The Australian Antarctic Division seeks highly-skilled and passionate people to support our activities in remote locations.

Expeditioners walk the surrounding areas of Mawson research station. Photo: Matt Williams

Essential information

The Recruitment and Selection Process

Applications for expeditioner roles for the 2026–27 season open in mid-October 2025 for four weeks.

The selection process can take up to 9 months to complete. Due to the unique nature of deployment, the assessment process is comprehensive and will include a written application, medical checklist, technical interview, personal qualities assessment centre, and medical and psychological assessments. Given the high volume of applications we process each year, and the need to carefully assess each candidate, the process can take time.

Recruitment Timeline for the 2026/27 Program

Written application: October 2025 to November 2025

Shortlisting: November 2025 to January 2026

Medical checklist: November 2025 to January 2026

Technical interviews: January 2026 to February 2026

Assessment Centres: End of March to early June 2026

Reference checks: March 2026 to June 2026

Medical & adaptability (psychological) screening: January 2026 to middle of October 2026

Police checks: January 2026 to middle of October 2026

Contracts commence: Early July 2026

Important Information

You must successfully pass each step of the recruitment process to be considered suitable.

We will be in touch throughout the process via email. Please ensure you check your spam/junk folder in case our communications end up here.

You can generally expect emails to come from our recruitment provider Hays: antarctica@hays.com.au.

Login to the DCCEEW jobs portal to continue working on an incomplete application, or to check the progress of a submitted application.

About the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP)

The Australian Antarctic Program is led by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), based in Kingston, Tasmania. The AAD is part of the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Australia maintains three research stations in Antarctica – Casey, Davis and Mawson – and one on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. Each operates like a small town, supported by a diverse and dedicated workforce of station leaders, tradespeople, scientists, doctors, chefs and communications experts. Expeditioners are also supported by AAD staff in Hobart with expertise in Antarctic policy, people, operations, medicine and science.

Life and Work in Antarctica

Antarctic expeditioners need to be comfortable with their decision to leave their home, family and friends to live and work in Antarctica. Separation can be challenging for expeditioners and those who remain at home. The AAD has developed a Separation Guide to help people understand and manage the demands of an extended period of separation from family and friends.

As a proactive and positive member of the community all expeditioners must:

  • 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.
  • Uphold the standards outlined in the Antarctic Service Code of Personal Behaviour, which guides how we live and work together in a small and remote community.

Find out more about life as an Antarctic expeditioner, station life and expeditioner stories.

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.

Selection Criteria

It is important you read the position description to understand the requirements and duties of the role.

Within the position’s technical requirements, you must have the essential skills and licences specified to be selected for the role. It is important to clearly state in your online application how you meet the essential skills plus attach copies of all relevant licenses and qualifications.

Some positions also list highly desirable or desirable skills. Meeting these can make you more competitive, but we encourage you to still apply if you only meet the essentials.

Personal Qualities criteria and other requirements, such as security clearances, are assessed at a later stage in the recruitment process.

Personal Qualities

Successful expeditioners demonstrate the personal qualities needed to live and work effectively in an isolated Antarctic or sub-Antarctic community. These qualities are assessed as part of the recruitment process.

Assessment is conducted through 24-hour in-person assessment centres, generally held in a couple of locations around Australia. During the centre, you are tested on your alignment with our personal qualities. We arrange transport for candidates who need to travel to attend.

These assessments are designed to mirror the challenges of living and working in a remote and unique environment and help determine suitability for deployment.

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take me to complete my online application?

Generally, between 45 and 90 minutes.

Do I have to be an Australian citizen?

In accordance with the PS Act 1999, Australian Public Service (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.

Please note: Senior Communications Technical Officer, Telecommunications Officer - Networks, Telecommunications Officer - Radio and Information Technology Officer roles require a security clearance which is only available to Australian citizens.

I am an Australian citizen located overseas – am I eligible to apply?

Yes, your application is most welcome. You will need to be available to participate in the necessary screening steps outlined above.

Any costs incurred in travelling to Australia to participate in any of these steps will be at your own expense.

If you are required to undergo a medical assessment while overseas, you will have to cover the upfront costs, which can be up to $2000. There may also be long wait times for the results. You will be eligible to a reimbursement.

What is involved in a Psychological (Adaptability) Assessment?

All prospective participants in the Australian Antarctic Program who deploy for a period of 3 months or longer, or who will be in a deep field environment for any duration, are required to complete a Psychological (Adaptability) Assessment. On occasion, assessments may be required outside of these conditions and this will be communicated directly with prospective AAP expeditioners.

The intent of the Psychological (Adaptability) Assessment is to assess the individual’s ability to effectively adapt and respond to the unique demands of living and working on an Antarctic or sub-Antarctic research station, on a voyage, or in an Antarctic field camp for an extended period of time.

There are two components to the assessment – the completion of an online personality questionnaire and an individual interview with a registered psychologist. The assessment will be organised by the AAD’s organisational psychology team. Enquiries about the assessment should be directed to OrgPsychteam@aad.gov.au

What is involved in the medical assessment?

