- The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $76,720 per annum.
- Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $147,257 per annum.
- A generous employer superannuation contribution of up to 15.4% will be paid in addition to salary and allowances.
- You will accrue recreation leave at the equivalent of 20 days per annum pro rata. Please note that recreation leave is not available in Antarctica but will be paid out on return to Australia.
As an Aerodrome Plant Operator (APO) with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery in the construction, maintenance and operation of Wilkins Aerodrome, along with servicing the ground support requirements for a wide range of aircraft. There are a number of hands-on APO roles, which are employed in either summer or winter jobs.
You will be a member of a small team (8-12 people) who live at this site for up to six months. For winter APO roles the deployment period will be 12-13 months. At the end of the summer period, you will be relocated to Casey Station for most of the winter period before relocating to Wilkins again for the recommissioning of the Aerodrome. Living in this environment requires all team members to complete a wide range of additional duties that are essential to maintaining the Aerodrome and camp facilities.
What we are looking for
Essential
To apply for this role, you must have the skills and licences listed below:
Qualifications/licences
Provide copy with application:
- Statement of Attainment to operate a Front-End Loader (LL)
- Driver’s licence – a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) licence
- Citizenship – In accordance with the PS Act 1999, Australian Public Service employees are required to be Australian citizens. Persons who are not Australian citizens will generally only be considered where there are no suitable Australian applicants, with next considerations being Australian residents with work rights and New Zealand citizens.
Obtain prior to commencement:
- Valid Passport – The expiry date of the passport (and any relevant visa) must be at least 6 months beyond the planned end date of your intended stay in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic
Wilderness First Aid (SISSS00140) will be provided during training and includes:
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
- HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
- HLTAID009 – Provide CPR
Certifications must be valid for at least 18 months beyond commencement, except for HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) this must be valid for at least 6 months beyond commencement.
Knowledge and experience
Demonstrated experience in the operation of mobile plant/equipment in any of the following fields or similar within the last 5 years:
- Agricultural
- Snowfield
- Civil construction
- Mining environment
Desirable
These are not essential to the role, however, to be suitable you will need to have at least some of these. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the requirements.
Qualifications/licences
Provide copies in your application:
Any licences, certificates of competency, or similar endorsements relevant to the operation of the following plant and equipment:
- A current Statement of Attainment to operate skid steer loader (LS)
- A current Statement of Attainment to operate Grader (LG)
- Any licences, certificates of competency, or similar endorsements relevant to the operation of the following plant and equipment:
- Tracked Dozer (DZ)
- Hagglunds all-terrain vehicles
- Quadtrac tractors towing compaction/proof rollers, trailers, sleds or implements
- Snow Groomers
- Snow Blowers (Overaasen or similar)
- Scraper (Motor or Tow behind)
Knowledge and experience:
Hands on experience within the last 5 years:
- Operation of the plant and equipment including or similar to those listed above
- Maintenance of the plant and equipment including or similar to those listed above
- Construction and maintenance of Aerodromes or similar civil construction environments including remote and cold environments
- Experience in the operation of Snow Groomers, snow blowers (Overaasen or similar)
Contact
For general enquiries, please email the Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team at antarctica@hays.com.au.
For job specific (technical or trade related) enquiries, or to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Aviation Team at aviation.operations@aad.gov.au.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
How to apply
- Read about the essential information for all applicants and life as an expeditioner. This is an overview of the recruitment and selection process.
- Review the job description. This describes the job and specifies essential qualifications and experience. It also tells you what documents you need to attach to your application.
- Have your documents ready to attach (e.g., licences, qualifications and current CV/résumé). You must include these to be considered for the job.
- When you have completed steps 1 to 3 above, click ‘Apply Now’✱ to start your application. Applications will not be accepted via email.
