Casual Wildlife Ranger

Australian Reptile Park; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Aussie Ark is seeking a motivated Casual Wildlife Ranger/Keeper to support sanctuary operations during peak periods and to cover staff leave. The role is rostered over several consecutive days in a remote bushland environment, with hands-on care of animals and general sanctuary operations.

The position involves daily animal care tasks, site maintenance, and assisting with open days, tours, and educational activities. A Class A licence, reliable vehicle, and strong safety awareness are essential.

Qualifications

• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Valid Class A driver's licence.
• Own reliable vehicle suitable for accessing remote areas on dirt roads.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Interest in wildlife and conservation.
• Good time management and communication.

Responsibilities

• Daily feed-outs, health checks, enrichment, animal handling and welfare monitoring.
• Prepare animal diets, including meat preparation for Tasmanian Devils and food for macropods.
• Enclosure servicing, cleaning equipment, waste collection and food prep areas.

Skills

Fluent English

Class A Licence

Reliable vehicle

Independent work

Team player

Wildlife interest

Time management

Communication

Off-road driving

Physical stamina

Tools

Off-road driving

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and versatile Casual Wildlife Ranger/Keeper to support our sanctuary operations during peak periods and provide staff leave coverage. Working in rostered blocks over several consecutive days, this is a varied, hands-on role in a remote bushland environment. You will be involved in the day-to-day care of our animals and the general operation and maintenance of the sanctuary.

Key responsibilities

• Daily feed-outs, health checks, enrichment, animal handling and welfare monitoring
• Preparing animal diets, including meat preparation for Tasmanian Devils and food preparation for small macropods
• Enclosure servicing, cleaning feeding equipment, waste collection and maintaining food preparation areas and general facilities
• Enclosure and facility upkeep, fire and weed control, grounds maintenance and basic vehicle maintenance
• Supporting open days, guided tours, educational talks and visitor activities, including reception, guest check-ins, BBQs and EFTPOS/cash handling
• Assisting with trapping, data collection and reporting

About you

• Valid Class A driver's licence
• Own reliable vehicle suitable for accessing remote areas on dirt roads
• Comfortable driving on dirt and gravel roads (or completion of an off-road driving course)
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Knowledge of workplace health and safety principles
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• A genuine interest in wildlife, animal welfare and conservation
• A strong work ethic and willingness to undertake physically demanding tasks
• Good problem-solving skills, initiative and the ability to work independently

About us

Aussie Ark is a pioneering conservation organisation dedicated to securing the future of Australia's most threatened wildlife. Based in the spectacular Barrington Tops region of NSW, we work to protect species including the Tasmanian Devil, Eastern Quoll, Long-Nosed Potoroo and Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby. Our work focuses on building insurance populations, establishing predator-proof wild sanctuaries and supporting threatened species recovery.