Plant Operator

As a Plant Operator, you will operate and maintain a variety of heavy plant and equipment that support critical construction and maintenance projects across Australia's Antarctic stations.

Plant Operators are employed at all Antarctic stations. Most opportunities are available during the summer season, when station activity is at its peak, with occasional opportunities available during the winter season.

Senior Plant Operator

A Senior Plant Operator will be selected from the group of suitable Plant Operator or Mobile Crane Operator candidates. As the Senior Plant Operator, you will lead a team of Plant Operators, ensuring safe and efficient delivery of construction, maintenance and operational activities across station projects. Reporting to the Station Trades Supervisor, you will coordinate daily work plans, schedule and prioritise tasks, and provide clear direction and support to your team.

Mobile Crane Operator

As a Mobile Crane Operator with the Australian Antarctic Division, you will play a vital role in supporting station operations, infrastructure projects, and cargo resupply activities in one of the world's most unique and challenging environments. Your primary responsibility will be operating mobile cranes to assist with construction, maintenance, and logistics tasks across Antarctic stations. Depending on your skills, experience, and additional competencies, you may also have opportunities to operate a variety of other construction and mobile plant and equipment.

All of these positions are 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 these roles, you must have the skills and licences listed below:

Provide 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.
• Mobile Crane Operator only - High-Risk Work Licence - A valid High-Risk Licence - C6 (minimum)

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
• Mobile Crane Operator only - Heavy Rigid Driver's Licence - A valid, unrestricted Heavy Rigid (HR) licence.

Plant Operator/Senior Plant Operator

• Recent hands-on plant operation experience

Mobile Crane Operator

• Recent mobile crane operation experience (within the last 5 years)

Applications close: 11.30 pm AEDT, 1 November 2026