Mawson expeditioners proudly wearing their bespoke beanies. Photo: Leon Hamilton

Conditions of employment

The AAD generally meets the cost of:

  • airfares to and from Hobart, and in some cases a pre-embarkation reunion travel entitlement may also apply
  • accommodation in Hobart, and transport between your accommodation and the AAD (usually by bus)
  • a daily allowance when staying in Hobart for miscellaneous expenditure (currently $23.00 per day)
  • transportation to Hobart of 1 cubic metre (up to 250 kg) of personal goods for winter expeditioners or up to 50 kg for summer expeditioners (exact number will vary depending on the airline), and then onwards to Antarctica or Macquarie Island, and on return to your home location; and
  • storage of household goods and a motor vehicle (determined on a case by case basis).

Working hours in Antarctica:

Antarctic expeditioners are regularly required to undertake additional hours beyond an average of 37 hours and 30 minutes per week. Due to the nature of the work we undertake, there is a business need to ensure that our stations are supported 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per-week.

Expeditioners will also be required to work reasonable additional hours (which will include weekend work), in accordance with section 62(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 throughout their employment in AAD.

While we do not expect that expeditioners will work 24/7, you may be required to undertake reasonable additional hours to support the achievement of our operational objectives and the community needs. This may relate to, but not be limited to, callouts, powerhouse issues, resupply, fuel transfers, emergency response, community duties and training. AAD employees receive a range of allowances designed to compensate expeditioners for the unique working environment including the Allowance in Lieu of Overtime, a Common Duties Allowance and an Antarctic Allowance.

Working conditions – special considerations

Due to the nature of the physical environment:

  • You may need to work outside in cold and dry conditions (as low as −45 °C); or cold and wet conditions.
  • There is an increased risk of exposure to both high and low solar ultraviolet radiation, slip hazards in continental Antarctica, muscular skeletal-type injuries on Macquarie Island, and exposure to noise that may exceed recommended exposure limits (generated by aircraft and plant).

Remote and isolated community living comes with:

  • Limited sophistication of medical support
  • Limited scope for medical evacuation – if at all possible evacuation is likely to be delayed and prolonged; and
  • Stressors of close communal living.
  • Limited external communications for ship, field and traverse based personnel.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Antarctica?

Expeditioners travel via ship or plane. The mode of transport will depend on the station you are going to and AAD operational requirements.

Access to stations is possible only in summer. It is not possible to return to Australia during the winter months.

What are the living quarters like?

Buildings are comfortable and functional for living and working. They are insulated and strengthened to withstand low temperatures and fierce winds. Read more about station amenities.

In most circumstances expeditioners will have their own bedroom and shared bathroom facilities. There may be occasions when people are required to share (e.g. field huts). When travelling via ship, you should expect to share a cabin with other expeditioners.

What clothes and personal items do I have to take?

The AAD provides all specialised Antarctic and sub-Antarctic clothing.

The living quarters and working buildings are a comfortable temperature. You will only need to bring everyday casual clothing and shoes for indoors. You may wish to pack something more formal for special occasions. The AAD provides personal items such as toiletries and health care products.

What will I eat?

Each station has its own chef. The food supplied is similar to that in Australia. Fresh vegetables are available for the first few weeks after the ship’s departure. Limited hydroponic produce may also be grown on station. We endeavour to meet special dietary requirements where possible. Emphasis is placed on providing a balanced nutritional diet. You will also have plenty of opportunity to help out in the kitchen.

Will I have the opportunity to ‘explore’ Antarctica?

While work will take priority, opportunities for recreational trips may arise.

What do I do after work?

Expeditioners participate in a range of recreational activities.

Expeditioners perform their own housework and help out with station duties. This may include assisting in the kitchen, garbage clearance, and general cleaning.

Who will I be working with?

There is a diverse range of people on station. This may include Australian and international scientists, members of international Antarctic programs, media professionals and other expeditioners.

How cold is it?

At Casey, Davis and Mawson:

  • In the peak of summer (January) average temperatures range between −3 °C and +3 °C, but are much cooler in the summer margins of October and April, ranging between −16 °C and −8 °C. The record warmest temperature of +13.0 °C is held by Davis Station.
  • In winter (April to October) average temperatures range between −20 °C and −10 °C. The record coldest temperature of −41.8 °C is held by Davis station.
  • Although more frequent in winter, you can expect low temperatures, fierce winds, dryness and frequent blizzards any time of year.

On Macquarie Island it is wet and windy year-round. Average temperatures range between +2 °C and +9 °C. The record minimum temperature is −9.4 °C and maximum is +14.4 °C.

How can I contact home?

There are good telephone and internet connections for expeditioners to contact family and friends. You can find out more at information for family and friends.

How might the time away affect my family and friends?

The Separation Guide provides information to help you prepare for, and manage the demands of a period of extended separation from family and friends.

What is internet access in Antarctica/sub-Antarctica like?

There is limited internet available and it is not the same experience as broadband at home in Australia. Ability to utilise streaming services varies depending on the station and season and are restricted as to the amount of bandwidth they can use.

How can I find out more?

Download the PDF version of this page: Life as an expeditioner PDF

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