The role is largely supportive in that you will apply professional engineering knowledge and skills to the investigation and monitoring aspects of the research program. It principally supports the atmospheric and glaciological science activities of the Antarctic Climate Program but also assists the activities of the broader science program at Davis. The role will involve working closely with scientists at the station and in Australia. 

A training period of approximately two months precedes your deployment to Davis station. You may also be required to assist with replacement orders from the station, preparation of technical equipment and documentation in support of research projects and general duties (including packing of equipment, inventory maintenance and general clerical assistance). During your training at Kingston, you will attend courses specific to your duties in Antarctica. Training commitments are such that you must be available to start on the advertised commencement date and will be expected to take only one week of pre-departure leave before travelling to Antarctica. The period away from Australia will generally be around 12-15 months depending upon transport schedules and work programs. This spans the winter period, where you will be the sole electronics engineer, and the ‘summer’ seasons before and after, used for on-site training, maintenance activities and handover of expertise. 

On returning to Australia, you will participate in a comprehensive debrief at the AAD lasting approximately one week. 

The Electronics Engineer is a winter job only at Davis station. 

 

Listed below is some of the equipment that is operated at and around Davis station. Specific and transferrable skills are valued: 

• Atmospheric radars operating at various frequencies (MFSA 2MHz middle atmosphere wind radar; MST 55MHz wind profiling radar; 33MHz meteor detection and wind profiling radar) 
• Optical instruments for temperature and wave measurements (Scanning OH Spectrometer; Fourier Transform Spectrometer) 
• Space weather monitors (Digital Ionosonde; Imaging Riometer) 
• Cloud, precipitation and aerosol monitors 
• Tide Gauge  

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 $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

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

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application:

• Engineering Degree - An Engineering degree majoring in electronics from an Australian University, or qualification of equivalent standard from an Australian or overseas university that is consistent with eligibility for graduate membership to the Institution of Engineers Australia.
• 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

• Detailed design, implementation and testing of analogue and digital electronic circuits and systems (including microcontroller-based systems). 
• Ability to be resourceful and innovative in technical aspects of the work including the ability to fault find and calibrate modern electronic instrumentation. Have the ability to repair electronic equipment at a component level (demonstrated experience of such when operating with limited resources is desirable). 

Desirable

These are not essential to the role however to be suitable you will need to have at least some of these. We encourage you to apply even if you do not fit 100% of the requirements.

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application:

• High-Risk Work Licence - A valid High-Risk Work Licence

Knowledge and experience

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

• Have a demonstrated commitment to producing and maintaining high quality technical documentation including a demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to the use of formal documentation management systems. 
• Have a demonstrated ability to manage time and other resources while working with limited supervision and the ability to provide timely, accurate and complete reports. 
• Have recent knowledge of, and experience in, the use of computers in technical applications. This should include the use of languages such as "C++" and "Python", experience with formal software development tools and experience in using and administrating modern Linux and Windows operating environments. 
• Possess skills of particular relevance to the range of equipment listed. 

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 John French at aad.atmos.jobs@antarctica.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.