Work with us
At Wagtail Collective, we believe the toughest problems can get solved when the right people are in the room together. We convene bold conversations and build unlikely coalitions that lead to better outcomes for people and nature.
Explore current employment opportunities below.
About the Biodiversity & Renewables Institute Australia (BRIA)
The Biodiversity & Renewables Institute Australia (BRIA) is a newly formed organisation tackling a critical question: how can Australia deliver the rapid renewable energy build-out the country needs without driving further loss of biodiversity?
Founded by experienced clean energy professionals of Wagtail Collective (formerly of Pacific Hydro, Tilt Renewables and others), BRIA is an independent research institute in its formative stage working to build the evidence base that renewable energy developers, scientists, environmental organisations and policymakers need to make better decisions. The goal is an energy transition that is nature-positive.
About the Role
BRIA is seeking a Melbourne-based law student (or recent graduate) to join the founding team as a Legal Research Intern for an initial 6-month engagement. The intern will work directly alongside BRIA's founders and key collaborators, contributing to the organisation's establishment, governance, strategy and member engagement work.
This is a hands-on role for a student interested in environmental law, energy transition, land-use planning, not-for-profit governance and management or public policy. It’s a rare opportunity to be involved in the building of a new institution from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities
The intern will support BRIA across five work streams:
Governance design and development — research, advice, drafting and ongoing management of BRIA's governance structure, including registration for not-for-profit status, constitutional documents, member or partner agreements, decision-making frameworks and conflict-of-interest protocols.
Policy and legal monitoring — tracking state and federal legal and policy developments relevant to renewable energy, biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, native vegetation laws, and land-use planning. Preparing concise internal and external briefings on material developments.
Stakeholder input synthesis — synthesising input and feedback from BRIA member discussions, advisory conversations, and stakeholder engagements into structured outputs that inform BRIA's advocacy positions and member communications.
Communications content — drafting regular updates, briefings, position pieces and content for BRIA members and external stakeholders, with direction and editorial support from the founding team.
Membership fundraising and pitches — supporting member acquisition and partnership conversations through research on prospective members and pitch material preparation.
What You’ll Gain
Direct engagement with senior executives across Australia's national renewable energy and clean energy sectors.
Direct engagement with state and federal policymakers working on the energy transition and environmental law.
Frontline exposure to the evolving legal landscape around not-for-profit law, regional and land-use planning, EPBC reforms and environmental policy, areas in which Australian law is actively being shaped.
Mentorship from founders with decades of combined experience developing renewable energy projects in Australia.
The experience of building an institution, rare for any early-career professional and particularly valuable for a law student interested in public-interest, environmental or energy law.
What We’re Looking For
Currently enrolled Melbourne-based (or regional) university law student (penultimate or final-year strongly preferred; recent graduates also considered).
Strong encouragement for students who can integrate this internship as part of credit-recognised coursework (e.g. Public Interest Law Initiative placements, or supervised legal advisory practice subjects). Please flag this in your application.
Genuine interest in environmental law, energy transition, public policy, not-for-profit or land-use law.
Strong written communication: comfortable drafting briefings, summaries and member updates.
Self-directed and able to manage a consistent weekly commitment alongside studies.
Comfortable working in a start-up environment with evolving priorities and limited structure.
Experience and/or an appreciation for working with diverse stakeholders from energy, not-for-profit, university, First Nations and public sectors.
Terms and Conditions
Hours: Consistent 12 hours per week across the 6-month initial engagement, with flexibility around academic deadlines.
Location: Hybrid, Melbourne-based with in-person attendance at BRIA convenings and key stakeholder meetings; remote work otherwise. Interstate travel and related expenses with be covered by BRIA.
Compensation: This is initially an unpaid voluntary role. All BRIA founders and organisers are currently working on a volunteer basis as the organisation establishes itself. Subject to performance and BRIA's fundraising success, there is potential for the role to transition to a paid part/full-time position post the initial six months.
Course credit pathway: Strongly encouraged. We will provide the supervision, documentation and reporting required for your university’s placement or course-credit programs caveating that the Wagtail Collective is not a law firm, so this role is not relevant for a formal legal practicum.
Reporting: Direct to BRIA's founding team (Martine Holberton).
How to Apply
Please send the following to hello@wagtail-collective.com:
A short cover letter (in the body of your email) outlining your interest in BRIA's mission and how this internship would integrate with your studies (including whether you intend to seek course credit).
Your CV and link to your LinkedIn page.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis. We anticipate confirming the placement by 22 June 2026.
For any questions before applying, please reach out to Rebecca Lake at hello@wagtail-collective.com.