October 23, 2024

Australian Government - Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

National Park

Visitor Services Officer

APS 1-3 (Broadband) $52,000 - $74,302 per annum plus superannuation
Parks Australia Division
Uluru-kata tjuta National Park

Who we are
Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and Mc Donald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Booderee National Park, with its coastal habitats is one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. In addition to ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, this branch also looks after Parks Australia’s corporate services from the office in Canberra including, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Customer Experience and Destination Planning. Beyond the spinifex sand plains of arid central Australia lies Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, one of three national parks leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. This branch also manages a rich and fascinating range of island ecosystems and habitats, including oceanic Pulu Keeling, Norfolk and Christmas Island National Parks.

Anangu welcome you to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a living cultural landscape where earth and memories exist as one. More than just a photo opportunity, our iconic rock formations hide ancient wisdom and diverse plant and animal life. An opportunity to work here and discover an awe-inspiring environment where Tjukurpa whispers the creation stories.

The Job
Under routine supervision and at the direction of the Team Leader Visitor Services:

Participate in the day to day operations of the Parks Entry Station and Cultural Centre.
Assist with recording and financial accountability of Entry Station and Cultural Centre revenue, including receiving public monies.
Process sale of park use tickets and passes, retail sales and tour operator and media permit payments.
Respond to requests for information from park visitors and clients about the park, and provide information and advice about the parks cultural and natural values.
Assist with the cleaning and maintenance of Cultural Centre and Entry Station.
Assist in collection of data on visitor surveys and other survey projects.
Assist in emergency response as required (e.g. search and rescue and wildfire response). This includes radio operations and response.
Assist development and delivery of high quality interpretive and educational presentations to visitors, school groups and resort staff.
Share the Traditional Owner’s vision for the future of the park and participate in the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, the community and public and work with Indigenous staff and stakeholders that speak Pitjantjatjara and/or Yankunytjatjara as a first language.
Effectively contribute as a member of a team to the joint management of a World Heritage listed National Park and participate in other duties as directed by the Visitor and Tourism Services Manager. All duties will be performed in accordance with Lease Agreement, Plan of Management and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for this position, you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
You may be required wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

An awareness of issues affecting Indigenous people in remote locations and the ability to contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of the park as well as developing and supporting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and consideration of values and culture.
Knowledge of the park, its facilities and a willingness to assist in the development and delivery of interpretative/education presentations to park visitors.

Skills and capabilities

Excellent customer service and good interpersonal/oral communication skills including the ability to handle customer complaints with maturity.
Ability to adapt to change in the workplace and be an effective member of a team.
Demonstrated numeric skills and ability to account for public money and demonstrated experience and knowledge of basic computer skills using Word, Excel, Outlook and other related programs.
Desirable Qualifications
Apply First Aid Certificate or the willingness to obtain this certificate. Parks Australia regularly provides first aid training courses to staff members.

Eligibility

Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.
Driver’s Licence – You must hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.
Working with Children Clearance - You must hold and maintain an Ochre Card from the Northern Territory Government. If you do not currently hold an Ochre Card you must obtain one within 4 weeks of commencing in the role.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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