Aerodrome Plant Operator - Antarctica

Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water seeks an Aerodrome Plant Operator to operate a range of heavy and light machinery for Wilkins Aerodrome and supporting ground services. You will join a small team living at a remote site for up to six months, with winter deployments extending to 12–13 months.

Role requires Front-End Loader operation and a valid HR licence, plus Australian citizenship or work rights.

Qualifications

• Front-End Loader (LL) ticket is required.
• Valid Heavy Rigid (HR) licence is required.
• Australian citizenship or suitable work rights as per PS Act 1999.

Skills

Front-End Loader operation

HR licence

Job description

Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Brisbane QLD

As an Aerodrome Plant Operator (APO), you will be part of a small team, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, in the construction, maintenance and operation of Wilkins Aerodrome, along with servicing the needs of Ground support requirements for a wide range of Aircraft. There are a number of hands‑on APO roles, which are employed in either summer or winter jobs.

You will be a member of a small team (8-12 people) who live at this remote site for up to six months. For winter APO roles the deployment period will be 12-13 months. At the end of the summer period, you will be located at Casey Station for most of the winter period before relocating to Wilkins again for the recommissioning of the Aerodrome. Living in this environment requires all team members to complete a wide range of additional duties that are essential to maintaining the Aerodrome and camp facilities.

This position is designated as performing Safety Sensitive Aviation Activities (SSAA) under the organisation’s Aviation Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR Part 99). As a condition of employment, employees performing SSAA are required to comply with all applicable drug and alcohol management requirements

What we are looking for

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

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application:

• Statement of Attainment to operate a Front-End Loader (LL)
• Driver’s licence – a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) licence or higher
• Citizenship – In accordance with the PS Act 1999, Australian Public Service 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.

Obtain prior to commencement:

• Valid Passport – 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 Antarctica

Provided during training:

• Wilderness First Aid (SISSS00140) will be provided during training and includes:
  • HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
  • HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
  • HLTAID009 – Provide CPR

Certifications must be valid for at least 18 months beyond commencement, except for HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) this must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the AAD start date.

Knowledge and experience

Demonstrated experience in the operation of mobile plant/equipment in any of the following fields or similar within the last 5 years:

• Agricultural
• Snowfield
• Civil construction
• Mining environment

Applications close: 11.30 pm AEDT, 1 November 2026