Tolga Bat Rescue & Visitor Centre
Location: Carrington, QLD 4883
Position: Bat Tour Guide
Salary: $76,515
Employment Type: Full-time
Our Organisation
Tolga Bat Rescue & Research Inc., operating as the Tolga Bat Hospital, is a unique wildlife conservation organisation based in the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. For over three decades, the hospital has rescued, rehabilitated, and released thousands of native flying foxes and microbats, while also educating the public on the ecological importance of bats through research, public engagement, and daily guided tours.
Our Visitor Centre, open year-round (except Christmas Day), offers small group tours that allow guests to get up close to these fascinating mammals. The centre is home to a variety of bat species, including Spectacled flying foxes and Little red flying foxes, and is an integral part of our broader conservation and education efforts.
Job Description
The Tour Guide at Tolga Bat Rescue & Visitor Centre plays a central role in delivering informative and meaningful experiences to visitors. This role involves conducting guided tours, educating the public on bat biology and conservation, assisting with visitor enquiries, and supporting the smooth daily operation of the visitor program. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in environmental education, be confident in public speaking, and be committed to promoting responsible wildlife tourism.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Welcome and brief visitors on the hospital's mission and conservation efforts.
* Conduct daily guided tours of the bat enclosures and visitor centre, including commentary on bat species, behaviours, threats, and the hospital's rehabilitation work.
* Answer questions and facilitate interactive learning experiences tailored to various age groups and interests.
* Distribute brochures, educational materials, and present audiovisual content related to bats and ecosystems.
* Manage visitor access to ensure animal welfare and compliance with biosecurity measures.
* Assist with exhibit setup, maintenance, and the general presentation of the visitor centre.
* Coordinate group bookings (e.g. eco-tourism groups, school excursions), including tour scheduling and basic logistical support.
* Support conservation messaging by promoting sustainable tourism and habitat protection.
* Assist with administrative tasks such as managing bookings, maintaining attendance records, and responding to tour enquiries.
* Participate in outreach activities, fundraisers, or community events as needed.
* Assist in selected bat rescue and rehabilitation activities to support accurate and engaging tour commentary.
* Contribute to basic data collection associated with these efforts to enhance conservation interpretation and educational accuracy.
Skills and Qualifications
* Minimum 1 year of experience as a wildlife guide in a zoo, wildlife park, or similar environment. Ecoguide qualification through Savannah Guides and Wet Tropics Management Authority
* At least 2 years of hands-on experience working with bats is required; limited weekly handling time may be considered over a longer period (e.g., 10 years of part-time exposure).
* Up-to-date rabies vaccination is essential due to direct bat handling.
* Tertiary qualification in wildlife conservation, environmental science, zoology, or a related field is preferred.
* Multilingual abilities are highly regarded and beneficial for engaging with international visitors.
* Proven ability to deliver clear, engaging, and informative tours tailored to a wide range of audiences.
* Warm, friendly manner with the public and strong interpersonal skills to ensure a positive visitor experience.
* Ability to lead and train volunteers, particularly in a wildlife or conservation setting.
* Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage daily tour logistics independently.
* Comfortable working outdoors and around animals in all weather conditions.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must have full Australian working rights to be considered. The position is based at Tolga Bat Rescue & Visitor Centre, Carrington, QLD 4883.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $76,515.00 per year
Experience:
* wildlife guide in a zoo, wildlife park: 1 year (Required)
Work Authorisation:
* Australia (Required)
Work Location: In person