Why work with Local Government?
At the Barkly Regional Council, we employ more than 230 staff across 4 wards - Alyawarr, Patta, Alpurrurulam and Kuwarrangu. We are the largest Council by area in the Northern Territory and located in Australia’s golden heart.
We deliver a range of core services throughout our communities, including waste, library, parks and gardens, local laws, infrastructure management, animal control, building and planning and critical services, including NDIS and Centrelink. Our Council community flourishes within an active, engaged and thriving environment, and we have a diverse range of roles where you can leave your enduring mark within the region.
Why choose us?
We take pride in enabling the personal aspirations of our staff and facilitating their access to development opportunities and unique work experiences whilst enjoying the enviable lifestyle that the region has to offer.
We seek to employ staff with values that are closely aligned with those of the Barkly Regional Council, and who will bring their energy and talent to contribute to a dynamic and sustainable community.
Some of the many benefits of working at Barkly Regional Council include:
- Higher than award pay rates.
- 6 weeks of annual leave each year + 17.5% leave loading paid.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program.
- Free access to the swimming pool and gym facilities located in Tennant Creek.
- An inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
- Career progression opportunities through training and professional development.
- A high regard for maintaining a healthy and safe workplace.
Our Vision, Purpose and Values
VISION
“We will strive to be an innovative and sustainable Council that listens to our communities and empowers future generations of the Barkly”.
PURPOSE
“Our commitment is to serve and support our communities by delivering strong local leadership, purposeful advocacy, and impactful services”.
VALUES
Integrity:
Upholding honesty and transparency in everything we do.
Diversity:
Embracing and celebrating the unique identities, traditions, and strengths of every community.
Empathy:
Understanding and valuing the needs and experiences of others.
Accountability:
Taking ownership of our actions through commitment to BRC and our communities.
Service:
Dedicating ourselves to excellence, putting people first, and creating a positive impact.
Council Services Manager - Ali Curung
Full-Time – Permanent Position
(38 hours per week)
Location: Ali Curung
Applications Close: 5:00 pm, Monday 20 July 2026
About the Role
Barkly Regional Council is seeking a dynamic Council Services Manager in Ali Curung. As the Council Services Manager, you will oversee a dedicated team responsible for delivering essential municipal services, community engagement, and local programs. You will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and foster strong relationships with community members, local authorities, and external partners. This vital role ensures our communities are well-maintained, vibrant, and healthy.
This position is performed within remote communities across the Barkly Region. The operating environment differs from many urban workplaces due to geographic isolation, remoteness, cultural diversity, and local operating conditions. Employees are expected to be adaptable, exercise sound judgement, and comply with all Council policies, procedures and Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements.
Applicants should be aware that working in remote local government requires resilience, flexibility, cultural awareness, and the ability to adapt to changing operational circumstances.
Many communities within the Barkly Region are subject to alcohol restrictions. The position holder must comply with all applicable community by-laws, alcohol management plans, and relevant legislation while living and working in these communities.
The Essentials
- Diploma or trade qualification, or equivalent experience. Experience managing remote and culturally diverse teams.
- Proven success in community service delivery and municipal management.
- National Criminal History Check.
- Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory).
- CPCWHS1001 Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card).
- Driver Licence.
About You
- You possess excellent customer service and communication skills, with a proven ability to build positive relationships with community members, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- You are highly organised and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accurate records, and providing efficient administrative support.
- You are reliable, adaptable, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, contributing to a professional, inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment.
The Finer Details
- Full-Time – Permanent position paying an annual salary of $166,667.84–$172,007.05, above award and EA rates – Barkly Regional Council Enterprise Agreement 2024.
- 12% superannuation.
- Six (6) weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
- Housing benefit.
- Housing utilities.
- Salary sacrifice options
- Recognition rewards, including Years of Service awards.
- Free access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additional INFO
Barkly Regional Council requires that all applicants have a National Criminal History Check. You will be required to provide a recent National Criminal History Check prior to any offer of employment.
Barkly Regional Council requires the applicant to be able to produce or be able to obtain a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory) prior to commencement.
Interviews may be scheduled before the closing date and as applications are received.
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone.
Any application from outside of Australia that does not clearly show that the applicant has full Australian working rights will be automatically rejected.
Apply
To apply for your new adventure, submit an Expression of Interest covering the Essential Criteria, along with your up-to-date Resume, to hr@barkly.nt.gov.au.
You should receive a delivery receipt, if you don't, please resend, as it is your responsibility to ensure we receive your application.
For further information, contact Paul Wilson on 0437 740 728.
Applications Close at 5:00 pm on Monday, 20 July 2026.
