Volunteer with us
EWB volunteers work side by side with people in different countries to solve real problems together, sharing skills, learning from each other, and making life better for the whole community. Current opportunitiesOur volunteers work as part of locally-led teams, contributing technical expertise to projects that prioritise community ownership, environmental sustainability, and long-term impact. Placements are designed to grow capacity on both sides of the partnership.
“The best thing about this team is our synergy. We don’t just work alongside each other; we combine our technical expertise to solve problems that are bigger than any one person.“
Current volunteer opportunities
Engineers Without Borders works across four programme regions. Active in-person field placements are listed below. Click through to view the full position description for each role.
Field Technician – Sustainable System
Support the country team with solar-powered wet mills, sustainable coffee processing equipment, and high-yield seedling nurseries.
Climate-Resilient WASH Mentor
Provide technical assistance to the Cambodia engineering team on climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions for rural communities.
No current openings
EWB partners with First Nations communities and organisations across Australia. New volunteer opportunities will be listed here when available.
No current openings
EWB supports community-led infrastructure and capacity building across Vanuatu. New volunteer opportunities will be listed here when available.
Roles that support our programs and projects overseas:
Field Technician for Sustainable System (Timor-Leste)
Position Details
| Job Title: | Field Technician – Sustainable System (Volunteer) |
| Conditions: | Full-time voluntary role based in EWB’s Timor-Leste office |
| Duration: | 12 month in-person |
| Location: | Dili, Timor-Leste |
| Work status requirement: | This position is open to Australians and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only. |
| Closing date: | 31 May 2026 |
Role purpose
The role is to provide a professional in-country volunteer who can support the country team with testing solar-powered wet mills built from repurposed Australian panels, developing equipment using recycled and sustainable materials for other parts of the coffee processing pipeline, and helping nurseries get high-yield seedlings established. The volunteer will use a combination of imported and local tools and materials, and will need to independently make decisions and test ideas.
How to apply
Please submit your application via this online application form. You will need to include your CV and respond to the registration questions. Applications will be reviewed as received and the role will be held open until the candidate has been appointed.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you have any questions about the position, please email engineering@ewb.org.au.
Climate-Resilient WASH Mentor (Cambodia)
Position Details
| Job Title: | Climate-Resilient WASH Mentor (Volunteer) |
| Conditions: | Full-time voluntary role based in EWB’s Cambodia office |
| Duration: | 6 month in-person |
| Location: | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| Closing date: | Mid May 2026 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis) |
Role purpose
The role provides technical assistance to EWB’s engineering team in Cambodia, supporting EWB’s mission to create social value through engineering, with a focus on climate-resilient WASH solutions. It includes work with rural communities to develop low-cost innovative solutions related to sanitation in challenging environments and climate change, while strengthening technical capacity and partnerships to ensure sustainability and inclusivity.
How to apply
Please submit your application via this online application form. You will need to include your CV and respond to the registration questions. Applications will be reviewed as received and the role will be held open until the candidate has been appointed.
If you have any questions about the position, please email engineering@ewb.org.au.
Many ways to volunteer
EWB Australia was founded in 2003 on the idea that engineering, along with complementary skill sets and aligned organisations, can lift people out of poverty. One of the best ways to contribute to making this vision a reality is to work with us, participate in one of our programs, or volunteer. There are many opportunities to give your time, in ways that align with your skills, interests and experience.
Youth Outreach
Who: Anyone can deliver Youth Outreach!
What: Inspiring primary and secondary students to become the next generation of engineering-led changemakers.
EWB Australia’s school initiatives deliver thematic learning modules to schools throughout Australia in metro (our “Schools Outreach” program) and regional (our “Regioneering” program) areas.
Learn more here.
Youth Outreach
Who: Anyone can deliver Youth Outreach!
What: Inspiring primary and secondary students to become the next generation of engineering-led changemakers.
