Australian Antarctic Program – Wollongong NSW
Working for the Australian Antarctic Program, you'll become an Antarctic expeditioner, living and working at one of Australia's four research stations. Our stations are Casey, Davis and Mawson in Antarctica and our sub-Antarctic station on Macquarie Island.
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.
Each of Australia's Antarctic research stations 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 a Mechanic you will maintain and operate a range of mechanical plant and equipment. You will also maintain and operate the station power generation facilities (mechanical side). You will support station and field operations as required.
Mechanics work in either summer or winter jobs. Shorter winter opportunities may also arise. Mechanics are only employed at Casey, Davis and Mawson stations. If staying on station as part of the wintering crew you are required to participate in an on-call roster, to respond to out of hours issues – mainly related to the station powerhouse.
A Wilkins Aerodrome Diesel Mechanic will be selected from suitable Mechanic and/or Station Mechanical Supervisor applicants. Overland Traverse Mechanics will be selected from suitable Mechanic applicants.
Key duties will include, but are not limited to:
As a Mechanic you will be required to undertake some or all of the following:
Operate and maintain (mechanical component) station power generation facilities Maintain a wide range of mechanical plant and equipment including portable generators/pumps, 4x4 and specialised over snow vehicles, earth moving machinery, trailers etc. Operate plant and equipment as required (loaders, forklifts, tractors etc) Provide mechanical support to various user groups as required Maintain fuel, lubricant and gas cylinder storage, spare parts and material storage Support station operations and field operations and assist science programs as required The Mechanic reports directly to the Station Mechanical Supervisor.
In addition to mechanical duties above, the incumbent will be required to undertake other duties relating to Aviation Ground Support including but not limited to baggage handling, emergency response, passenger liaison and transfer and cargo unloading/loading. These additional roles require interface with jet aircraft and all required training for this will be delivered prior to deployment. The Wilkins Aerodrome Diesel Mechanic also contributes to daily camp duties which may include (but are not limited to) fresh water replenishment, grey water disposal, cleaning of ablutions, kitchen and other areas, as well as assistance to the Aerodrome Chef at Wilkins with food preparation and stock replenishment. The Aerodrome Mechanic reports directly to the Wilkins Aerodrome Manager during the summer period, with technical support in Antarctica given by the Senior Mechanical Supervisor (SMS) at Casey Station. Overland Traverse Mechanics
Traverse Mechanics provides mechanical support to a fleet of tractors towing sleds transporting infrastructure, cargo and fuel on an overland traverse route prepared by snow groomers. Traverse mechanics will be required to undertake field mechanical repairs as well as other duties relating to the traverse including but not limited to traverse trains, daily traverse start up and shut down procedures, emergency response, transfer and cargo unloading/loading and supporting the establishment of the mobile inland station. The traverse mechanic will also contribute to daily traverse activities including (but not limited to) cleaning and food preparation. Traverse Mechanics reports directly to the Traverse Leader while on traverse, with technical support in Antarctica provided by the Station Mechanical Supervisor (SMS) at Casey station. 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, helping 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 $82,993 pa while in Australia increasing to $150,947 pa (When in Antarctica/sub Antarctic, inclusive of Antarctic Allowances).
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