Aerodrome Plant Operator

As an Aerodrome Plant Operator (APO), you will be part of a small team, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, in the construction, maintenance and operation of Wilkins Aerodrome, along with servicing the needs of 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.

Aviation roles

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 located at 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.

The Australian Antarctic Program’s (AAP) vision is to ensure Antarctica is valued, protected and understood. Working with the AAP provides a unique opportunity to experience Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, while supporting world-leading science.

The AAP aims to support expeditioner growth, professionally and personally, with a focus on wellbeing. We strive to employ versatile, proactive and community minded people. Expeditioners will need to contribute to a small team and be resilient as they face the challenges of living in an isolated environment.

For more detailed information about the requirements of the role and the selection process, please see the job description document and link to more information on the application process below.

Employment conditions

The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $73,911 per annum.
Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $141,865 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.

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
Provide First Aid (HLTAID0011) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of AAD commencement
Provide CPR (HLTAID009) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of AAD 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. To be suitable you do not need any of these, but they may make you more competitive against other applicants.

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)

Other requirements

As a proactive and positive member of the community you will:

Maintain a personal and practical commitment to AAD policies and standard operating procedures (including work, health and safety and environmental policies). Training and guidance in regard to all responsibilities relevant to your position will be provided.
Be rostered to perform duties to support the community life of the expedition, such as general kitchen duties, garbage clearance, general cleaning duties, and assisting other expedition members with official programs, to ensure an equitable contribution.
Work in areas outside of your primary role, for example, aiding other areas or science projects, or participating in general labouring tasks such as clearing snow or handling cargo.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the AAD, we value diversity in all its forms – background, experience, and perspective. We recognise the challenges that come with our work and are committed to fostering an inclusive culture for all. We encourage applications from everyone, especially people from under-represented groups like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, gender-diverse people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Personal qualities

During the recruitment selection process the AAD assesses individual personal qualities expeditioners need to successfully live and work in an isolated Antarctic/sub-Antarctic community.

Covid-19

Expeditioners must comply with the AAD’s Infectious Respiratory Disease Management Plan, including the requirement to have had a COVID-19 vaccination or a medically documented COVID-19 infection, within 12 months of deployment. More information is available.