Antarctic Refueller

Resupply of fuel is usually accomplished by the transfer of bulk fuel from ship to shore through a fuel hose. Fuel transfer may occur over water or over ice, depending on weather and ice conditions and proximate to the station. The transfer of bulk fuel in an environmentally sensitive location and Antarctic conditions requires the effective management of significant safety and environmental risks. 

The Antarctic Refueller works up to 8 months throughout the summer season on multiple voyages.

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.

Employment conditions

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $89,311 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $157,265 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.

Refuelling Supervisor

Resupply of fuel is usually accomplished by the transfer of bulk fuel from ship to shore through a fuel hose. Fuel transfer may occur over water or over ice, depending on weather and ice conditions and the proximate to the station. The transfer of bulk fuel in an environmentally sensitive location and Antarctic conditions requires the effective management of significant safety and environmental risks. 

The Refuelling Supervisor will work under limited direction from the Voyage Leader for the safe and efficient transfer of fuel and associated activities during the course of the voyage. You will manage the repair, service, modification and testing of refuelling equipment used in support of Australia’s Antarctic Program while in Hobart or other designated ports of departure. 

The Refuelling Supervisor works up to 8 months throughout the summer season on multiple voyages.

Employment conditions

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $98,632 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $166,586 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 – Antarctic Refueller

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:

• 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.

Knowledge and experience

• Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in bulk fuel transfer 
• Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in refuelling operations 
• Capability of safe bulk fuel transfer using soft wall hose in cold climate, exposed marine situations such as those found in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
• Comprehensive knowledge of bulk fuel transfer and equipment (hose, pumps, etc.) standards and industry accepted practices with regard to ship to shore bulk fuel transfer
• Coordinate a diverse team of people to achieve a technically difficult outcome in an isolated location, under pressure of conditions, time and limited resources
• Carrying out refuelling activities in a systematic approach
• Familiarity with Antarctic and Sub Antarctic resupply operations or similar ship to shore operations in cold climate conditions
• Comprehensive knowledge of safe methods of bulk fuel transfer and a strong focus on safety
• Sound judgement in time-limited, pressure situations with the ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times
• Strong, proactive focus on protection of the Antarctic environment through the responsible management of bulk fuel transfer activities

Desirable – Antarctic Refueller

These are not essential to the role. To be suitable you do not need any of these, but they may make you more competitive against other applicants.

Knowledge and experience:

• Diesel mechanic or other mechanical trade. 

Essential – Refuelling Supervisor

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:

• 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.

Knowledge and experience

• Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in supervision of bulk fuel transfer 
• Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in refuelling operations 
• Capability in the supervision and coordination of safe bulk fuel transfer using soft wall hose in cold climate, exposed marine situations such as those found in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean 
• Comprehensive knowledge of bulk fuel transfer and equipment (hose, pumps, etc.) standards and industry accepted practices with regard to ship to shore bulk fuel transfer
• Strong, proactive focus on safety and knowledge of safe methods of bulk fuel transfer
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively: Investigate incidents, write reports and coordinate a diverse team of people to achieve a technically difficult outcome in an isolated location, under pressure of conditions, time and limited resources
• Organisational capability, including sound judgement in time-limited, pressure situations, effective planning capability, initiative and problem-solving skills
• A strong, proactive focus on protection of the Antarctic environment through the responsible management of bulk fuel transfer activities. 

Desirable – Refuelling Supervisor

These are not essential to the role. To be suitable you do not need any of these, but they may make you more competitive against other applicants.

Knowledge and experience

• Diesel mechanic or other mechanical trade. 

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 Cameron Frost at MechanicalAntarctica@aad.gov.au.