Opportunities exists for Boilermaker/Welders to work in both the Antarctic Summer and Winter seasons, normally November to March or November to November respectively. Shorter winter opportunities may also arise (March to November). Boilermaker/Welders are deployed at all three Antarctic stations as well as Macquarie Island when the demand for works required. The deployment is normally proceeded by two months predeparture training for Winter and one month for Summer.

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 $82,993 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $150,947 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:

• Trade Certificate - A suitable trade certificate, technical certificate, apprenticeship or recognised equivalent as Boilermaker/Welder.
• Driver’s licence – A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence.
• Citizenship - 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.

Obtain prior to commencement:

• White Card (issued after May 2009)
• 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 (HLTAID011) 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

• Metal fabrication and repairs involving a wide range of materials varying from low temperature carbon steel to stainless steel, incorporating the appropriate best work practices and procedures.
• MIG, TIG, aluminium, stainless steel and hardox welding.
• Experience in the building construction industry.
• Structural steel erection techniques.
• Broad general experience.

Desirable

These are not essential to the role however to be suitable you will need to have at least some of these. We encourage you to apply even if you do not fit 100% of the requirements.

Qualifications/licences

Provide copies in your application:

• High-Risk Work Licence - A valid High-Risk Work Licence
• Dogging
• Rigging
• Scaffolding

Knowledge and experience:

Within the last 5 years:

• Dogging and rigging
• Scaffold erection
• Operation of heavy plant and equipment
• General construction/building work
• Inventory and stock taking

Additional

Should your application be successful, it is useful to have some understanding of any additional licences you have. Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):

• Working Safely at Heights
• Confined space
• Remove non-friable ‘B’ class asbestos
• Supervise asbestos removal
• Forklift
• Elevated work platform
• Operation of a crane
• Telescopic materials handler
• Dozer
• Loader
• Excavator
• Skid steer loader (Bobcat)
• Skidder

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 Cameron Lea at AntarcticInfrastructureCarpentry@aad.gov.au.