Agricultural Plant Operator - Antarctica

British Antarctic Surve; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a world-leading research organization as an Agricultural Plant Operator, where you will operate essential machinery in the unique environment of Antarctica. This role is perfect for individuals with a passion for the outdoors and a strong technical background in machinery operation. You will be part of a dedicated team, ensuring smooth operations while enjoying generous benefits and training opportunities. Experience the thrill of working in one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, contributing to groundbreaking research and making a real impact in the field of polar science. If you're ready for an adventure and a rewarding career, this position is for you.

Benefits

End of contract payment

Defined benefit pension scheme

24/7 employee assistance programme

Pre-deployment training

Accommodation costs covered

All food provided during deployment

Polar clothing provided

Qualifications

• Experience in operating various construction and agricultural machinery.
• Knowledge of safety practices in a work environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate mobile plant vehicles for loading/unloading materials.
• Ensure snow clearance and manage station snow maintenance.
• Assist with minor mechanical servicing of vehicles.

Skills

Operating construction plant

Farm machinery operation

Health and Safety awareness

Driving license for tele-handling

Technical maintenance skills

Education

Certificate of Training Achievement

Tools

Bulldozers

Excavators

Forklift trucks

Articulated loading shovels

Job description

Contract Type: Full Time

Duration: Austral Summer contracts typically last 6 months and Winter contracts up to 19 months

Salary: £29,273 to £30,201 per annum

Benefits: We offer generous benefits

Location: Rothera, Traverse or Halley

Closing Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025

Job Profile

Interview/assessment/start date – Interviews week commencing 24th March, start dates from 1st May 2025

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Agricultural Plant Operator to join our team based in Antarctica. BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!

Working at BAS is rewarding. Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know-how, BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world-leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation.

What we offer:

As a valued employee, you’ll be eligible for benefits including an end of contract payment upon completion of a successful assignment in Antarctica, annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme with NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) and access to a 24 hours/365 days per year employee assistance programme. In addition, you will be provided with pre-deployment training and accommodation costs. All food, accommodation and polar clothing during Antarctic deployment will also be provided.

Along with a Certificate of Training Achievement or equivalent, you will bring to the role a wide range of experience and the knowledge of operating construction plant, farm machinery, bulldozers, lorry loader cranes and excavators.

Within the role, there will be an opportunity to develop your knowledge of different machinery while adapting to an entirely unique work environment. We will provide training to support you with living and working in the extreme polar environment. In addition, the successful applicant will need to pass a medical to demonstrate they are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.

You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at BAS.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Operating mobile plant vehicles including articulated loading shovels, forklift trucks, tele-handlers, bulldozers, excavators, and agricultural type vehicles to load/unload materials, stockpile materials and any other tasks required.
• Ensuring snow clearance and general station snow management is maintained on station and the runway at Rothera.
• Keeping the garage and workshops in a safe and tidy condition.
• Helping to maintain a detailed spare parts inventory.
• Working with and following the lead of the Agricultural Plant Mechanic to deliver minor mechanical servicing and ensuring all vehicles are in good working order.
• Maintaining and improving the vehicles section profile by working as part of a team, supporting colleagues being understanding and respectful of peers and colleagues.
• Having a flexible approach to achieving daily tasks and assisting with other station duties as directed.

For the role of Agricultural Plant Operator, we are looking for somebody who has:

• Wide range of relevant experience in operating construction plant / farm machinery / bulldozers, lorry loader cranes, excavators etc.
• Experience of Driving, Tele-handling, MEWP, Lorry loader driving license (training will be provided).
• Technical skills and experience to keep machines in a serviceable and safe condition.
• Health and Safety – good experience of working in a safety conscious environment with an awareness of environmental factors.
• Self-motivated and able to demonstrate experience of delivering results under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Please download job description for more details.

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

What experiences can we offer you?

At BAS we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.

Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That’s the power of every individual. Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment and excellence.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world-class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.

If you require the job information in an alternative format (i.e. email, audio or video), or would like any further information or support, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [e-mail] or alternatively you can call us on 01223 221508.