As a member of the field camp’s senior leadership team, the role may include a Deputy Field Leader component where the incumbent may be required to relieve the Field Leader if operational priorities require it.

The position has an operational and strategic focus, working with a significant level of autonomy, capable of managing and prioritising personal workloads and those of the broader field camp community. The Camp Manager will work with a range of operational and science stakeholders in a high-tempo environment, requiring emotional intelligence and a high level of written and verbal communication skills.

Specifically, this position is responsible for the management of pre-campaign field camp design refinement, cargo consignment, in-field camp construction and ongoing operational camp management. Deep field operations, camp infrastructure maintenance and ongoing project support are particularly dynamic in nature and require a highly flexible approach to the way daily functions are prioritised. This position plays an essential role in ensuring the delivery of safe field operations to the AAP.

Specifically, this position is responsible for the management of pre-campaign field camp refinement, cargo consignment, in-field camp construction and operational camp management. Deep field operations, camp infrastructure maintenance and ongoing project support are particularly dynamic in nature and require a highly flexible approach to the way daily functions are prioritised. This position plays an essential role in ensuring the delivery of safe field operations to the AAP.

Employment conditions

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $112,089 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $180,043 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

• Driver’s licence – 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

• 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.
• MSIC and ASIC Licences – if the position requires unescorted access within an aviation or maritime security zone, you will be required to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).

Knowledge and experience

• A strong and demonstrable background in project management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated background in stakeholder engagement to a high standard
• A proven and thorough understanding of what is required to maintain a safe working environment, following applicable WHS legislation
• High level experience in the delivery of complex project activities in a remote environment
• A demonstrated ability to lead and manage small teams effectively and efficiently to achieve key project timelines and milestones
• A demonstrated ability to adapt to change and prioritise work in a rapidly evolving operational environment
• A strong and demonstrable understanding of remote field camp logistics and operations

Highly 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

• Trade qualifications relevant to the construction and delivery of temporary infrastructure into remote areas.

Desirable

Qualifications/licences

Provide copies in your application:

• Coxswain Certificate of Competency
• Experience working and leading/managing a small team in a remote environment
• Knowledge of and/or experience in a national Antarctic program
• Experience with and/or understanding of supporting assets, such as aviation and shipping to enable remote field camp delivery/operations

Knowledge and experience

• Strong leadership and human resource management skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to clearly communicate and positively influence others
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic working environment
• Proactive problem-solving skills with the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a diverse team

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 Field Operations Team at FieldOperations.Recruitment@aad.gov.au.

Applications will not be accepted via email.

How to apply

1. Read about the application process and life as an expeditioner. This is an overview of the recruitment and selection process.
2. 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.
3. Have your documents ready to attach (e.g., licences, qualifications and current CV/résumé). You must include these to be considered for the job.
4. When you have completed steps 1 to 3 above, click ‘Apply Now’✱ to start your application. Applications will not be accepted via email.