As a Senior Field Training Officer (SFTO) you are responsible for the planning, scheduling, and delivery of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic field training. Depending on which station you are at, you may work independently, or you may lead and supervise a team of Field Training Officers (FTOs) to provide support to groups working in the field. You will coordinate field safety and the development of station search and rescue capabilities. 

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

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 $94,838 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $160,179 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.

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

Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):

• Leader’s wilderness first aid (LWFA or PHEC) qualification, or equivalent
• Single pitch climbing instructor’s qualification and/or multi-pitch climbing instructor’s qualification (ACIA, PACI or other recognised authority), 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

Essential hands-on experience:

• 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
• An Adult Teaching qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Education; Grad Dip; TAE).

or

• Significant long serving experience (within the last 10 years) working in the outdoor sector inclusive of at least 5 years of adult guiding (preferably in the area of adult training and instruction).

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 Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team at antarctica@hays.com.au or 03 8602 9896.