Every expeditioner must meet strict medical standards. The medical assessment includes:

  • A full physical examination by an AAD-approved doctor

  • Blood tests, heart and lung function tests, hearing and vision tests, and dental checks

  • Screening for underlying health conditions that could cause problems in a remote environment

It is important that you attend these appointments promptly when scheduled. Missing or delaying appointments can significantly slow down your ability to progress through the selection process.

Find out more about medical requirements.

AAP Vaccination Requirements

All AAP participants including aircrew and ship’s crew are strongly recommended to be current with a number of vaccinations given the infectious disease risks of working in small isolated austere medical environment. These include but are not limited to Seasonal Influenza, COVID-19, Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis and Hepatitis A and B. Some roles (e.g, Deep Field and altitude), those at increased risk with age or medical conditions, and certain occupations are required to be vaccinated to be approved to travel south to prevent respiratory and other infections, or blood or body fluid exposure risk. These roles and participants will be assessed and advised by the Polar Medicine Unit.

Are police checks required?

Yes. All successful applicants must undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process. We will contact you if a police check needs to be initiated. Checks are usually conducted during the same timeframe as medical and psychological assessments.

Am I too old?

There is no age restriction for expeditioner roles but applicants must pass a comprehensive medical assessment.

How long will I be employed for?

Contracts normally range from four to fifteen months in duration, depending on if you are a summer (short deployment) or winter (longer deployment) expeditioner. Expeditioners employed in 'winter' jobs will complete a winter and summer season in Antarctica.

The length of your employment will include a period of pre-departure training in Hobart, which is mandatory and can take between two and twelve weeks to complete depending on your role, previous experience, and individual needs. Training can include workplace health and safety, field survival, specialist technical training, station operations, and community living skills. The AAD tailors training to ensure every expeditioner is fully prepared for deployment.

Summer expeditioners usually start work in September or October and are employed for between four and six months. They normally return to Australia in March or April the following year.

Winter expeditioners start dates vary depending on which station you are deployed to. For Casey or Davis you can expect to depart Hobart in October or November, returning approximately twelve months later.

If you are employed at Mawson or Macquarie Island, you will generally depart Hobart in March or April and return around the same time the following year. Start dates for expeditioners employed at either of these two stations may be as early as November.

When completing your application, you will be asked to indicate your station preferences in order of most preferred to least.

How much notice will I receive before commencing employment?

We aim to give at least six weeks’ notice before pre-departure training begins in Hobart. However, depending on operational requirements, station assignment, and other factors, there may be occasions where there is less notice.

When are contracts issued?

Contracting dates vary significantly depending on the station you are being considered for, your role, your progress through the selection process, and operational requirements. Some expeditioners may be contracted months earlier than others.

For more information about deployment timing to specific stations and the general windows of deployment, see our shipping and flight schedules.

How do I get to Antarctica?

Expeditioners travel with the Australian Antarctic Program by ship or aircraft, depending on the station and season. Travel can be affected by weather and operational priorities.

Find out more about travel to Antarctica.

Are there roles available as a nurse or other medical professional?

Each station has a qualified medical practitioner who provides complete medical, surgical and dental care, including aviation and maritime medicine. We do not employ nurses, paramedics, psychologists or other allied health professionals.

I am a returning expeditioner so; do I need to follow the same process?

Please apply for any role you are interested in through the normal process. If you have been deployed in a specific role within the last three seasons, we will review your previous recruitment and employment history to determine which selection steps are required. You may not need to repeat steps such as selection criteria, assessment centres, or technical interviews, but you will need to update all documentation, including your CV, and complete another medical checklist.

I applied in the last 3 years – am I required to attend a technical interview or assessment centre again?

As part of the application process, you may be required to participate in a technical interview or assessment centre. We review each candidate’s recruitment history and determine whether repeating certain steps is necessary.

What is a merit pool?

The nature of our operations means we often receive more suitable applicants than there are available positions. A merit pool is used to manage this.

If you pass the selection process but are not offered a position for the current season, you may be placed in a merit pool. This means:

  • You may be offered a role if additional vacancies arise during the season (for example, if another expeditioner is unable to proceed).

  • You will be eligible for consideration for the following two operating seasons for the same role you were found suitable for, likely without needing to repeat recently completed selection steps.

Some roles are only advertised every few years and may recruit from existing merit pools in between. Being in a merit pool indicates that you have been assessed as suitable, even if you are not immediately selected.

I am in a merit pool; do I need to apply again?

If you are eligible for a merit pool, when applications open we will send you a personalised email with instructions on how to apply separately. Being in a merit pool often allows you to skip certain recruitment steps you have already completed.

If you do not receive one of these emails, it means you are not currently in a merit pool and will need to apply through the standard process.

What if my circumstances change and I am no longer available?

If your circumstances change and you are no longer available for the selection process or the relevant operating season, please notify our recruitment provider Hays: antarctica@hays.com.au as soon as possible. This allows us to manage placements effectively and offer opportunities to others who wish to be considered. Notifying us will not affect your consideration for future years.

Will I be notified if I am not successful?

If you are not successful at any stage of the process, you will be notified by email. You will have the opportunity to request additional feedback to support future applications.

How can I find out more?

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