Ambulance Careers with St John
Working in ambulance with St John NT means not only making a real and lasting positive impact on the community, but also brings the opportunity to garner a rich and challenging professional experience that will lay the foundation for an extraordinary career. We offer a variety of exciting career opportunities available in the ambulance service, including graduate and qualified paramedics, patient transport officers and Triple Zero (000) emergency medical dispatchers (EMD).
Ambulance operations staff will find themselves:
The minimum requirements for EMD and patient transport careers is a current first aid certificate. On-the-job training and mentoring will be provided to ensure you attain the appropriate qualifications.
The minimum requirements for paramedics is a Bachelor in Paramedic Science from a Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) accredited tertiary institution and APRHA Registration as a Paramedic.
We take expressions of interest for paramedics at different points throughout the year. Click here to register your interest or see other available career opportunities.
How many paramedics are currently employed?
St John NT currently employees around 160 paramedics.
Why are you hiring so many people?
The Northern Territory Government has provided additional funding for increased crewing as a response to the pandemic workload.
We are increasing on-road paramedics in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, with opportunities for applicants interested in going to Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek.
Recruitment of emergency medical dispatchers is also occurring.
I haven’t finished my degree, can I still apply?
Yes you can still apply, however you will need to have completed your degree and have provided a copy of your results four weeks before induction commences.
I am colour blind, can I still apply?
Yes.
I suffer from epilepsy, can I still apply?
Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are assessed on a case by case basis. If you would like more information on a specific medical condition, please contact jobs@stjohnnt.asn.au.
What is involved in the medical assessment and the functional capacity evaluation?
The medical assessment consists of the following:
The functional capacity evaluation comprises of flexibility, strength and aerobic endurance and is required to ensure candidates have the ability to safely tolerate the stressors of everyday tasks.
Who pays for the medical assessment and functional capacity evaluation?
Applicants will need to pay the costs for both assessments. St John NT will provide full reimbursement upon commencement of employment.
Why do I have to have a manual drivers licence?
Some of our vehicles have a manual transmission and paramedics must be able to drive any vehicle as required. All staff are required to demonstrate an ability to drive a manual vehicle during induction.
How long are the contracts for?
Ongoing employment is being offered to qualified paramedics and 18-month contracts for graduate interns.
I only want to come to the Northern Territory for a year. Should I still apply?
Limited term (12 – 24 month) contracts will be considered. Those on limited tenures will receive pro-rata relocation allowance.
Do I have to travel to the Northern Territory for my interview?
No, we can arrange for interviews to be conducted via Zoom or Teams.
Where will inductions be held?
You will need to be in Darwin for your induction block. This is normally five weeks’ duration with a potential additional week for observer shifts. The induction commences on a Monday and you will need to ensure that you have arrived in Darwin the day prior so as to commence on time.
What happens in induction?
The induction program covers a wide range of areas including organisational structure, department orientation, cultural awareness, clinical training, operational safety, driver standard and manual task training, human resources and appropriate behaviour education, and WHS and workforce services information such as payroll and incident reporting.
Where do I stay during induction?
New employees who do not currently reside in Darwin will be provided with accommodation in the Darwin region for the duration of the induction block.
Do I need a car during induction?
Transport will be provided for those who will be not appointed to Darwin. Please note this will be shared with other recruits and may require carpooling.
When do I get my uniform?
A new uniform has been developed and will be rolled out in July 2022. The uniform is designed specifically for the Northern Territory climate and will be available through on online ordering system.
You will be provided with a complete uniform during the induction program.
When will I know where I am posted to?
Locations will be confirmed when the contract is issued.
What is the procedure to be allocated a location 'preference'?
Locations for employment will be provided as part of the letter of offer. Staff can preference locations as part of the application process which will be considered based on vacancies and operational need.
Do I have to work remote?
It is a condition within the contract that staff may be required to work at other locations besides their appointed ambulance station. Expressions of interest are sought from staff who may be interested in undertaking secondments or short term relief in these other locations across the Northern Territory. This provides staff the opportunity to see other parts of the Territory and gain other experiences while being provided with allowances for travel and accommodation.
Do I get paid more if I work in a remote location?
Yes. Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek attract a remote area allowance.
Those posted to Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy will receive an additional allowance. and those posted to Nhulunbuy will receive an additional allowance as well as accommodation.
How do I find accommodation in a remote area?
St John NT has limited accommodation available to rent in Tennant Creek. Accommodation is provided for those in Nhulunbuy. In other locations accommodation is your responsibility.
How much will I get paid? Will you match my current pay rate?
Pay rates are determined by the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for paramedics. Shift penalties and/or roster allowance are paid on top of the base salary, in accordance with your roster and location.
Why is leave 8 or 10 weeks and what does this depend on?
On-road staff are classified as either ‘rostered' or ‘unrostered’. Rostered staff work four days on / four days off with rostered leave every fifth month (four months’ work and then one month off) and are paid a roster allowance. Rostered staff accrue ten weeks of leave per year.
Unrostered staff work shifts totalling 152 hours per roster period (28 days) and are paid shift penalties for each shift type worked and overtime for hours worked above 152 hours. Unrostered staff accrue eight weeks of leave per year and have no set leave. Leave requests must be made six weeks in advance.
When can I apply for holiday leave? I have a wedding in my home state four months into commencing my role.
Leave requests within the first nine months of commencing employment need to be discussed with the relevant manager and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I bring my partner / family / pet with me?
We would love you to bring your partner, family and pets – the more the merrier! Pets will be dependent on your individual living situation and any agreement you have with your landlord.
What is the scope of practice for a St John NT paramedic and an intensive care paramedic?
St John NT launched a new version of its Clinical Practice Manual (CPM) in September 2021.
The CPM and accompanying education program was developed over 14 months and includes up-to-date clinical practice and drug therapy guidelines for all clinical levels from advanced responder through to intensive care paramedic.
This is an exciting development in the delivery of St John NT’s ambulance service in the Northern Territory and demonstrates our commitment to the provision of high-quality care for our community.
Download a copy of the CPM here
St John NT offers eligible applicants the opportunity to gain an Authority to Practice as a qualified paramedic. The program is designed to equip graduates with practical skills and on-road experience and build on the underpinning knowledge gained during study.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Paramedical Science (or recognised equivalent) degree from a Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) approved tertiary institution.
Expressions of interest for our graduate intakes will be advertised on our careers page.
To view a list of CAA approved courses, click here
Download the Paramedic Application Kit
All St John NT staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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