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 The Deputy Aerodrome Manager (2IC) is responsible for the day-to-day tasking and supervision of staff at Wilkins Aerodrome. You will be a member of a small team (8-12 people) who live at this site for up to six months. Living in this environment requires all team members to complete a wide range of additional duties that are essential to maintaining the Wilkins accommodation and facilities.
The Deputy Aerodrome Manager works in direct consultation with the Aerodrome Manager. You will have a high level of communication skills, and the ability to deal with a wide range of complex situations, given the highly remote environment. This is a hands-on role, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, in the construction, maintenance and operation of Wilkins Aerodrome, along with servicing the needs of Ground support requirements for a wide range of Aircraft. The role also requires you to fill the position of Aerodrome Manager when the Aerodrome Manager is offsite.
The Deputy Aerodrome Manager is employed at Wilkins Aerodrome during the summer operating season and may transition to the Winter Aerodrome Manager role at the end of the summer operating season. Working mainly out of Casey station, the Aerodrome Manager will be responsible for scheduling and conducting winter maintenance activities for the aerodrome plant and equipment and recommissioning of the runway.
Key duties will include, but are not limited to: Communicate regular updates to the Wilkins team with the plans for the current/scheduled aerodrome works and the flying program, along with any other relevant information provided by the Aerodrome Manager, Operations Coordinator and Station Leader. Outline and reinforce program objectives and priorities. Assist in supervision and mentoring of Wilkins Aerodrome staff during the pre-departure training period and whilst in Antarctica. Operate machinery where required in the construction and maintenance of Wilkins Aerodrome and for movement of equipment and supplies to and from station to Wilkins Aerodrome. Fill the role of Aerodrome Manager in their absence. Assist the Aerodrome Manager to set out the individual/team responsibilities and outline expectations and requirements for upcoming season flying operations. Instruct and mentor new Wilkins team members in the use of aerodrome plant and equipment and operational requirements in accordance with the documented industry, statutory and legislative regulations as well as Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) Standard Operating Procedures and relevant Aviation manuals. Assist as directed by the Aerodrome Manager with the daily, fortnightly, monthly and end of season reporting. Ensure all personnel adhere to regulatory requirements for movement around Wilkins Aerodrome. Undertake common duties necessary for the operation of the camp such as refuelling generators, 'de-blizz' camp infrastructure, conduct resupply activities, participate in search and rescue training/operations, assist in taking weather observations, assist with kitchen and cleaning duties, conduct water replenishment, conduct waste collection/clearance, operate camp radios, operate oversnow vehicles. 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 $98,632 pa base salary in Australia, increasing to $166,586 pa while in Antarctica/sub-Antarctic (inclusive of allowances)
The Australian Antarctic Division, based in Hobart, Tasmania, is a division of the Australian Government's Department of the Environment and Energy.
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