EWB Australia’s school initiatives deliver thematic learning modules to schools throughout Australia in metro (our “Schools Outreach” program) and regional (our “Regioneering” program) areas.
Learn more here.
Chapter Engagement & Leadership
Drawn from all walks of life, our Chapter members are a diverse group of people, united by a passion to make a difference. Join the EWB network and be part of something special. Learn more here.
Chapter Engagement & Leadership
Drawn from all walks of life, our Chapter members are a diverse group of people, united by a passion to make a difference. Join the EWB network and be part of something special. Learn more here.
Program & Project Support
A range of roles are available to support our EWB Australia Office, including Country Programs (Australia, Cambodia, Vanuatu, Timor Leste) and projects alongside EWB staff engaged in key function areas including Engineering, Finance, Marketing & Communications and Operations support. These roles are advertised through our website with positions available that align with those who are still studying at university through to those still in the workforce or retired.
Program & Project Support
A range of roles are available to support our EWB Australia Office, including Country Programs (Australia, Cambodia, Vanuatu, Timor Leste) and projects alongside EWB staff engaged in key function areas including Engineering, Finance, Marketing & Communications and Operations support. These roles are advertised through our website with positions available that align with those who are still studying at university through to those still in the workforce or retired.
Mentoring
Key role for skilled professionals who have experience leading teams, training or capacity building and can provide their expertise to support EWB Country Staff, field professional volunteers one-on-one or group support for teams, including guiding teams through best practice knowledge and processes relevant to their field. Roles are designed to be flexible around the availability of the mentor with expected regular meetings (weekly or monthly) with mentees or teams. Interested? Please contact us at mobilisation@ewb.org.au.
Mentoring
Key role for skilled professionals who have experience leading teams, training or capacity building and can provide their expertise to support EWB Country Staff, field professional volunteers one-on-one or group support for teams, including guiding teams through best practice knowledge and processes relevant to their field. Roles are designed to be flexible around the availability of the mentor with expected regular meetings (weekly or monthly) with mentees or teams. Interested? Please contact us at mobilisation@ewb.org.au.
Field Professional Placement
EWB Australia engages professionals from a range of fields (engineering, infrastructure development, technology development, education, business etc.) to support effective and appropriate outcomes with our partners and communities. EWB partners with Australian Volunteers International with our volunteers supported through their Australian Volunteer Program, funded by DFAT. This partnership enhances EWB’s International Program offerings and provides our engineering field professionals with additional support during the irin-country deployments and remote assignments.
Field Professional Placement
EWB Australia engages professionals from a range of fields (engineering, infrastructure development, technology development, education, business etc.) to support effective and appropriate outcomes with our partners and communities. EWB partners with Australian Volunteers International with our volunteers supported through their Australian Volunteer Program, funded by DFAT. This partnership enhances EWB’s International Program offerings and provides our engineering field professionals with additional support during the irin-country deployments and remote assignments.
Code of Conduct
To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and enriching experience, EWB volunteers are expected to bring a spirit of respect and integrity to their engagement with EWB. Our volunteer Code of Conduct guides our volunteers as they contribute to EWB’s mission and vision. View our Policies here.
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Stories of volunteering
Global travels and local impact – Bea Duffield’s volunteering journey 22 February, 2024 - Bea Duffield isn’t an engineer, but her experience spans almost everything else. From her academic background in scientific research to her career across both private enterprise and government sector, she… read more
Remote field visits, tuk-tuk commutes, and fish amok: a year in the life of an Australian volunteer 29 January, 2024 - Water, risk, and sustainability engineer Nicole Locke had always wanted to work overseas but there had never been a good time to do it. She graduated into a difficult job… read more
Inspiring the next generation of technology stewards with Bentley Systems 30 March, 2023 - An annual STEM outreach event that explores and showcases the opportunities possible in STEM careers brought 60 high-school students from three schools across Victoria together for a series of design… read more