Plumbers work in either summer or winter jobs; shorter winters may also be an option. Plumbers work at all 3 Antarctic stations as well as at 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 $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/Apprenticeship – In Plumbing or Mechanical Services with current registration/licencing to conduct work in Australia
- Driver’s licence – Current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s 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:
- White Card (issued after May 2009), or the ability to attain 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
- A minimum of 3 years post trade experience in the industry
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 have all the desirable requirements.
Qualifications/licences
Provide copy with application:
- High-Risk Work Licence - A valid High-Risk Work Licence
Knowledge and experience
- maintenance of pumps and pump systems (centrifugal pumps, submersible pumps, positive displacement pumps)
- knowledge in the operation and maintenance of air handling plant
- knowledge in the use and operation of pressure and temperature controls (heating hot water and ventilation systems)
- LPG systems and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment
- maintenance and installation of fire sprinkler systems
- experience in operation and maintaining sewage treatment plants Rotating Biological Contactor or Membrane Bioreactor
- maintaining medical gas systems
- corrosion treatment of heated water systems
- installation and maintenance of heating hot water systems; including but not limited to panel radiators, heat exchangers, air water coils, 3-way motorised valves
- experience working on packaged oil-fired boiler systems
- thermostatic mixing valve certification – Commission and maintain hot and heated water temperature control devices
- backflow prevention device certification – Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices or equivalent
- current Australian gas-fitting certification/license incorporating type A LPG appliances
- operating and maintaining a potable water production plant (reverse osmosis)
- sheet metal fabrication
- HDPE welding
- operation of a computerised maintenance management system
- technical reporting/writing reports.
Additional
Should your application be successful, it is useful to have some understanding of any additional licences/accreditation you have, such as:
- confined space
- remove non-friable asbestos
- supervise asbestos removal
- dogging
- rigging
- scaffolding
- 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 Daniel Edwards at Daniel.Edwards@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.
