Operations Manager-Wildlife Refuge

Operations Manager – Port Stephens Animal Adventures

Location: Port Stephens, NSW

Employment Type: Full-time (including alternate weekends)

Salary: Above-industry base + performance-based bonus

Reports To: Company Director

Lead Australia's Most Exciting Interactive Animal Experience

Port Stephens Animal Adventures is entering a major growth phase as we evolve into one of the world's only fully interactive animal experiences — where guests can pat and engage with crocodiles, sharks, stingrays, eels, macaws, and over 250 animals in a safe, hands-on environment.

We're seeking a proven, disciplined and proactive Operations Manager to lead our passionate team and drive excellence across every aspect of daily operations. The successful applicant will be trusted with real responsibility, must be able to follow instructions precisely, and should thrive in predicting and solving problems before they arise — all while helping build the most unforgettable wildlife experience in Australia.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

- Lead, mentor and coordinate a committed team of keepers, customer service staff, and contractors

- Maintain high staff performance and morale through accountability, support, and clear expectations

- Manage staff rosters, conflict resolution, and team development

Operational Management

- Run all aspects of daily operations at our interactive animal experience, ensuring everything runs safely, smoothly and to high standards

- Design and implement effective management systems — don't just work within existing ones

- Take full responsibility for operations when the Director is off-site

Customer Experience

- Set the tone for an immersive, fun, and educational environment

- Be hands-on during weekends, holidays and busy periods to ensure consistency

- Respond to escalated customer concerns with professionalism and care

Training & Compliance

- Develop and maintain training programs in collaboration with animal and compliance teams

- Ensure all safety, compliance, cleaning, and reporting processes are met and logged accurately

Autonomous Leadership

- Take the time to ensure clear communication with the Director, provide insightful and constructive feedback when needed, and confidently deliver on expectations — even within tight or challenging timeframes

- Prevent problems by staying ahead of issues and maintaining clear communication across the team

Technology & Marketing Awareness (Bonus)

- Comfortable using rosters, shared documents, and internal communications systems

- An understanding of social media, digital promotions or guest engagement tools is a real bonus.

What You Bring

• Minimum 3-5 year experience as an operations manager or team leader in a tourism, hospitality or customer-focused setting
• Proven ability to create systems, enforce structure, and drive outcomes
• A reputation for reliability, discipline, and professionalism
• Natural ability to see challenges before they occur and take decisive action
• A collaborative approach with the confidence to lead both from the office and the floor
• (Bonus) Background or interest in tourism marketing, school group engagement or business growth

Availability & Expectations

• You must be available every second weekend, and willing to work alternate weekends to support team consistency
• Longer or flexible hours are expected during peak school holiday periods, major events, or system rollouts

What's in It for You

• A generous base salary well above industry average
• Access to a performance-based bonus scheme aligned with business and team success
• The chance to lead a fast-growing, world-first interactive animal experience
• High trust and autonomy — you'll be the director's eyes and ears on the ground
• Work alongside passionate, energetic staff who love what they do

Apply Now

If you're ready to lead with integrity, solve problems before they start, and help create the best interactive animal experience in the country — we want to hear from you.

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to

Applications are assessed as they arrive. Take the lead — and help shape something truly special.