Newcastle, Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter NSW
Contract/Temp
Working for the Australian Antarctic Program, you'll become an Antarctic expeditioner, living and working at Australia's only ice runway Wilkins Aerodrome, based out of Casey Station, about 70km away. The continent of Antarctica is in the Southern Ocean, some 4000km south of Tasmania. The wildlife, scenery and role in global climate and ocean systems make it one of Earth's most spectacular and environmentally important locations.
Wilkins Aerodrome is home to a small and supportive community of tradespeople, station leaders, scientists, doctors, chefs, and telecommunications experts. The Australian Antarctic Program is led by the Australian Antarctic Division, based near Hobart, Tasmania. The division is part of the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
The Opportunity
• Become an Antarctic Expeditioner - do your everyday job in an extraordinary place.
• Be part of something big. Your work will support the program's scientists conducting globally significant climate and ocean research.
• Experience Antarctic wildlife and life in the coldest place on Earth.
• Make the most of station life by making new friends, learning new things, having unique experiences, and participating in social activities.
• Travel and accommodation expenses covered, including return travel from home to Hobart and accommodation in Hobart.
• Meals prepared by our professional chefs and access to recreation facilities.
• Earn extra allowances while in Antarctica/Macquarie Island in addition to the base salary you receive while working for us in Australia.
The Job
As an Aircraft Ground Support Officer (AGSO) you will be responsible for a diverse range of duties in support of fixed and rotary wing operations in Antarctica. This is a hands-on role, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, along with servicing the needs of ground support requirements for a wide range of aircraft. This involves operation of machinery and manual work, including the construction, maintenance and operation of ski landing areas. You will handle aviation fueling equipment and interface with fixed/rotary wing aircraft. You will also transport passengers and cargo to and from aviation facilities.
Aircraft schedules are heavily influenced by weather conditions. AGSOs often work long hours (up to 12 hours) to capitalise on periods of good weather.
AGSOs are employed in summer jobs at Casey and Davis stations. Casey AGSO's routinely assist at Wilkins Aerodrome as operational needs dictate.
The AAD Aviation Program routinely has two helicopters operating at various Antarctic locations within the program over the summer season (4-6 months), as well as a small number of fixed wing aircraft.
Key duties will include, but are not limited to:
• Construction, maintenance and reporting of Ski Landing Areas to agreed standards.
• Machinery used to construct and maintain Ski Landing Areas varies widely depending on the type of surface and location. The primary machines used are Prinoth snow groomer, Cat 289D MTL loader, Case Quad Trac tractor (Casey), telehandlers, Hagglunds tracked vehicle, snowmobiles and tracked quad bikes.
• Assist the Diesel mechanic/s where necessary to complete all reactive and preventative maintenance and repairs to mobile and stationary equipment fleet as required.
• Aviation fuel handling, including the management and transportation of station-based aviation fuel stocks.
• Passenger and cargo manifesting.
• Coordination and conduct of safety briefings for expeditioners.
• Coordination and assistance with the transport of personnel and cargo to, from and within the aircraft, including the preparation and hook up of helicopter external loads.
• Provision of Ski Landing Area weather observations to pilots and Bureau of Meteorology.
• Providing basic emergency first aid and aviation firefighting and emergency response services as required.
• Maintaining inventory registers of station-based Aviation ground support equipment.
• Completing required reporting documents including Serviceability and Runway Condition Reports, Aviation Facility Logbooks, and making recommendations for the ongoing development of such for future seasons.
• Supporting station, field operations and science programs as required.
• Assisting in the Wilkins Aerodrome operations where required (Casey).
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.
How to apply
Go to jobs.antarctica.gov.au/jobs-in-antarctica/ for more information about:
• How to apply for the role
• Position description including essential criteria and qualifications to address in your application
• Employment conditions, salary, allowances, superannuation and annual leave
• Life in Antarctica and Macquarie Island
The Australian Antarctic Division, based in Hobart, Tasmania, is a division of the Australian Government's Department of the Environment and Energy.
The Division is responsible for the, "Advancement of Australia's strategic, scientific, environmental and economic interests in the Antarctic by protecting, administering and researching the region" (Outcome 3 of the Department's Strategic Plan 2014–2018).
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