As a Chef, you will be responsible for Station cooking and catering, food safety and kitchen hygiene, control of all foodstuffs and consumables, and for contributing to re-ordering of foodstuffs and consumables for the succeeding expedition. Additionally, the Chef assigned to Casey station will be required to be available to relieve the Wilkins Aerodrome Chef at times throughout the flying season. Duties whilst at Wilkins Aerodrome are outlined in the job description linked below.

Chefs can be employed in either summer or winter jobs; shorter winter opportunities may also arise. Chefs are employed at all three Antarctic stations as well as Macquarie Island. 

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

Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application): 

• Completed indentured apprenticeship (or equivalent). 
• 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)

• At least 5 years’ experience post apprenticeship 

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 Noel Tennant at noel.tennant@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.