Andrew Karaolias
Director Workforce Management, Department of Corporate and Digital Development
"The NTG offers many career opportunities. If you are willing to step up and work hard, you can learn new skills, grow professionally and build a rewarding career"
For Andrew, one of the best parts of the role isn't just the variety of the work, it's the opportunity to make a real difference for employees and agencies across the Northern Territory Government.
For Andrew Karaolias, Director Workforce Management at the Department of Corporate and Digital Development (DCDD), no two days are the same.
Leading a team of HR professionals, partnering with agencies across government and helping solve complex workforce challenges means every day brings new opportunities to make a difference.
Andrew's career with the Northern Territory Government began long before he stepped into leadership. Born and raised in Darwin, he joined the Department of Health as an apprentice straight after finishing high school at just 18 years old.
"After completing my apprenticeship program, I was offered an ongoing position straight away," Andrew said.
From there, Andrew worked across a range of roles, beginning in records management before moving into employment and training programs, including the former Early Careers initiatives. In 2008, he transitioned into Human Resources as an AO4 Support Officer, marking the beginning of a leadership journey that would see him work across multiple government agencies.
Throughout his career, Andrew has built experience with the Department of the Chief Minister, Housing (formerly Territory Housing), Local Government and Community Development, and Children and Families (formerly Territory Families). Each role gave him the opportunity to broaden his skills, work with different teams and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse work carried out across the Northern Territory Government.
One of the biggest milestones in Andrew's career came in 2024 when he stepped into an acting Director position before being appointed permanently to the role in 2025.
"The Northern Territory Government offers many career opportunities. If you are willing to step up and work hard, you can learn new skills, grow professionally and build a rewarding career," he said.
Today, Andrew leads DCDD's Workforce Management team, supporting employees and agencies across the Territory with workforce advice, people leadership and practical HR solutions. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, he continues to mentor others while helping build strong workplaces across government.
Andrew's career shows how one opportunity can grow into a rewarding and long-lasting career in the Northern Territory Government.
Work in the Northern Territory
Explore more testimonials
The Territory's warm weather creates a sense of a perpetual working holiday.
Communications Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
The NTG promotes a flexible working environment and generous leave entitlements.
Senior Finance Manager, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
We have been made to feel so welcome by everyone.
Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO at the Department Tourism and Hospitality (DTH)
The Northern Territory Government is an environment that fosters continuous growth.
Graduate Finance Officer at the Department of Health
If you have the right skill sets, you will get the job.
Senior Project Officer in the Priority Reform Implementation Team, NT Regional Health
The Territory has given me better education and more job opportunities.
Trainee, Business & Workforce Division
Working in the Big Rivers Region has significantly broadened my capabilities.
Senior Regional Project Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Big Rivers
The move wasn’t hard, it was an adventure.
Peta Yujnovich Registrar and Director - NTCAT
How I fell in love with the Northern Territory - Surprises, Sunsets and Laksa.
Senior Project Officer for Study NT, Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
Work has allowed me to become an active member in the community through the healthy work/life balance.
Social Media Officer, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
I am a proud Katherine girl- Our family arrived in 1946 and have been here ever since.
Artist
Towns like Darwin and Alice Springs have everything you need, including shopping centres, healthcare, and schools.
Migration Support Programs Officer
“The Territory will work its magic on your heart- and change you for the better.”
Mental Health Occupational Therapist, Business Consultant and Yoga Teacher
“The Territory offers opportunities and is full of many wonderful and diverse people."
Café Owner - Meow Waffee, Darwin City
“The Territory gave me amazing opportunities such as starting a few of my own businesses."
Restaurant Owner - The Last Supper, Darwin City
“I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else but the Territory"
Founder of ARC Fitness, Palmerston
“Living in the NT it's a life changing experience"
Café Owner - Yaye's Cafe, Alice Springs
“The Territory has truly been a game-changing experience for me. "
Managing Director of Triptic, Alice Springs
“The Territory has offered me the perfect work life balance."
Owner - Marketing by Paige
“I find people are really mindful of supporting local businesses in Darwin.”
Owner – Star Barber
Nick is a Senior Psychologist who is currently working on new programs to change people’s lives.
Tanya is a Psychologist with Department of Corrections. She gets a great lifestyle and a way to make real change.
Jennifer is a psychology graduate who jump-started her career with a role in Department of Corrections.
Inclusion Advisor and Speech Pathologist, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Psychologist, East Arnhem Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Living in the Territory has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
School Counsellor, Barkly Region, based in Tennant Creek. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Chris leads the multidisciplinary team of allied health and teaching professionals supporting student wellbeing and inclusion in the East Arnhem region.
Assistant Director Client Services, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
School Social Worker, Darwin Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Inclusion Advisor (Senior Teacher), East Arnhem Region. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training.
Occupational Therapist, Top End Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
The students of today are the future of tomorrow and what a better way to secure their tomorrow by assisting them to navigate through the challenges of life through the educational system - Joyce Upenyu Matione
Psychologist, East Arnhem Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Chris leads the multidisciplinary team of allied health and teaching professionals supporting student wellbeing and inclusion in the East Arnhem region.
Assistant Director Client Services, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Living in the Territory has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
School Counsellor, Barkly Region, based in Tennant Creek. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Inclusion Advisor and Speech Pathologist, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
School Social Worker, Darwin Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Inclusion Advisor (Senior Teacher), East Arnhem Region. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training.
Occupational Therapist, Top End Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
CDU Health Hub – Wellbeing Program – Moil Primary School placement
CDU Health Hub – Wellbeing Program – Manunda Terrace Primary School placement
From university placements to Assistant Principal - explore what opportunities you can achieve in our Northern Territory schools!
