What are you waiting for?

5 December 2012 This article is over 11 years old

What are you waiting for?

Video transcript

What are you waiting for? Apply for your dream job.

>> ROB BRYSON, SECTION MANAGER, AAD: You’re going to a unique environment that not many people have had the opportunity to go to, and you can’t put a dollar value on that I don’t think.

>> KELDYN FRANCIS, PLUMBER, MAWSON STATION: Just do it! I’ve got the best job in the world.

>> ROB: You’re talking about only 300,000 people in the history of humanity who’ve had their feet on the ground in Antarctica; and those people out there can actually be one of those people. We’ve got a variety of different positions running from plumbers, carpenters, all the way up to station leaders; doctors, voyage leaders, looking after our IT and networks across all of our four stations. We’re looking for a particular type of person; it’s really critical that we get the right person for the right job. Last year we got about 2100 applications for 100 to 120 positions. This year we’re down at about 1200 so it’s been a pretty dramatic drop-off in the last 12 months.

>> KELDYN: It’s always been a dream and to be able to go down there and to do a job I love in such a unique environment would be really rewarding. When I was a first year apprentice I looked at it way back then and saw the opportunity, but it’s all about timing and now I’ve got the skills to be able to go and do it, I’m ready for the challenge. There are other areas that are perhaps more attractive in terms of the money but we’ve got to think here that the experience is what we’re looking for. Everyone goes into such a unique environment where not many people get to see and people pay thousands to see on holidays. I’ve been doing medical training, so if there’s an emergency to help the doctor out in surgery. We do the SAR training today, fire-fighting training. Also you’re helping out each other and we’re all there as a team. I’m going to one of the best continents on earth. It’s something that’s going to be with me for the rest of my life.

[end transcript]

A drop in applications from Australians applying to work in Antarctica, has prompted the Australian Antarctic Division to ask what are you waiting for?

The Division has extended its recruitment period for the 2013–14 season after a decrease in applications from almost 2000 last year to just 1200 this year.

Section Manager, Rob Bryson, said the closing date for applications has been extended to 10 January.

“This is a unique opportunity to live and work in Antarctica and experience some of the most stunning scenery and wildlife on the planet,” Mr Bryson said.

“For a lot of expeditioners, too, the great sense of camaraderie that develops in Antarctica is also a big attraction.

“A hundred years on from the first Australia led expedition to the region, less than 300,000 people have set foot on Antarctica.

“This is your chance to live the dream and become a part of this select group of people who have visited and worked in this beautiful, dynamic and inspiring part of the world,” he said.

The Antarctic Division is looking for builders, carpenters, electricians, tradespeople, plumbers, mechanics, plant operators, chefs, field training officers, station supply officers, doctors, communications operators, aerodrome grader operators, aerodrome plant operators, electronics engineers, aircraft ground support officers and aerodrome camp support officers.

The employment periods vary from six months for a summer position through to 16 months for a wintering job.

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Expeditioners undergoing field training at Australia’s Casey station (Photo: Todor Iolovski)

This content was last updated 11 years ago on 5 December 2012.