Specialist Keeper Animal Training

Job description

Agency Department of Tourism and Hospitality Work unit Alice Springs Desert Park

Job title Specialist Keeper Animal Training Designation Technical 2 – RDO

Job type Full time Duration Ongoing

Salary $68,795 - $77,575 Location Alice Springs Desert Park

Position number 15368 RTF Closing 14/09/2025

Contact officer Bronte Stray on or

About the agency |

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR

TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates

people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment

process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the

merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures

plans, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective

As an experienced animal trainer, undertake a leadership role for the training, presentation and daily husbandry of the living

collection used for public presentations at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Undertake and oversee the day to day training of the Nature Theatre collection, and to maintain the standards of public

display to internationally accepted standards.

2. Supervise the training and husbandry activities of other Zookeepers assigned to assist with the care of this component

of the living collection, ensuring that standard operating and occupational health and safety procedures are followed, and

ensuring feedback is provided to subordinates and supervisors in a timely and constructive manner.

1. Review standard operating procedures in the area of responsibility and advise the Senior Keeper on industry

developments to ensure practices remain at the forefront of zoological standards.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Demonstrated ability to effectively undertake training and husbandry of captive wildlife and manage high quality displays

and public presentations.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of operant conditioning training of wildlife and demonstrated ability to train

other staff in the effective use of these principles and techniques.

3. Proven ability to effectively work in, lead and supervise a small team of zookeepers, set appropriate daily priorities aligned

with Standard Operating Procedures, and provide appropriate feedback.

4. High level of self-motivation and proven ability to work successfully unsupervised.

5. A high level of observation skills and the ability to recognise, interpret and solve captive welfare and husbandry problems.

6. Good communication skills, including in computer literacy, ability to liaise effectively with other staff in this multi-

disciplinary workplace and the ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.

7. A relevant qualification awarded by an Australian institution, or equivalent or relevant experience in a field of technical

work closely related to the duties of the vacancy.

8. "C" Class NT drivers licence or the ability to obtain.

Desirable

1. Understanding of and commitment to the roles and functions of the Alice Springs Desert Park.

2. Ability to be effective in the collection and/or acclimatisation of animals from the wild to captivity.

Further information

1. This position involves regular weekend, out of normal business hours, and public holiday work.

2. This position involves regular field and other outdoor work in the extreme environmental conditions of Central Australia.