Watercraft Operator

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $92,705 per annum for Watercraft Operators
• Base salary + additional allowances when on voyage to and from Antarctica starts from $163,242 per annum for Watercraft Operators
• 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.

Watercraft Operators are seasonal expeditioners engaged by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) to operate small vessels (under 15m) such as Jet Barges, Workboats, LARCs, Science Vessels, and Inflatable Boats. Their primary responsibilities include supporting station resupply, scientific research, and ship-to-shore operations across Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations. Operators must ensure safe execution of waterborne activities under the AAD’s Safety Management System, including fuel transfers, cargo handling, and personnel transport. The role demands hands-on maritime experience, strong safety culture, and adaptability to remote and hazardous environments.

Watercraft Coordinator

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $97,424 per annum for Watercraft Coordinators
• Base salary + additional allowances when on voyage to and from Antarctica starts from $167,961 per annum for Watercraft Coordinators
• 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.

The Watercraft Coordinator is selected from the pool of successful Watercraft Operators and assumes a leadership role during voyages. Working closely with the Voyage Leader and Deputy Voyage Leader, the Coordinator oversees the planning and execution of watercraft operations to ensure they are safe, compliant, and efficient. This role includes managing teams, coordinating logistics, and ensuring adherence to operational procedures. While sharing many technical duties with Operators, the Coordinator adds strategic oversight and leadership responsibilities, making it a critical role for operational success.

Please note that these roles do not involve the operation of larger vessels.

What we are looking for

Essential

To apply for these roles, you must have the skills and licences listed below:

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with your application:

• Coxswain 1 certificate – current
• Driver’s licence – current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence
• Citizenship – in accordance with the PS Act 1999, Australian Public Service 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 job 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 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

Within the last 5 years, preferably within the last 2 years:

• Ability to demonstrate recent and extensive operating hours as the master of a small vessel
• Operating watercraft (under 15 m in length) in either hazardous conditions or remote locations
• Working to Standard Operating Procedures, Job Hazard Analyses and organisational policies. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a strong safety culture and willingness to comply with safety and environmental policies and procedures
• Writing and presenting concise operational reports and briefing groups on operational requirements

Highly Desirable

These qualifications and licences are required to operate some of our vessels and provides your application an advantage.

Qualifications and licences

Provide copies in your application:

• Dogging Licence
• Marine Engine Driver (MED)

Desirable

Qualifications and licences

Provide copies in your application:

• Rigging
• Diesel Mechanic
• Other relevant training qualifications

Knowledge and experience

Within the last 2 years:

• Conducting dogging and/or rigging activities
• Operating watercraft (under 15 m in length) in support of cargo transfer and ship-to-shore refuelling operations
• On water loading and unloading cargo transfer operations involving craning or similar apparatus

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 Watercraft Team at watercraft.team@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.