INTERNAL APPLCIANTS ONLY
Cultural Advisor
Full-Time – Fixed-Term Position
(38 hours per week)
(Funding End Date: 30 November 2028)
Location: Tennant Creek
Applications Close: 5:00 pm, Friday 31 July 2026
About the Role
Barkly Regional Council is seeking a passionate and dedicated Cultural Advisor to lead initiatives that foster understanding, respect, and inclusion of Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives across the Barkly. In this role, you will support the organisation in creating culturally safe and inclusive practices, building strong relationships with Indigenous communities, and promoting reconciliation.
It is a requirement of this position that the position holder be willing and able to travel and work in remote communities located within the Barkly Regional Council area, and that the position holder agrees that this requirement may, from time to time, require the position holder to stay overnight.
The responsibilities of this role may require you to work weekday evenings and weekends on occasions.
Aboriginal Identified Position as per section 35A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT).
The Essentials
- Experience in community engagement, cultural advising, or a related field.
- Knowledge of the Barkly region, including cultural awareness and the ability to engage respectfully with Aboriginal communities.
- Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with the executive team, Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and communities.
- Lived experience and/or strong connection with Indigenous communities.
- National Criminal History Check.
- Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory).
- Driver Licence.
About You
- You have a deep understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and protocols, with experience engaging respectfully and meaningfully with Indigenous communities.
- You are a confident communicator and educator, capable of delivering cultural awareness training and fostering understanding across diverse audiences.
- You are adaptable, culturally sensitive, and proactive, with the ability to build strong relationships, work collaboratively, and promote genuine reconciliation and inclusion within the community and organisation.
The Finer Details
- Full-Time – Fixed-Term position paying an annual salary of $100,405.65, above award and EA rates – Barkly Regional Council Enterprise Agreement 2024. (Funding End Date: 30 November 2026).
- 12% superannuation.
- Six (6) weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
- Salary sacrifice options
- Recognition rewards, including Years of Service awards.
- Free entry to the swimming pool.
- Free gym membership.
- Free access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additional INFO
No Employer-Provided Housing: The employee will be responsible for finding, renting, and paying for their own accommodation.
Barkly Regional Council requires that all applicants have a National Criminal History Check. You will be required to provide a recent National Criminal History Check prior to any offer of employment.
Barkly Regional Council requires the applicant to be able to produce or be able to obtain a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory) prior to commencement.
Interviews may be scheduled before the closing date and as applications are received.
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone.
Any application from outside of Australia that does not clearly show that the applicant has full Australian working rights will be automatically rejected.
Apply
To apply for your new adventure, submit an Expression of Interest covering the Essential Criteria, along with your up-to-date Resume, to hr@barkly.nt.gov.au.
You should receive a delivery receipt, if you don't, please resend, as it is your responsibility to ensure we receive your application.
For further information, contactHayley Sandstrom on 0498 046 888.
Applications Close at 5:00 pm on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Executive Assistant
Full-Time – Permanent Position
(38 hours per week)
Location: Tennant Creek
Applications Close: 5:00 pm, Tuesday 15 July 2026
About the Role
Barkly Regional Council is seeking a highly organised professional with a passion for supporting leadership and community engagement. We are looking for a dedicated Executive Assistant to provide high-level, confidential support to our Chief Executive Officer and Mayor. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the Barkly region.
In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient operation of our executive functions. You will manage calendars, coordinate meetings and events, prepare reports and correspondence, and liaise with stakeholders across government, community, and the public.
Occasional out-of-hours work may be required to support Council meetings, events, travel arrangements, and other operational requirements.
The Essentials
- Experience preparing agendas, minutes, reports, and correspondence.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
- Competent in Microsoft Office Suite and records management.
- National Criminal History Check.
- Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory).
- Driver Licence.
About You
- You are highly organised with exceptional attention to detail, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines with professionalism and discretion.
- Strong communication skills enable you to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring smooth operations and clear, respectful engagement.
- You possess a strong understanding of governance and administration processes, complemented by excellent interpersonal skills.
The Finer Details
- Full-Time – Permanent position paying total remuneration package of $114,725.03–$120,077.89 per annum.
- Individual Flexibility Arrangement (IFA)
- 12% superannuation.
- Six (6) weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
- Salary sacrifice options
- Recognition rewards, including Years of Service awards.
- Free entry to the swimming pool.
- Free gym membership.
- Free access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additional INFO
No Employer-Provided Housing: The employee will be responsible for finding, renting, and paying for their own accommodation.
Barkly Regional Council requires that all applicants have a National Criminal History Check. You will be required to provide a recent National Criminal History Check prior to any offer of employment.
Barkly Regional Council requires the applicant to be able to produce or be able to obtain a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory) prior to commencement.
