Communications Technical Officer

As a Communications Technical Officer (CTO), 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.

Telecommunications roles

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.

CTOs are employed in winter jobs at Casey, Davis, Mawson and Macquarie Island. Summer or shorter winter jobs may become available.

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

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 (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.

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. To be suitable you do not need any of these, but they may make you more competitive against other applicants.

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.

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.