Antarctic Refueller
- The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $95,857 per annum.
- Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $168,793 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 an Antarctic Refueller, you’ll play an important role in supporting Australia’s Antarctic resupply operations. Working alongside the Refuelling Supervisor, you’ll assist with refuelling operations in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic, including delivering briefings, setting up and packing down equipment, and providing relief supervision. You’ll work closely with voyage support staff and members of the shipboard and station-based Mechanical Teams.
Fuel resupply is usually carried out by transferring bulk fuel from ship to shore through a fuel hose. Depending on weather and conditions, transfers may take place over water or ice near the station. Working with bulk fuel in an environmentally sensitive and challenging environment means safety and environmental protection are at the heart of everything you do.
The Antarctic Refueller travels on resupply voyages to each of the stations and can complete a single voyage in a season or multiple. Voyages vary in length from one to two months.
Refuelling Supervisor
- The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $105,861 per annum.
- Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $178,797 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 Refuelling Supervisor, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient transfer of fuel and associated activities during station resupply, helping keep Australia's Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations operational and directly supporting critical scientific research and essential infrastructure across one of Australia's most significant scientific and logistical programs.
Working under limited direction from the Voyage Leader, you'll lead fuel resupply operations in some of the world's most remote and environmentally sensitive locations. Fuel is typically transferred from ship to shore via bulk fuel hose, with operations conducted over water or ice depending on weather and ice conditions. Operating in Antarctica requires a strong commitment to safety, teamwork and environmental stewardship, with the effective management of operational, safety and environmental risks essential to every fuel transfer.
This hands-on role combines technical expertise with operational leadership. You'll lead refuelling teams and take responsibility for the safe and efficient delivery of ship-to-shore and station refuelling operations during station resupply activities. You'll also oversee the maintenance, repair, service, modification and testing of specialised refuelling equipment supporting the Australian Antarctic Program.
The role can involve single or multiple voyages throughout the Antarctic summer season, with periods of engagement varying from one month up to eight months in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations.
What we are looking for
Essential – Antarctic Refueller
To apply for this role, you must have the skills and licences listed below:
Qualifications/licences
Provide copy with application:
- Driver’s licence – A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence
- Citizenship – 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.
Obtain prior to 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
- Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in bulk fuel transfer
- Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in refuelling operations
- Capability of safe bulk fuel transfer using soft wall hose in cold climate, exposed marine situations such as those found in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
- Comprehensive knowledge of bulk fuel transfer and equipment (hose, pumps, etc.) standards and industry accepted practices with regard to ship to shore bulk fuel transfer
- Coordinate a diverse team of people to achieve a technically difficult outcome in an isolated location, under pressure of conditions, time and limited resources
- Carrying out refuelling activities in a systematic approach
- Familiarity with Antarctic and sub-Antarctic resupply operations or similar ship to shore operations in cold climate conditions
- Comprehensive knowledge of safe methods of bulk fuel transfer and a strong focus on safety
- Sound judgement in time-limited, pressure situations with the ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times
- Strong, proactive focus on protection of the Antarctic environment through the responsible management of bulk fuel transfer activities
Essential – Refuelling Supervisor
To apply for this role, you must have the skills and licences listed below:
Qualifications/licences
Provide copy with application:
- Driver’s licence – A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence
- Citizenship – 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.
Obtain prior to 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
- Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in supervision of bulk fuel transfer
- Recent experience (within the last 5 years) in refuelling operations
- Capability in the supervision and coordination of safe bulk fuel transfer using soft wall hose in cold climate, exposed marine situations such as those found in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
- Comprehensive knowledge of bulk fuel transfer and equipment (hose, pumps, etc.) standards and industry accepted practices with regard to ship to shore bulk fuel transfer
- Strong, proactive focus on safety and knowledge of safe methods of bulk fuel transfer
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively: Investigate incidents, write reports and coordinate a diverse team of people to achieve a technically difficult outcome in an isolated location, under pressure of conditions, time and limited resources
- Organisational capability, including sound judgement in time-limited, pressure situations, effective planning capability, initiative and problem-solving skills
- A strong, proactive focus on protection of the Antarctic environment through the responsible management of bulk fuel transfer activities
Desirable – Antarctic Refueller and Refuelling Supervisor
These are not essential to the role, however, to be suitable you will need to have at least one of these. We encourage you to apply even if you do not fit 100% of the requirements.
Knowledge and experience
- Diesel mechanic and/or other mechanical trade
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 at antarctica@hays.com.au.
