CARAVAN PARK MANAGER/COUPLE

* Small 40 site caravan park in outback Queensland *Full time position & 7 month contract *Spectacular environment - natural hot springs, river fishing & birdwatchers’ paradise 

We are seeking an experienced, energetic and motivated manager or management couple to run Talaroo Hot Springs and caravan park for the 2024 season from March to October.  This is a great opportunity to experience a unique and spectacular part of outback Queensland and to join an exciting new eco and cultural tourism venture.

About Talaroo

Talaroo is a 31,500 property managed by the Ewamian rangers as an Indigenous Protected Area.  The habitat is rich in natural and cultural values for Ewamian People and at its heart are the ancient and unique Hot Springs where our natural and healing minerals waters flow from the travertine mounds formed over millions of years. 

“Talaroo Hot Springs” (the tourism experience) is a boutique caravan park located within Talaroo IPA and on the Savannah Way near Mount Surprise in the Gulf of North Queensland. 

The caravan park has just 26 powered and 14 unpowered sites set around a clean, modern camp kitchen and amenities block and a short stroll from reception, gift shop, café & swimming pool. Guest experiences include guided tours of the ancient Hot Springs with Ewamian guides, private soak pools fed by the healing springs water, fishing and swimming in the nearby Einasleigh River, birdwatching and a 7km bike/walking trail. To maintain high quality visitor experiences, Talaroo Hot Springs is a Savannah Guides enterprise with all tour guides expertly trained, peer-assessed and accredited.

Talaroo Hot Springs opened in 2021 and is proudly 100% indigenous owned and operated by Ewamian Limited on behalf of Ewamian people. 

Talaroo is relatively remote being 3 hours drive from Atherton and 4 ½ hours from Cairns and accommodation on site is limited, so this position is best suited to persons with their own caravan or RV, although single donga accommodation is also available on site.

About the position

The Manager position involves a range of duties and is a very hands-on role reporting to the General Manager of Ewamian Limited.  The position is full time but could be split between two persons with additional part time/casual hours available for the second person in a maintenance role.

Reception/Café/Admin role

Duties include all aspects of managing and operating the park including:

• Running the front office and reception
• Administering the PMS system Newbook ie. managing & taking reservations for accommodation and tours
• Operating small kiosk/ café including food & drinks preparation
• Understanding and managing risks (OH&S)
• Rostering and management of tour guides and other staff
• Cleaning of public amenities
• Turnover of Eco Tents
• Checking guests in/out and providing visitor information
• General Caravan Park office duties
• Stock & merchandise control and ordering
• Liaison with visitors via phone & email.
• Completing monthly sales reports
• Enforcing park and Hot Springs rules

Maintenance/Groundskeeping role

Duties include:

• Maintaining park grounds, hot springs, gardens, tour facilities (boardwalk and walking tracks) and equipment
• Maintaining plant and equipment (swimming pool, springs main pool, springs soak pools, mowers, whipper snippers etc )
• Completing general repairs
• Managing staff as required
• Completion of maintenance and work logs

The successful applicant(s) will be energetic and have a flexible attitude to industry hours as well as strong administration, customer service, and trade skills. This position is seasonal and the business will operate from April to October annually.

In your application cover letter please state the following:

• Your reason for applying to this position
• Why you are interested in this position

What previous skills and experience you can bring to this position and why they are relevant

Essential requirements:

To apply you must be:

• an Australian resident
• physically fit and capable of undertaking the job description as required
• prepared to live on site during rostered days
• flexible with working hours and have a positive attitude
• able to provide excellent customer service even when under pressure
• reliable, honest and well-presented

Desirable experience or qualifications:

Candidates offering one of more of the following will be preferred:

• Experience and working knowledge of Newbook Property Management System
• Food Safety Supervisor current certificate
• Social media & marketing experience
• Relevant trade qualification
• Hospitality management qualification & experience
• Barista experience
• Due to the shortage of accommodation, persons with their own Caravan or RV are preferred.

Performance indicators

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills & competencies:

• Ability to always represent Talaroo Hot Springs in a positive and professional manner
• Cultural Awareness of Indigenous Peoples' values and belief systems
• Excellent communication and computer skills
• Effective problem solving
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Be innovative in ideas to grow business
• Autonomously
• Good practical maintenance skills (for the maintenance role)