There is one FTO at each station over the ‘winter season’ (March to November) which adopts the position and responsibility of a SFTO.

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 $89,311 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $157,265 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:

• Experience Guiding/Leading Qualification and/or
  • Significant experience (within the last 5 years) in outdoor guiding/leading with either young people or adults in remote wilderness settings and; 
    • A relevant qualification in Outdoor Education such as a Certificate IV in Outdoor Education, a Diploma of Outdoor Education (preferred), a Bachelor of Education (Outdoor Education) or equivalent; and/or o An Adult Teaching qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Education; Grad Dip; TAE).
• OR
• • Significant long serving experience in guiding (within the last 10 years) and leading in the outdoor sector, inclusive of adult guiding (preferably in adult training and instruction).
• Wilderness First Aid - (WFA, PHEC), or equivalent/higher
• Climbing Qualification - Single pitch climbing instructor’s qualification and/or multi-pitch climbing guide qualification, or equivalent
• 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

Instructional ability including preparation of presentations and delivery of training in most of the following areas:

• Field trip planning including risk assessment
• Group management, including leadership theory and practice
• Environmental awareness and minimal impact practice.
• General field skills in relation to use of stoves, shelters, etc
• Field navigation including the use of GPS units
• Communications including the use of radios and satellite phones
• Snow survival skills
• Search and rescue, including first response and operational coordination
• Technical rope-work skills in steep slope and vertical slope - rock, snow or ice environments
• Glacial travel experience in Antarctic-like conditions
• Organisational ability and leadership experience in the support of remote Field expeditions
• The ability to work as part of a team, in a multi-skilled work environment, to work autonomously and follow directives (when required) from individuals such as the SFTO and Station Leader.

Desirable

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application:

• Coxswain Certificate of Competencies
• Chainsaw Certification
• Quad bike Certification
• Snowmobile Certification.

Knowledge and experience

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

• Instructional ability including preparation of presentations and delivery of training in the following areas: 
  • Glacier travel and crevasse rescue
  • Cross country skiing and/or 
  • Indoor climbing wall and supervision
• Field research program support
• Remote field camp setup and support
• Sea ice travel
• Development of training resource materials
• Operation of small marine craft such as an IRB
• Operation of chain saw
• Operation of quad bike
• Operation of snowmobiles and/or 
• Active participation in helicopter and/or small fixed wing aircraft operations (including sling loading).

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 Field Operations Team at FieldOperations.Recruitment@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.