This role is not open for recruitment for season 2024/25. Please register your interest for the following season.

As a Communications Rigger, and part of a two-person rigging team, you will carry out maintenance on masts and antenna systems at Antarctic stations. You may also be required to remove masts and erect new antenna systems.

This is a summer job only, available at any or all stations as required.

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 $71,068 per annum
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $136,409 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):

• A current advanced rigger certificate, valid in Australia.
• A current Working at Heights Certificate.
• A current, valid Elevated Work Platform licence (obtain prior to commencement):
• A current, valid telescopic materials handler (TMH) licence (obtain prior to commencement):
• You must have completed Tower Rescue training and your qualification is still current.
• You must have completed RF Awareness Training (obtain prior to commencement):
• 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. 

Skills and experience (3+ years or more experience):

• Erection and maintenance of guyed masts, towers and antenna systems (HF and VHF radio antennas) and associated cabling/feeder systems.

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.