Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
Please note: This roles transitions into the Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager. Please refer to Wilkins Aerodrome Manager position description below for duties. Candidates will be given appropriate training prior to transitioning into the Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager role.
The Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager will be a member of a small team (8 to 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.
Employment conditions
- The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $98,632 per annum.
- Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $166,586 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.
Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
As winter Aerodrome Manager, you are responsible for the on-site management of Wilkins Certified Aerodrome, in particular, the pack up and reinstatement of the Aerodrome to an operational level. This includes but not limited to the Aerodrome equipment and Wilkins camp infrastructure. This is a hands-on role, which requires a good level of skill and experience in mobile plant operation coupled with excellent leadership and problem-solving skills. The Winter Aerodrome Manager is a winter only position. You will be located at Casey Station for most of the winter period where you will have direct supervision of Aviation staff, reporting directly to the Station Leader.
Employment conditions
- The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $112,089 per annum.
- Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $180,043 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.
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.
What we are looking for
Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager – 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)
- Statement of Attainment to operate a Skid Steer Loader (LS)
- 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
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, and
- At Wilkins Aerodrome for at least 2 months duration in an aerodrome construction and maintenance environment, or comparable environment
Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager – 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
- Tracked Dozer (DZ)
- Grader (LG)
- Prinoth Snow Groomer
- Hagglunds all-terrain vehicles
- Overaasen snow blowers, and
- Quadtrac tractors towing compaction/proof rollers, trailers, sleds or implements
Wilkins Aerodrome Manager – 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
Within the last 5 years
- Experience and current capability in the operation of relevant plant
- Sound knowledge of maintaining a heavy and light equipment fleet
- Relevant construction, project or operations experience
- Ability to work under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours
Wilkins Aerodrome Manager – 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).
Knowledge and experience
Within the last 5 years
- Demonstrated experience at Wilkins Aerodrome, with at least one season of the decommissioning and reinstatement of Wilkins to an operational level
- Experience in the construction and maintenance of aerodromes or similar civil construction environments
- Good computer literacy skills including MS Word, Outlook and Excel
- Previous experience as an aerodrome reporting officer
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.operations@aad.gov.au.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
How to apply
- Read about the application process 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.
