Electrician - Antarctica

The Australian Antarctic Program

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 an Electrician with the Australian Antarctic Program you will work on electrical reticulation systems, refrigeration plant, building monitoring control system, and automatic fire detection/alarm systems. You will operate and maintain complex plant which may include diesel and/or wind power generation equipment, reverse osmosis units, and waste water treatment plants. You will also assist other trades as required.

Opportunities exist for electricians to work in both the Antarctic Summer and Winter seasons, normally November to March or November to November respectively. Shorter winter opportunities may also arise (March to November). There are Electricians at all three Antarctic stations as well as Macquarie Island. The deployment is normally preceded by two months predeparture training for Winter and one month for Summer.

Key duties will include, but are not limited to: 

• In conjunction with the mechanics, ensure the efficient and effective operation and maintenance of the diesel power generation facilities at station 
•  Operate and maintain the electrical distribution facilities and equipment 
• Operate and maintain all refrigeration equipment 
• Maintain the automatic fire alarm systems including all fire detection and protection equipment 
• Operate and maintain the Building Management Control System (BMCS)
• Maintain the electrical and refrigeration stock inventories and coordinate the reorder of spare parts, materials and equipment 
• Perform preventative maintenance routines including periodic electrical testing, and test and tag 
• Prepare and submit monthly and annual reports 
• Operate a computerised maintenance management system 
• Electricians may be required to participate in an on-call roster to respond to out-of-hours alarms generated by critical plant and equipment 
• Electricians may be required to participate in a roster to undertake routine observations of the diesel power generation facilities at a station 7 days a week

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 https://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
   

Salary

$82,993 pa while in Australia increasing to $150,947 pa (When in Antarctica/sub-Antarctic, inclusive of Antarctic Allowances)