As a Carpenter you will maintain station buildings and field huts. This includes carpentry, painting, plastering, tiling, floor covering, glazing and steel erection work. Carpenters are also involved in the mixing and pouring of concrete foundations. They also manage the safe operation of the carpenters’ workshop and station hobby hut.

Carpenters work in either summer or winter jobs, and shorter winters may also be an option. Carpenters work at all 3 Antarctic stations as well as Macquarie Island.

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 $79,801 per annum.
  • Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $145,142 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):

  • Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):
  • A suitable trade certificate, technical certificate, apprenticeship or recognised equivalent in the building trade group such as Carpenter or Carpenter/Joiner
  • A White Card (issued after May 2009), or the ability to attain prior to commencement.
  • CPCCDE3014A Remove Non-Friable Asbestos, or the ability to attain prior to commencement
  • 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. 

Recent hands-on experience (within the last 3 years)

  • Concrete technology, footings and foundations
  • Structural steel erection techniques
  • Site set-out techniques
  • Current building practices and the Building Code of Australia
  • Broad general experience within the construction industry
  • Maintenance practices

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 at antarctica@hays.com.au or 03 8602 9896.

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