The Deputy Aerodrome Manager (2IC) is responsible for the day to day tasking and supervision of staff at Wilkins Aerodrome. You will be a member of a small team (8–12 people) who live at this site for up to 6 months. Living in this environment requires all team members to complete a wide range of additional duties that are essential to maintaining the Wilkins accommodation and facilities.

The Deputy Aerodrome Manager works in direct consultation with the Aerodrome Manager. You will have a high level of communication skills, and the ability to deal with a wide range of complex situations, given the highly remote environment. This is a hands-on role, 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. The role also requires you to fill the position of Aerodrome Manager when the Aerodrome Manager is offsite.

The Deputy Aerodrome Manager is employed at Wilkins Aerodrome during the summer operating season and may transition to the Winter Aerodrome Manager role at the end of the summer operating season. Working mainly out of Casey station, the Aerodrome Manager will be responsible for scheduling and conducting winter maintenance activities for the aerodrome plant and equipment and recommissioning of the runway. Refer to the Aerodrome Manager position description.

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 $94,838 per annum.
  • Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $160,179 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.

Eligibility

In accordance with the PS Act 1999, APS 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

To apply for this role you must have the skills and licences listed below.

Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):

  • A current, unrestricted class Heavy Rigid (HR) licence.
  • A current Statement of Attainment to operate a front end loader (LL).
  • A current Statement of Attainment to operate a skid steer loader (LS).
  • A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence.
  • Valid passport when travelling to the Antarctic or sub-antarctic. 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
  • A current statement of attainment in the following units of first aid, or the ability to attain prior to commencement:
    • 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.

Experience (within the last 5 years):

  • supervising a small team, preferably in a remote situation including conflict resolution
  • understanding aerodrome manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
  • working under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours
  • utilising highly effective communication and problem solving skills
  • demonstrated experience in the operation mobile plant/equipment relevant to Wilkins Aerodrome
  • tasking and maintaining a heavy and light equipment fleet
  • at Wilkins Aerodrome for at least 2 months duration in an aerodrome construction and maintenance environment, or comparable environment.

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 Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team at antarctica@hays.com.au or 03 8602 9896.

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Gallery

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A man and a woman posing on the ice.
Group of six expeditioners in high visibility vests standing on ice.
Expeditioners walking from the plane
A building made out of shipping containers flies the Australian flag and says "Wilkins Aerodrome" on a sign.
An aerial photo of an ice runway with a small aircraft and a row of parked vehicles.
Three expeditioners at ice runway.
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