As a Technical Officer for the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) you will operate and maintain a suite of technical equipment and supporting infrastructure to obtain year round weather data. BOM obtain surface, upper air and high resolution satellite data critical for station and field operations, and long term climate analysis.
BoM recruit a team of 3 Technical Officers for all stations as wintering crews (2 only at Mawson) which participates in 7-day rostered weather observing duties. In addition to observing duties, officers will perform a maintenance program and upkeep of telemetry, communication, and gas generation equipment. This includes unplanned maintenance and ability to respond to out of hours issues.
Our team consists of Level 4, Level 3, and Level 2 Officers. Level 4 and 3 Officers are skilled in Electro-Mechanical and Electronic Engineering trades, whilst the Level 2 Officer skills are aligned to Weather Observing. Participation in the Weather Observing component of the program is performed by all officers. Previous experience of weather observing is not mandatory – BOM will provide comprehensive training prior to departure for successful candidates.
The Bureau of Meteorology's Antarctic Program is integrated into 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. It strives 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 (while in Australia) is $84,670 – $96,267 (Level 4), $76,783 – $83,683 (Level 3), $61,449 – $71,917 (Level 2)
- Additional allowances totalling $62,417 per annum are payable while working in Antarctica.
- 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 40 days per annum pro rata whilst in Antarctica. Please note that recreation leave is not available in Antarctica, but will be paid out on return to Australia.
BOM contact
To discuss the roles in more detail, please contact the BOM Recruitment team via email: antarctic.recruitment@bom.gov.au.
BOM eligibility
You must be an Australian citizen, Australian resident with work rights in Australia, or a New Zealand citizen. Please note: Jobs requiring a security clearance are only open to Australian citizens. Applications from persons who are not Australian citizens will usually only be considered where there are no suitable Australian applicants.
To apply for this role you must have the skills and licences listed below:
Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):
- An Associate Diploma or equivalent from an Australian educational institution, or a comparable overseas qualification, which is appropriate to the duties; or have relevant observational or meteorological experience and training, which enables the employee to competently perform the duties at this level; or other comparable qualifications, which are appropriate to the duties.
- First Aid qualification equivalent to HLTAID011, with at least 6 months validity remaining on return to Australia
- A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence.
- A current Australian Passport with at least 6 months validity .
