Plant Operator & Senior Plant Operator - Antarctica/sub-Antarctic
Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Apply Now
Live & work in Antarctica - a unique experience
Meet remarkable people & make lifelong friendships
Contracts from 4 - 12+ months, starting mid to late 2026
Live & work in Antarctica - a unique experience
Meet remarkable people & make lifelong friendships
Contracts from 4 - 12+ months, starting mid to late 2026
As a Plant Operator with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment used for construction and maintenance activities. The AAD is currently establishing an overland traverse capability. Traverse Plant Operators will be selected from suitable Plant Operator applicants.
A Senior Plant Operator will be selected from the group of suitable Station Plant Operator and Mobile Crane Operator candidates. As the Senior Plant Operator, you will be responsible for supervising a team of Plant/Mobile Operators, ensuring the team is kept updated on work plans and scheduling of tasks and delegating individual responsibilities reporting to the Station Trades Supervisor.
The Plant Operator is mostly a summer job although may occasionally be required over the winter season. Station Plant Operators are employed at Casey, Davis, Mawson and Macquarie Island stations.
To apply for this role, you must have the skills and licences listed below:
Qualifications/licencesProvide copy with application:
- White Card (issued after May 2009).
- Driver’s Licence – A valid, unrestricted Heavy Rigid (HR) licence.
- Citizenship – In accordance with the PS Act 1999, APS 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
- Provide First Aid (HLTAID0011) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of commencement
- Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (HLTAID010) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of commencement.
- Provide CPR (HLTAID009) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of commencement.
- Recent hands-on plant operation experience.