sustainable habits, make friends, and engage with people across the University on topics around sustainability.

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Join the Sustainability Volunteer Network

Sustainability Volunteer Teams channel

Waste Warrior Volunteer at a Summer Orientation event.

Why become a Sustainability Volunteer?

  • Your volunteered hours can count towards a Melbourne Plus Sustainability Advocacy credential
  • Be part of and get recognised in our annual Sustainability Awards Ceremony
  • Become an advocate for sustainability while you’re on campus
  • Gain skills in promotion, education and engagement and build workplace-ready skills
  • Learn more about sustainability topics including waste and biodiversity
  • Meet like-minded staff and students on campus
  • Directly contribute to the University's Sustainability Plan 2030

Please ensure that you have read the Sustainability Volunteer Information & Expectations document as well as the Sustainability Volunteer Privacy Notice.

Volunteer Roles

Our volunteer program capacitates students to directly contribute to the target areas in our Sustainability Plan 2030 by providing them with the skills and knowledge to be graduates for a sustainable future.

  • This volunteer activity involves promoting and supporting reuse and waste reduction initiatives at the University. Students play a crucial role in supporting these operational initiatives and are able to build both engagement and operational skills sets.
    Target area of the Sustainability Plan 2030: Just & Circular Economy
    Volunteer roles:
    • Waste Warrior - Support the diversion of organic waste from landfill at large-scale events by monitoring bins, minimising contamination, and engaging with attendees to provide clear guidance on correct waste disposal.
    • Choose to Reuse Auditor - Observe and assess customer and retailer behaviours when interacting with the Choose to Reuse (C2R) program to help evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for enhancement.
    • Choose to Reuse Inventory Stocktaker - Assist with quarterly (every three months) stocktakes of reusable items to support accurate tracking, availability, and effective reuse across campus.
    • Resource Recovery Volunteer (Circular Station) - Support the operation of the Circular Station located in the Student Precinct by managing and servicing the collection of hard-to-recycle waste streams and assisting the campus community to dispose of items responsibly.

    Melbourne Plus page

  • This volunteer activity involves supporting the monitoring and enhancement of campus biodiversity. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities whilst also developing their plant and animal ID skills.
    Target area of the Sustainability Plan 2030: Healthy Ecosystems
    Volunteer Roles:
    • Tree Planter - Volunteer to help plant the campus green! Planting events are advertised throughout the year. Subscribe to the volunteer mailing list to be notified about upcoming planting days.
    • Citizen Science volunteer - Help the University manage it's biodiversity by providing valuable observation data.
      • Download the iNaturalist app and submit fauna and fungi sightings all year round.
      • Complete this form when you have completed at least 20 sightings to be eligible for Melbourne Plus recognition
    • Community Garden volunteer - Volunteer with the community garden and develop your green thumb.
      • Contact melbourneunicommunitygarden@gmail.com for more information about Community Garden volunteering.

    Melbourne Plus page

FAQs

  • Sign up for the volunteer mailing list, join the UoM Sustainability Volunteers Network and follow our Instagram to learn about volunteer opportunities. When opportunities are advertised, fill in the expression of interest form that the Sustainability Delivery team will post, and we will contact you if your application has been successful.

    You do not require any experience to become a volunteer, simply a passion for making a positive change!

    Sustainability Volunteers Expectations

  • Depending on the activities you sign up for, a volunteer “shift” can take 1-8 hours. You will be free to choose the opportunities you sign up for, but to be eligible for Melbourne Plus, you must complete at least 10 hours of voluntary engagement.

Available positions

Sign up to the sustainability volunteers mailing list to be notified when volunteer positions become available.

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Want more?

If you have an idea for a sustainability project or task you’d like to volunteer your time for, contact the Sustainability team via email, detailing how your idea would benefit the student experience on campus.

Contact us