Aircraft Ground Support Officer - Antarctica

Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in Brisbane is seeking an Aircraft Ground Support Officer (AGSO) to assist in Antarctica operations. You will operate heavy and light machinery, service ground support for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and manage ski landing areas and fueling equipment.

The role includes transporting passengers and cargo, with long hours during favorable weather.

Qualifications

• HR licence is required and valid.
• Australian citizenship or valid work rights.
• Passport valid for 6+ months beyond stay in Antarctica.
• Recent hands-on experience with mobile plant/equipment within 5 years.
• Experience with ski landing areas and aviation ground support is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of heavy and light machinery to support aircraft.
• Service ground support needs for fixed and rotary wing operations.
• Fueling equipment handling and aircraft interface.
• Transport passengers and cargo to and from facilities and aircraft.
• Assist at Casey and Davis stations during summer seasons.
• Work extended shifts up to 12 hours depending on weather.

Skills

Heavy machinery operation

Ground support operations

Safety awareness

Tools

HR licence

Job description

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

As an Aircraft Ground Support Officer (AGSO) you will be responsible for a diverse range of duties in support of fixed and rotary wing operations in Antarctica. This is a hands‑on role, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, along with servicing the needs of ground support requirements for a wide range of aircraft. This involves operation of machinery and manual work, including the construction, maintenance and operation of ski landing areas. You will handle aviation fueling equipment and interface with fixed/rotary wing aircraft. You will also transport passengers and cargo to and from aviation facilities and aircraft.

Aircraft schedules are heavily influenced by weather conditions. AGSOs often work long hours (up to 12 hours) to capitalise on periods of good weather.

AGSOs are employed in summer jobs at Casey and Davis stations. Casey AGSO's routinely assist at Wilkins Aerodrome as operational needs dictate.

The AAD Aviation Program routinely has two helicopters operating at various Antarctic locations within the program over the summer season (4-6 months), as well as a small number of fixed wing aircraft.

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.

Qualifications/licences

• Driver’s licence – a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) licence
• 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

Hands‑on experience within the last 5 years in the operation of mobile plant/equipment, in at least one of the following fields:

• Agricultural
• Snowfields
• Forestry
• Civil construction or mining environment or similar

Applications close: 11.30 pm AEDT, 1 November 2026