Field Leaders are engaged to a specific seasonal or multi-seasonal campaign or project, and are responsible for the leadership of personnel, managing and tasking of resources (personnel, aviation assets, watercraft, large or small vehicles) and coordination of the various programs within the campaign to deliver the scientific and operational outcomes, in an isolated, deep field setting.

Employment conditions

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $142,191 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $210,145 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 your application:

• 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 job 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
• MISC 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

• Proven ability to lead people in remote and challenging environments
• Experience managing complex and remote field operations
• Proven ability to successfully manage projects and stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in leadership
• Proven experience in environmental, safety and risk management in remote environments
• Demonstrated experience in emergency management, and
• Previous experience in team management in a supervisory role

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.

Knowledge and experience:

• Recent experience in the Australian Antarctic Program or another National Antarctic Program within the last three years in an operational, field or leadership role
• Project Management training
• Workplace training and or assessor qualification
• Experience in or qualifications relative to specific campaigns and projects eg. traverse experience, oversnow vehicles, watercraft, aviation and or drone operations, navigation and glacier travel etc., and/or
• Advanced Level Medical training

Skills and capabilities

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to clearly message and positively influence others
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic working environment
• Proactive problem-solving skills
• Ability to work 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 Robb Clifton at Robb.Clifton@aad.gov.au or 02 6232 3553.

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.