This is a hands-on role, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, along with servicing the needs of 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 fueling 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 (4–6 months), as well as a small number of fixed wing aircraft.

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:

• 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

Hands-on experience within the last 5 years in the operation of mobile plant/equipment, in 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

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.

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

1. Read about the application process and life as an expeditioner. This is an overview of the recruitment and selection process.
2. 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.
3. Have your documents ready to attach (e.g., licences, qualifications and current CV/résumé). You must include these to be considered for the job.
4. When you have completed steps 1 to 3 above, click ‘Apply Now’✱ to start your application. Applications will not be accepted via email.