Assistant Principal in Ngukurr
I moved with my family from overseas. The culture in Alice Springs reminds me of home.
Special Education Teacher Centralian Senior College Alice Springs
If you've got a sense of adventure and you like being outdoors why not try teaching in Alice Springs.
PE Teacher Gillen Primary School Alice Springs
Remote teaching has been the best experience I have had since starting my career.
Principal at Robinson River School, Big Rivers region at Education NT
It’s beautiful out here and I have a great group of friends which makes it all the more better!
Classroom Teacher at Tennant Creek Primary School
"Only in the NT do flies flock to the coolness of the fridge."
Year 5/6 teacher at Zuccoli Primary School
From South Africa, to New Zealand, to Jilkminggan - a road less travelled, but a teaching adventure like no other.
Middle Years Teacher at Jilkminggan School
Because there is such a diverse range of jobs available I could choose where I wanted to be, and what I wanted to be doing.
Teacher at Palmerston College
The people up here have been amazing and the culture that you get to experience is like nowhere else.
Teacher at Palmerston College
In the Northern Territory we have lots of different roles in the teaching industry. You will have that support.
Teacher at Taminmin College
If you want that career progression there are so many more opportunities in the Northern Territory
Teacher at Taminmin College
I have experienced multiple opportunities to attached professional learning, that has enhanced my learning as a teacher.
Teacher at Moulden Park Primary
The students of today are the future of tomorrow and what a better way to secure their tomorrow by assisting them to navigate through the challenges of life through the educational system - Joyce Upenyu Matione
When Gagan Deep first saw the Senior Project Manager role advertised on the NT Government website, one line immediately stood out: working in remote communities.
A/Program Manager, Central and Barkly Region, Housing and Land Servicing, Department of Logistics and Infrastructure
Amy Peterson came to Darwin in 2008 for what was meant to be a reconnaissance trip to explore opportunities and see what life in the Territory might offer.
A/Executive Director Enterprise Project Services, Corporate and Enabling Services Division, Department of Logistics and Infrastructure
Mitchell George shares how moving from Melbourne to Alice Springs gave him a fresh start, meaningful remote project work and a new Territory lifestyle.
Project Manager, Housing and Land Servicing, Department of Logistics and Infrastructure
Discover how Sidhika moved from Sydney to Alice Springs and found meaningful project management work, career growth and a new lifestyle with DLI.
Project Manager, Built Infrastructure Project Delivery, Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.
The Graduate Program has allowed endless opportunities.
Graduate Trainee, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2023
"Working in the Territory is so different to other places."
Graduate, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2025
Being a Trainee with NTG has given me stability and growth opportunities.
Trainee at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Business and Workforce division.
I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.
Policy Officer & former NTG Graduate
Working for government allows me to make a direct impact on the community.
Project Officer, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet
The graduate program helped me find my place in policy and public service.
Policy Support Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
I stay in the Territory because it offers abundant opportunities for those who are passionate.
Project Manager
The NT has a way of opening doors to opportunities you might never have expected.
Digital Marketing Professional
Working in the NT dispelled myths about securing government roles on a visa.
Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Department of People, Sport and Culture
I’ve been able to pursue my passions and make real impacts.
Senior Advisor, Department of Education and Training, Darwin, NT
The NT is the perfect place for me to continue growing and making a difference.
Aspiring scientist, pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) at CDU.
The NT is such an exciting and diverse place and the community feel here is amazing.
Primary School Teacher, St Paul's Primary School
The Territory has provided an abundance of opportunities for career growth.
Master of Information Technology student with a focus on cyber security at CDU.
My experience in the NT has been incredibly rewarding.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
The beauty of the Territory and the warmth of the close-knit community will surprise you.
Bachelor of Information Technology student at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Moving to Darwin has been a seamless and enriching experience.
CDU Student currently studying Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development.
Moving to the Territory has been an incredibly enriching experience.
Charles Darwin University student, pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology.
Working in the Territory allows me to connect with like-minded people.
Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
Living in the Top End has been about enjoying everything it has to offer.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
With the work tasks assigned, I felt like I was able to make an actual contribution.
Principal Analyst, Royalties and Assurance, Department of Treasury and Finance
Darwin is like nowhere else, and you can really make it your own.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
The Graduate program equipped me with all the necessary technical and soft skills to succeed in my future role.
A/Senior Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
Working in the Territory allows me to connect with like-minded people.
Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
Living in the Top End has been about enjoying everything it has to offer.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
With the work tasks assigned, I felt like I was able to make an actual contribution.
Principal Analyst, Royalties and Assurance, Department of Treasury and Finance
The graduate program helped me find my place in policy and public service.
Policy Support Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
Working for government allows me to make a direct impact on the community.
Project Officer, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet
Darwin is like nowhere else, and you can really make it your own.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
The Graduate program equipped me with all the necessary technical and soft skills to succeed in my future role.
A/Senior Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
The Graduate Program has allowed endless opportunities.
Graduate Trainee, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2023
"Working in the Territory is so different to other places."
Graduate, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2025
I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.
Policy Officer & former NTG Graduate
Assistant Director Logistics
Category Manager, NT Health
Project Services Director Rum Jungle Rehabilitation Project
Director of Procurement Policy
Bethany Hromenko was ready for something different.
Dental Assistant, NT Oral Health Service
Lucy Hauff is a born and bred proud Territorian.
Senior Project Manager, Precincts, Freight and Logistics, Department of Logistics and Infrastructure
One of the best parts of the job isn’t just the work itself, it’s the people.
Business Analyst, Department of Corporate and Digital Development