Mechanical Engineering (Engineering)
Government - Federal (Government & Defence)
Contract/Temp
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 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
An Antarctic station has limited trades, plant and equipment, materials and resources, and there can be conflicting priorities for the work program due to science support, station operational requirements, community assistance and the disrupting influence of the weather. It will be your responsibility to schedule the daily work tasks of the mechanical team based on the predicted weather and availability of plant and resources to meet not only the works program, but the overall station needs.
As well as managing the section and leading a small mechanical team (1 to 6 staff), you will also perform some mechanical work and operate equipment as part of the mechanical team. 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.
Your priority as the SMS is to ensure all mechanical works are carried out in a safe and appropriate manner. You will be accountable for all mechanical operations and decisions on station.
Station Mechanical Supervisors are 12-month deployments at Casey, Davis or Mawson stations. A Mechanic for Macquarie Island and a Wilkins Aerodrome Diesel Mechanic will also be selected from suitable Expedition Mechanic and/or Station Mechanical Supervisor applicants. No prior Antarctic experience is required for this role.
As the leader of a team of Mechanical trades personnel, you will be required to oversee the safe ongoing operation and maintenance of the station's mobile and stationary plant. You will manage the planned preventive maintenance program for the station mobile plant, and deal with breakdowns and reactive maintenance needs as they arise.
Key duties will include, but are not limited to:
Manage and lead the Mechanical Team on station. Ensure the safe undertaking of all onsite activities carried out by the mechanical team, including undertaking risk assessments and making complex decisions around mechanical assets and operations with implications on operational requirements and personal safety. Operationally maintain (mechanical component) station power generation facilities and liaise with relevant trade groups regarding powerhouse maintenance requirements. Coordinate the preventative and corrective maintenance activities of the mechanical team to maintain mobile and stationary plant and equipment including updating CMMS records. Operate plant and equipment as required (loaders, forklifts, tractors, cranes etc). Provide mechanical support to various user groups, including providing technical advice on the most suitable mechanical equipment for their task. Provide operator inductions on vehicles and plant as required. Manage fuel farms, bulk fuel transfers and the storage of lubricants, gas, spare parts and materials. Manage mechanical spares and consumable stock. Support station and field operations and assist science programs as required. As part of the station leadership team, you will be required to actively work to ensure effective delivery of the overall AAD program, support all AAD policies and provide written reports. This may include scheduling trade personnel for other activities. 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.
$98,632 pa while in Australia increasing to $166,586 pa (When in Antarctica/Sub Antarctic, inclusive of Antarctic Allowances).
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