As a Mechanic you will maintain and operate a range of mechanical plant and equipment. You will also maintain and operate the station power generation facilities (mechanical side). You will support station and field operations as required.

Mechanics work in either summer or winter jobs. Shorter winter opportunities may also arise. Mechanics are only employed at Casey, Davis and Mawson stations. If staying on station as part of the wintering crew you are required to participate in an on-call roster, to respond to out of hours issues – mainly related to the station powerhouse.

A Senior Mechanic (Macquarie Island) and a Wilkins Aerodrome Diesel Mechanic will be selected from suitable Mechanic and/or Station Mechanical Supervisor applicants. Overland Traverse Mechanics will be selected from suitable Mechanic applicants.

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.

For more detailed information about the requirements of the role and the selection process, please see the job description document and link to more information on the application process below.

Employment conditions

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $79,801 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $145,142 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.

Eligibility

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.

To apply for this role you must have the skills and licences listed below:

Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):

• A suitable mechanical trade, certificate III MEM or AUR qualification or recognised equivalent such as motor mechanic, diesel mechanic, plant mechanic, fitter and turner, or auto electrician.
• A Forklift (High Risk) Licence, or the ability to attain prior to commencement
• A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence.
• Valid passport when travelling to the Antarctic or sub-antarctic. 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.
• A current statement of attainment in the following units of first aid, or the ability to attain prior to commencement:
  • 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

Recent hands-on experience (within the last 5 years):

• diesel engine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul (such as Caterpillar, Cummins, electronic and non-electronic)
• maintenance and repair of heavy plant, including tracked, wheeled and stationary equipment (such as Cat loaders, tractors and excavators, Grove cranes, Komatsu crushers).

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 Hays at antarctica@hays.com.au or 03 8602 9896.