Interviews may be scheduled before the closing date and as applications are received.
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone.
Any application from outside of Australia that does not clearly show that the applicant has full Australian working rights will be automatically rejected.
Apply
To apply for your new adventure, submit an Expression of Interest covering the Essential Criteria, along with your up-to-date Resume, to hr@barkly.nt.gov.au.
You should receive a delivery receipt, if you don't, please resend, as it is your responsibility to ensure we receive your application.
For further information, contact Hayley Sandstrom on 0498 046 888.
Applications Close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
Careers FAQs
How do I apply?
To guide you through the recruitment process and to maximise your chance of your application being successful, the following steps are provided.
STEP ONE: Read the position description carefully
Read the position description and any other related documents to determine if you have the required skills, knowledge and experience to apply for the role. To gain a clearer understanding of the role, you are encouraged to contact the staff member named in “for further information” in the position advertisement.
STEP TWO: Prepare your application
Your application has three parts:
• A cover letter,
• A current resume and
• A response to the Key Selection Criteria.
The cover letter
First impressions count! The cover letter introduces you. Ideally, the letter should not be more than one page and include:
• The title of the position you are applying for
• Where you saw the position advertised
• Why you are applying for the position
• Why you believe you are the right person for the job
The resume / CV
A resume or Curriculum vitae (CV) is a short chronological statement of your work history and qualifications. Ideally, your resume should not exceed more than three pages and include:
• Your employment history (including overview of duties, employment dates, your position title and the organisation name)
• Your qualifications (including the qualification title, year awarded and institution name)
• Other information (include any key achievements, volunteer work or any other relevant information)
• Attach copies of your qualifications and licences, if required
• Include a minimum of two referees, ensuring they are contactable and are aware that we may contact them. Referees are to be someone you have reported to either currently or in the recent past, Preferably within the last 12 months.
Your Response to Key Selection Criteria
The Key Selection Criteria (KSC) is a list of skills, attributes, knowledge and qualifications required for the position. The KSC can be found on the last page of the position description. In a separate document, write the KSC questions followed by your responses. Make sure to support your claims with evidence and examples including:
• Describe a situation that supports your statement.
• What your actions were. What you did.
• What the outcome of your actions was.
STEP THREE: Submit your application
Current Vacancies can be viewed at the top of this page.
If you require assistance with using our e-recruitment portal, please contact a member of the People and Culture team by:
email : hr@barkly.nt.gov.au
phone : 08 8962 0000 and ask for the People and Culture Team
If unable to access the internet, hard copy applications may be hand delivered to a Council Service Centre, or mailed (before the closing date) to:
Confidential - Barkly Regional Council
Attn: People and Culture Manager
PO Box 821
Tennant Creek NT 0861
Note: Please ensure you allow for ample time for your application to be received, as late applications may not be accepted.
What happens next?
Upon receiving your application, we will:
- Acknowledge your application by a system generated email
- Keep your application confidential and not discuss it with anyone outside of the process
- Assess your application on merit
- Notify you of the outcome.
The interview process
A selection panel, usually comprised of two or three people, will interview selected applicants. The panel follows a structured process, asking all applicants the same set of questions. The questions are developed to assess how well each applicant matches the given criteria. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions throughout, and at the end, of the interview and are encouraged to think of some questions prior to your scheduled interview. You are encouraged to consider some questions that may be asked and your response prior to the interview. The panel may follow up or explore particular issues that arise from individual applicants.
On average an interview usually takes about 45 minutes.
Candidates, who have been unsuccessful following their interview, will receive an email notification of the outcome. Due to the number of applications we receive, it may not be possible to provide feedback.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ
- Appointments may be subject to fitness for duty (also known as a pre-employment medicals), Working with Children and/or National Police Checks for specified roles as part of the recruitment process.
- Your application is unlikely to be short listed for consideration if the Key Selection Criteria has not been addressed.
- Barkly Regional Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our recruitment processes are conducted in accordance with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Candidates are to refrain from soliciting information outside of the recruitment process.
- Please do not include original documents (such as qualifications) with your application, as these documents will not be returned to you.
- If you want to apply for more than one position, please complete a separate application for each position.
- Referee statements will be deemed confidential information and will be classed as exempt documents under the Freedom of Information Act (1982).
- Positions advertised by Council attract a large number of qualified candidates. The process of reviewing applications may extend recruitment time frames.
- You must have a valid Australian visa with work rights and hold a valid Australian Driver’s Licence (Northern Territory Licence is preferred, but not essential).
- Applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged to apply.
- Employment conditions are in accordance with the Barkly Regional Council Enterprise Agreement
