Want to spend 18 months working at Mawson Station in Antarctica?
Well, come December 9 – you can apply.
The Australian Antarctic Division is chasing up to 180 skilled workers for a number of roles for the 2021-22 season.
As for what they’re after, Hobart-based AAD HR manager Maree Riley said the roles would mainly be trade-based.
“We’re looking for mechanics, plant operators, carpenters, electricians and plumbers as well as broader station support roles such as chefs, communication specialists and station leaders,” she told Sunrise yesterday.
THE PERKS
Expeditioners pay no rent or board and all chef-prepared meals are on the house.
Expeditioners are paid a $60,000 per year allowance on top of base wages to “recognise the demands of living and working in this isolated environment”.
“The salaries on offer really do differ according to the position somebody is taking up, but the main range is about $60,000 to $100,000,” Ms Riley said.
HAVE YOU GOT THE CHOPS FOR IT?
Australia operates three year-round research stations which includes Mawson, Casey, Davis and one on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.
The remote field bases support coastal, inland and traverse operations during the summer research season.
If you enjoy loneliness or small town living – there will be plenty of that.
Between 40 and 100 expeditioners inhabit each station over summer and 15 to 20 over the winter months.
Mawson Station is among one of the coldest settlements on earth reaching an average low temperature of -19.6 degrees in June – which is also spent in darkness.
Their vetting process for new recruits is strict because once you’re there, you’re there for the season.
“We need to ensure they have the technical skillset to do the job that they’ll be doing in Antarctica,” Ms Riley said.
The vetting process involves thorough medical, physical and psychological testing to determine one’s ability to hack it in a small, isolated and remote community.
According to Ms Riley, a good work ethic, being able to work well in a small environment, and self-awareness will put you in good stead for the job.
HERE IS A FIRST LOOK AT SOME OF THE JOBS THAT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ON THE AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC PROGRAM WEBSITE FROM DECEMBER 9:
- Training Officer
- Station Supply Officer
- Chef
- Watercraft Operator
- Antarctic Medical Practitioner
- Communications Operator
- Communications Rigger
- Information Technology Officer
- Station Communications Technical Officer
- Boilermaker Welder
- Building Services Supervisor
- Carpenter
- Electrician / Instrument Electrician
- Engineering Services Supervisor
- Fitter and Turner
- Plumber
- Refrigeration Mechanic
- Rigger
- Concreter
- Mechanical Services (HVAC) Balancing Technician
- Expedition Mechanic
- Station Mechanical Supervisor
- Station Plant Operator
- Electronics Engineer
- Aerodrome Camp Support Officer
- Aerodrome Plant Operator
- Aircraft Ground Support Officer
- Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
- Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
- Station Leader
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