Love reptiles? Seeking adventure? Check out these croc-tastic opportunities
Ever dreamt of being a croc keeper? Meet one local who turned his dream into a reality. SEE AVAILABLE JOBS
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BEFORE he could walk, Payton Prosser had an avid interest in crocodiles.
What started out as unbridled curiosity developed into a career when Mr Prosser landed his dream job at Crocodylus Park as a croc keeper, after his time volunteering at the zoo as a high school student.
It was clear Mr Prosser was perfect for the job because of his passion for one of the world’s most feared apex predators.
He’s shared what a day at Crocodylus Park looks like for him.
“Depending on the day, I’ll do a quick walk around, check on everything, make sure the crocs are looking healthy and everything looks presentable,” Mr Prosser said.
“I’ll see what tour I have on and see how busy it is, check out our river system, make sure everything looks nice and presentable and thaw out the meat at the start of the day for the crocs lunch.”
One of his primary jobs is to monitor and care for 100 baby crocs.
“I then go to the hatchery and clean up there, we have a bunch of baby crocs up there so I freshen up their water,” he said.
Mr Prosser offered invaluable advice to anyone with ambition to follow a similar career path.
“Go volunteer, get a bunch of experience and then that place can see you’re good for the job and if you work hard at it,” he said.
Mr Prosser said qualities like confidence were key for a wildlife enthusiast to move into a career.
“(Be) cocky as all hell, confident and be able to speak to people and be passionate about animals and crocs and love to educate people about their passion,” he said.
“Being a tour guide is about personality.”
Mr Prosser will be training the newcomer who will be starting in the role soon.
Croc jobs below; Get snappy and apply
HAVE you ever wanted to work with large and dangerous prehistoric creatures?
Several Top End croc companies are searching for tour guides in what could arguably be some of the best jobs in the world.
All you need is a skipper’s (coxswains) ticket, a fun outlook on life and guiding experience.
Leading into the dry season, the NT had the largest job ad increase on the employment marketplace SEEK in April at 5.4 per cent, tying with Queensland.
Adelaide River Cruises Jumping Crocs
If you love crocs and wildlife then Adelaide River Cruises Jumping Crocs tour operator Sean Dealy says he has just the job for you.
The family owned and operated company is looking for a tour guide operator who has a “good speaking and knowledge of Territory wildlife and river systems”.
“You’ll be cruising up and down the river system, feeding crocodiles, presenting and you will need to be experienced in boat handling too,” Mr Dealy said.
Mr Dealy said experience in tourism, particularly crocodiles, was preferable and a bus licence holder was very desirable.
If this job descriptions tickles your fancy, send your resume to Sean.dealy@adelaiderivercruises.com.au
POSITION STATUS: Available.
The Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise
The family owned and operated business takes pride in their ‘unrivalled safety, quality and comfort’, as the tour journeys on the thriving Adelaide River.
For more information or to apply, send an email to admin@jumpingcrocodilecruises.com.au or call 08 8988 8144.
POSITION STATUS: Available.
Spectacular Crocodile Cruises
Owned by an Aboriginal corporation, Spectacular Crocodile Cruises has a skipper/all-rounder role available and waiting for potential candidates to inquire, indigenous people are particularly encouraged to apply.
Tourism experience is a must, for this permanent part time role.
Contact: (08) 8978 9077
POSITION STATUS: Available.
Crocodylus Park
Ever wanted to work with living Dinosaurs? Crocodylus Park is on the hunt for our next Tour Guide.
The role requires the candidate to have exceptional public presentation and customer service, a manual drivers licence but experience in vessel command is not essential but preferred.
POSITION STATUS: Filled.
More Coverage
Originally published as Love reptiles? Seeking adventure? Check out these croc-tastic opportunities
REPLAY: Magpies impress in first outing of new campaign
Is this a changing of the guard moment in the NTFL women’s competition? A young Palmerston side has overcome a rebuilding Waratah to kick off their season in style. Check the REPLAY.
REPLAY: Waratah kick 14 goals in a row on way to massive win
Palmerston actually led this at the end of the first quarter, but Waratah weren’t long in finding form and showed their class with a devastating burst of majors. Watch the REPLAY now.