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 |
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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.