- 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 Aircraft Ground Support Officer (AGSO) with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will be responsible for a diverse range of duties in support of fixed and rotary wing operations in Antarctica.
This is a hands-on role which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, along with servicing ground support requirements for a wide range of aircraft. This involves operation of machinery and manual work, including the construction, maintenance and operation of ski landing areas. You will handle aviation fuelling equipment and interface with fixed/rotary wing aircraft. You will also transport passengers and cargo to and from aviation facilities and aircraft.
Aircraft schedules are heavily influenced by weather conditions. AGSOs often work long hours (up to 12 hours) to capitalise on periods of good weather.
AGSOs are employed in summer jobs at Casey and Davis stations. Casey AGSO`s routinely assist at Wilkins Aerodrome as operational needs dictate.
The AAD Aviation Program routinely has two helicopters operating at various Antarctic locations within the program over the summer season (four to six months), as well as a small number of fixed wing aircraft.
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:
- 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
Hands-on experience within the last 5 years in the operation of mobile plant/equipment, in at least one of the following fields:
- Agricultural
- Snowfields
- Forestry
- Civil construction or mining environment or similar
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:
- A current Statement of Attainment to operate skid steer loader (LS)
- A current Statement of Attainment to operate a front-end loader (LL)
- Any licences or certificates of competency relevant to the following plant and equipment:
- Tracked Dozer (DZ)
- Snow Groomer
- Telescopic materials handler
- Hagglunds all-terrain vehicles
- Snow mobiles and tracked quad bikes
- Tractors – towing implements
Knowledge and experience
Hands-on experience within the last 5 years:
- Operation of the mobile plant and equipment listed above
- Maintenance of any plant and equipment including those listed above
- Construction and maintenance of Ski Landing Areas or similar civil construction environments would be advantageous
- Cargo handling experience, including the manifesting of such (including Dangerous Goods)
- Provision of passenger handling and support services
- Helicopter sling loading
- Air/ground communications
- Aviation fuel handling experience, including fuel stock management
- Provision of meteorological information
- Basic emergency firefighting and rescue
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.
