As a Communications Operator you will operate the Communications Centre on station to ensure the safety of personnel travelling by air, sea and in the field.

You may assist telecommunications technical staff in administration of communications devices and equipment. You may also help other expeditioners with minor computer problems.

Communications Operators are employed in summer jobs primarily at Casey and Davis stations.

Senior Communications Operators will be employed over the summer at both Casey and Davis stations. Individuals for these positions will be selected from suitable Communications Operator candidates.

The Australian Antarctic Program’s (AAP) vision is to ensure Antarctica is valued, protected and understood. Working with the AAP provides a unique opportunity to experience Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, while supporting world-leading science.

The AAP aims to support expeditioner growth, professionally and personally, with a focus on wellbeing. We strive to employ versatile, proactive and community minded people. Expeditioners will need to contribute to a small team and be resilient as they face the challenges of living in an isolated environment.

For more detailed information about the requirements of the role and the selection process, please see the job description document and link to more information on the application process below.

Employment conditions

  • The annual base salary (while in Australia) is $71,068 per annum.
  • Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $136,409 per annum.
  • A generous employer superannuation contribution of up to 15.4% will be paid in addition to salary and allowances.
  • You will accrue recreation leave at the equivalent of 20 days per annum pro rata. Please note that recreation leave is not available in Antarctica, but will be paid out on return to Australia.

Eligibility

In accordance with the PS Act 1999, APS employees are required to be Australian citizens. Persons who are not Australian citizens will generally only be considered where there are no suitable Australian applicants, with next considerations being Australian residents with work rights and New Zealand citizens.

To apply for this role you must have the skills and licences listed below.

Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):

  • An Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate (AROC)
  • A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence.
  • Valid passport when travelling to the Antarctic or sub-antarctic. The expiry date of the passport (and any relevant visa) must be at least 6 months beyond the planned end date of your intended stay in the Antarctic or sub-antarctic
  • A current statement of attainment in the following units of first aid, or the ability to attain prior to commencement:
    • Provide First Aid (HLTAID0011) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of AAD commencement.
    • Provide CPR (HLTAID009) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of AAD commencement.

Skills and experience (within in the last 5 years):

  • Hands-on operation of radio communications equipment (VHF and HF experience preferred)
  • Air-ground-air radio operations experience
  • Radio communication with remote field parties e.g. outback travellers or vessels at sea.

Contact

For general enquiries, please email the Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team at antarctica@hays.com.au.

For job specific (technical or trade related) enquiries, or to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team at antarctica@hays.com.au or 03 8602 9896.

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