As the Senior Aircraft Ground Support Officer (SAGSO) you will be responsible for is responsible for the day to day tasking and supervising a small team of Aircraft Ground Support Officers (AGSO), ensuring the team is kept updated on work plans and scheduling of tasks and delegating individual responsibilities, as well as ensuring the safe operations of the Ski Landing Areas and helicopter landing sites.

You will have a high level of communication skills, and the ability to deal with a wide range of complex situations, given the remote nature of Antarctic aviation operations.

SAGSOs are 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. Aircraft schedules are heavily influenced by weather conditions. SAGSOs often work long hours (up to 12 hours) to capitalise on periods of good weather.

SAGSOs are employed in summer jobs at Casey and Davis stations working in small teams of typically 2–6. Casey SAGSO’s routinely assist at Wilkins Aerodrome as operational needs dictate.

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 valid, unrestricted Heavy Rigid (HR) 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.

Recent hands-on experience (within the last 5 years):

  • experience in managing/supervising a small team, preferably in an isolated environment
  • strong communication and problem solving skills
  • demonstrated application of manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
  • working under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours
  • demonstrated experience in the operation of mobile plant/equipment relevant to aviation operations
  • experience in the operation of mobile plant/equipment, in the following fields: agricultural, snowfields, forestry, civil construction or mining environment or similar
  • good computer literacy skills including MS Word, Outlook and Excel.

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.

If you would like to be notified about future Antarctic job opportunities, sign up to our mailing list.

Register interest

Gallery

See all
Low angle of expeditioners wearing high vis, on deck of building with Australian flag behind
Group of expeditioners in high visibility vests standing on ice.
Top right of picture, red and white plane (forward of wings). On white snow runway. Blue sky above. Two men standing at fuel pump to left of picture with hose running towards the plane
Woman in cold weather gear sitting on bonnet of red ute on ice.
Expeditioners standing in the lights of plant equipment on runway at twilight
A plane lands on a wide, flat plain of snow and ice. A cloud of snow is kicked up in its wake.
on