The Plant Operator is mostly a summer job although may occasionally be required over the winter season. Station Plant Operators are employed at Casey, Davis, Mawson and Macquarie Island stations. 

The Australian Antarctic Division is currently establishing an overland traverse capability. Traverse Plant Operators will be selected from suitable Plant Operator applicants. 

A Senior Plant Operator will be selected from the group of suitable Station Plant Operator and Mobile Crane Operator candidates. As the Senior Plant Operator, you will be responsible for supervising a team of Plant/Mobile Operators, ensuring the team is kept updated on work plans and scheduling of tasks and delegating individual responsibilities reporting to the ESS.

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:
  • Plant Operator $73,911 per annum
  • Senior Plant Operator $82,993 per annum
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from:
  • Plant Operator $141,865 per annum
  • Senior Plant Operator $150,947 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:

• White Card (issued after May 2009). 
• Driver’s Licence – A valid, unrestricted Heavy Rigid (HR) 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 hands-on plant operation experience. 

Desirable

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.

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application:

• Any licences or certificates of competency relevant to the plant and equipment listed below; and/or 
• Completed units of competency included in training package RII30815 – Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations 

Knowledge and experience

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

• Rough terrain cranes up to 45 tonnes (e.g. Grove, RT530E, RT540E & RT650E)
• Loaders (e.g. CAT 950F, IT62G/H, 966G/H)
• Bulldozers (e.g. CAT D6D, D6R/M, D7R)
• Multi Terrain Loaders (e.g. Cat 257B, 297C)
• Trucks rigid and articulated (e.g. Moxy, Isuzu NPS series)
• Tracked Agricultural Tractors (e.g. Cat MT865B, Case STX485)
• Air track drilling rigs (e.g. Atlas Copco ROC442)
• Telescopic Material Handlers (e.g. JCB 531/70 Loadall)
• Rock crushers (e.g. Komatsu BR380)
• Excavators (e.g. CAT 329D, 336D, Hitatchi ZX50U)
• Rock breakers (e.g. NPK, Rammer)
• Elevated Work Platforms (e.g. JLG 510AJ)
• Routine maintenance and services on plant as required

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 Lea at AntarcticInfrastructureCarpentry@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.