- The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $147,594 per annum.
- Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $218,131 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.
As a Station Leader with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you’ll take on a unique leadership role at one of Australia’s Antarctic or sub-Antarctic stations. This role offers the opportunity to guide a diverse team of expeditioners in delivering world-class science, infrastructure, and logistics programs in some of the most remote and environmentally significant locations on Earth.
You’ll be responsible for the safety, wellbeing, and cohesion of the station community, while ensuring operational excellence across aviation, construction, fieldwork, and environmental management. As the senior representative of the AAD on station, you’ll also play a key role in integrating strategic partners into station life and operations.
This is more than a job: it’s a chance to lead with impact, foster resilience, and contribute to Australia’s Antarctic program. Flexible deployment options can be explored, and successful candidates will undergo comprehensive training in Kingston, Tasmania before heading south. If you’re ready to embrace the challenge of remote leadership and community building, we encourage you to apply.
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 commencement
- Provide basic emergency life support (HLTAID010) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of commencement
- Provide CPR (HLTAID009) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of commencement
Knowledge and experience
Leadership
- Exceptional people management skills that can be translated to a challenging 24/7 environment
- Builds cohesive cross-functional teams through inclusive decision-making and conflict resolution
- Proven ability to lead and deliver complex programs e.g. strategic, operational or scientific
- Strong interpersonal and performance management skills
- Respected leader who models integrity and professionalism with a diverse workforce
- Supports diversity, equity, and respectful behaviour
- Strong understanding of and commitment to WHS legislation and risk management
- Commitment to environmental sustainability and safe operational practices
Personal and Professional Effectiveness
- Resilient and adaptable under pressure, with the ability to manage physical and emotional isolation
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrates sound judgment and accountability
- Manages interpersonal issues constructively; displays emotional intelligence, flexibility, and respect
- Maintains high standards of conduct, hygiene, and community participation.
Team and Community Engagement
- Willingness to support and contribute to the Australian Antarctic Program and strategic initiatives
- Contributes positively to small, remote team; aware of personal impact on others
- Demonstrates responsible behaviour, including safe and appropriate alcohol use
- Active involvement in shared responsibilities, including "common duties" and community activities
- Commitment to complete all required training and preparation for deployment, maintaining readiness and competence in all assigned roles.
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 People & Culture Team at jobs@antarctica.gov.au.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
How to apply
- Read about the essential information for all applicants 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.
