- The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $92,705 per annum.
- Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $163,242 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.
As a Communications Technical Officer (CTO) with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will carry out routine and complex telecommunications maintenance. You will also make repairs and operate communications equipment. You may install or assist with the installation of complex telecommunications systems.
CTOs are under the supervision of the Senior Communications Technical Officer (SCTO) whilst on station. You will work together as a team to manage workload and tasks in support of operational and technical priorities.
The CTO roll is for Mawson Winter Season 2025/26 only. Deploying in February 2026 for approximately 12 months.
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
- Cert III in Electronics and Communications – (UEE30920) or comparable qualification
- Certificate of Competency in Perform Inspection – (MEM15004B or PUAEQU001)
- 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 commencement
- Security Clearance – this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level
- 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
In at least one of the following, within the last 5 years:
- Analogue radio systems with a strong understanding and practical maintenance including installation and repair of VHF repeaters/base stations, mobile radios and portables, and HF mobile and fixed base. Testing and repair of antennas and associated cabling/feeder systems and familiarity with masts and associated hardware.
- Satellite communications systems and equipment with a strong understanding and practical maintenance experience. Including BUC/LNB style, or other microwave communications systems.
Desirable
These are not essential to the role however, to be suitable you will need to have at least some of these. We encourage you to apply even if you do not fit 100% of the requirements.
Qualifications/licences
Provide copies in your application:
- Marine Radio Operators Certificate (MROCP)
- Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP)
- Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate (AROC)
- An Open Cabling Licence with optical, coax and structured (O, C & S) endorsements.
Knowledge and experience
Within the last 5 years:
- Installation and maintenance of IT infrastructure, network and desktop hardware. This can include servers, switches, routers, wireless network equipment, VoIP equipment, computers and peripherals, and copper and optic-fibre structured cabling
- Maintenance and repair of electronic equipment, including to component level
- Radio operating procedures, including air-ground-air communications
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 ICT Management Team at ICTManagementTeam@aad.gov.au.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
How to apply
- Read about the essential information for all applicants and life as an expeditioner. This is an overview of the recruitment and selection process.
- 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.
- Have your documents ready to attach (e.g., licences, qualifications and current CV/résumé). You must include these to be considered for the job.
- When you have completed steps 1 to 3 above, click ‘Apply Now’✱ to start your application. Applications will not be accepted via email.
