• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from:
  • Plant Operator $76,720 per annum
  • Senior Plant Operator $86,147 per annum
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from:
  • Plant Operator $147,257 per annum
  • Senior Plant Operator $156,684 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 Plant Operator with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment used for construction and maintenance activities. 

The AAD is also 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 Station Trades Supervisor.

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. 

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 (HLTAID0011) 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

• Recent hands-on plant operation experience (within the last 5 years)

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)
• High Risk Work Licence
• Routine maintenance and services on plant as required

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 Antarctic Infrastructure Team at AntarcticInfrastructureCarpentry@aad.gov.au.

Applications will not be accepted via email.

How to apply

1. Read about the essential information for all applicants 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.