Refrigeration Mechanic

As a Refrigeration Mechanic you will be part of the team which maintains and develops the Australian stations on the Antarctic continent and at Macquarie Island. You will install and maintain station domestic and commercial refrigeration plant as well as assisting with general maintenance and construction as required.

Infrastructure roles

Refrigeration Mechanics generally work in summer jobs only, with the station location dependent on requirements. Winter jobs are occasionally available when required for a specific project.

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 or Technical Certificate/Apprenticeship – or recognised equivalent as a Refrigeration Mechanic
Australian Refrigeration Council – Current, full registration and air-conditioning licence
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
Broad general experience within the refrigeration mechanic trade.

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.

Recent hands-on experience (within the last 5 years)

A current, unrestricted electrical worker’s licence which qualifies you to undertake electrical work in Australia
The installation and maintenance of packaged refrigeration units for −18 degrees Celsius and +4 degrees Celsius cool rooms up 20 kW
Maintenance of refrigeration systems for temperature-controlled shipping containers
Maintenance of glycol chillers which employ shell and tube heat exchange and ice ball systems
Construction and maintenance of cool rooms using insulated panel systems and associated cool room hardware
Configuration and fault finding of electronic refrigeration controllers and sensors
Managing cylinder stocks of refrigerant gases including conducting leak testing and reclaiming refrigerants
Experience with R404A, R134A and R409 refrigerants and experience with upgrading from legacy refrigerants such as R12 and R22
Maintenance of laboratory refrigeration systems including controlled temperature cabinets.
Maintenance of domestic heat pumps and refrigerators
Experience in the installation or maintenance of building heating and ventilation systems (air handling and heating/cooling water) is desirable.

Additional

Although not critical for your application to be successful, it is useful to have some understanding of any additional licenses you may have.

Restricted Electrical Licence
Working Safely at Heights
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).

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.