The AAD is embarking on the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program (AIRP) to renew ageing infrastructure and progress planning for new state-of-the-art facilities. Once delivered, the AIRP will enhance AAD’s ability to deliver world-class science and environmental stewardship across East Antarctica. To facilitate the construction, the AAD is embarking on forming a strategic Alliance with a construction partner. The initial scope of the project will provide new aviation facilities for Casey and Davis stations (package A) and station facility upgrades at Davis station (package B) over the next ten years. The station leader will play an integral role in ensure the successful integration of the Alliance partner into existing operations for the AAD.

As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAp), the AAD, in close partnership with other government portfolios, is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic interests to:

• Maintain Antarctica’s freedom from strategic and/or political confrontation
• Preserve our sovereignty over the Australian Antarctic Territory, including our sovereign rights over adjacent offshore areas
• Support a strong and effective Antarctic Treaty system
• Conduct world-class scientific research consistent with national priorities
• Protect the Antarctic environment, having regard to its special qualities and effects on our region
• Be informed about and able to influence developments in a region geographically proximate to Australia
• Foster economic opportunities arising from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, consistent with our Antarctic Treaty system obligations including the ban on mining and oil drilling.

You will be responsible for the safety, physical and emotional wellbeing of the station community group and the coordination and management of all programs and expedition personnel (irrespective of employment affiliation or nationality).

Australian Antarctic stations operate all year round so there is a need for a SL at all times. Your employment with the AAD is flexible and could be for a full winter season (12 - 15 months) or for a shorter season (6 - 8 months). We are keen to maximise your experiences and there may be opportunity for multiple deployments and periods of time working with us in Kingston over a number of years. We would be happy to explore innovative approaches with suitably qualified applicants.

The Australian Antarctic Division’s (AAD) stations provide the infrastructure and operational support capability to undertake Australia’s Antarctic land based program for all participating agencies. You are responsible for ensuring that programs receive the necessary support to meet the goals for the Australian Antarctic Program.

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.

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 application:

• Driver’s Licence – A 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:

• White Card - Construction white card at site of Alliance construction Works
• 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 atleast 6 months beyond the date of AAD commencement.

Knowledge and experience

Manage to Achieve Results

• Proven ability to successfully manage, implement and/or support a diverse range of policies, programs and projects, including science projects.to ensure AAP objectives and priorities are met
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to current WH&S legislation and its practical application in the workplace, including risk management practices, ensuring field, scientific, industrial and domestic operations are conducted safely
• Demonstrated commitment to contemporary environmental management principles and practices.

Lead the Community

• Proven ability to be accepted and respected as a leader under trying and difficult circumstances
• Proven ability to develop and maintain a productive and cohesive community by resolving conflict and by modelling and promoting appropriate standards of behaviour
• Proven interpersonal sensitivity and the ability to be open and interactive in decision making and problem solving
• Proven ability to assess the performance of others, provide appropriate feedback and counselling and prepare written performance reports
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace diversity principles and willingness and ability to address discrimination and harassment issues.

Demonstrate Personal Effectiveness

• Proven ability to work efficiently under both personal and general pressure in changing circumstances and to cope with physical and emotional isolation
• Demonstrated well developed written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated well-developed problem-solving skills.

Demonstrate a strong work ethic

• Evidenced by a proven history of efficient, effective, responsive and productive work performance
• Applicants for supervisory positions will be expected to demonstrate supervisory capabilities, including a good knowledge of workplace diversity, workplace relations, work, health and safety and environmental management practices and principles.

Demonstrate that they can make a positive contribution to community and team

Evidenced by:

• Demonstrating the capacity to cope with physical and emotional isolation and the resilience to overcome hardship;
• Demonstrating the capacity to work productively, contribute to the success of small isolated work groups and the overall community including recognising the effect their behaviour has on others;
• Demonstrating a capacity to address and resolve issues of conflict;
• Demonstrating the capacity to exercise sound judgement;
• Demonstrating flexibility, tolerance and acceptance of changing circumstances;
• Demonstrating qualities of robustness, motivation and confidence whilst displaying sensitivity, situational awareness and support and respect to fellow workers;
• Demonstrating good social skills and taking pride in their appearance and maintaining socially accepted standards of hygiene;
• Responsible use of alcohol; and
• Not exhibiting behaviour that could endanger others’ safety or be seen as being abusive, threatening or offensive to others.

Demonstrate that they can respond to authority and are compliant with the law, legislative requirements and AAD policies and procedures

Evidenced by:

• A history of complying with authority and supporting lawful instructions;
• Demonstrating a commitment to and compliance with appropriate environmental management policies and practices;
• Demonstrating a knowledge and history of compliance with work health and safety practices and principles; and
• Recognition of harassment and discrimination issues and demonstrated compliance with associated legislative requirements.

Demonstrate a commitment to AAP specific requirements

Evidenced by:

• Demonstrating commitment to supporting the Australian Antarctic Science Program;
• Demonstrating willingness to participate in “common duties” and activities in support of the community generally; and
• Demonstrating commitment to fully participate in all required training and associated activities.

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 Rory O'Connor at Station.Operations@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.