Please note: This role transitions into the Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager. Candidates will be given appropriate training prior to transitioning into the Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager role.

The Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is responsible for the day-to-day tasking and supervision of staff at Wilkins Aerodrome. 

You will be a member of a small team (8 to 12 people) who live at this site for up to 6 months. Living in this environment requires all team members to complete a wide range of additional duties that are essential to maintaining the Wilkins accommodation and facilities.

The Deputy Aerodrome Manager works in direct consultation with the Aerodrome Manager. You will have a high level of communication skills, and the ability to deal with a wide range of complex situations, given the highly remote environment. This is a hands-on role, 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 ground support requirements for a wide range of Aircraft. The role also requires you to fill the position of Aerodrome Manager when the Aerodrome Manager is offsite.

The Deputy Aerodrome Manager is employed at Wilkins Aerodrome during the summer operating season and may transition to the Winter Aerodrome Manager role at the end of the summer operating season. Please see below for further details.

As Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will be responsible for the on-site management of Wilkins Certified Aerodrome, in particular, the pack up and reinstatement of the Aerodrome to an operational level including but not limited to, the Aerodrome equipment and Wilkins camp infrastructure. This is a hands-on role, which requires a good level of skill and experience in mobile plant operation coupled with excellent leadership and problem-solving skills.

Working mainly out of Casey station, the Winter Aerodrome Manager is responsible for scheduling and conducting winter maintenance activities for the aerodrome plant and equipment and recommissioning of the runway. You will supervise Aviation staff and report directly to the Casey Station Leader.

To apply for these roles, you must have the skills and licences listed below:

Provide copy with application

• Statement of Attainment to operate a Front-End Loader (LL)
• Statement of Attainment to operate a Skid Steer Loader (LS)
• 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 the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic

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 commencement.

Within the last 5 years

• Supervising a small team, preferably in a remote situation including conflict resolution
• Understanding aerodrome manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
• Working under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours
• Utilising highly effective communication and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated experience in the operation mobile plant/equipment relevant to Wilkins Aerodrome
• Tasking and maintaining a heavy and light equipment fleet, and
• At Wilkins Aerodrome for at least 2 months duration in aerodrome construction and maintenance, or another comparable environment

For Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager, all of the above and:

• Experience and current capability in the operation of relevant plant
• Sound knowledge of maintaining a heavy and light equipment fleet
• Relevant construction, project or operations experience
• Ability to work under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours