Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
Lead & supervise a small team of expeditioners and operate a wide range of plant and machinery to maintain Australia's only ice runway. The Deputy 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.
Base salary + allowances: In Australia (summer) $102,380 per annum. In Antarctica $172,917 per annum. Superannuation contribution up to 15.4%.
Recreation leave: 20 days per annum pro rata. Recreation leave not available in Antarctica but will be paid out on return to Australia.
This role transitions into the Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager. Candidates will receive training prior to transitioning into the Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager role.
Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
On-site management of Wilkins Certified Aerodrome, pack up and reinstatement of the Aerodrome to an operational level. Responsibilities include scheduling and conducting winter maintenance activities for the aerodrome plant and equipment, and supervising aviation staff while reporting directly to the Casey Station Leader.
Base salary + allowances: In Australia $116,348 per annum. In Antarctica $186,885 per annum. Superannuation contribution up to 15.4%.
Recreation leave: 20 days per annum pro rata. Recreation leave not available in Antarctica but will be paid out on return to Australia.
What we are looking for
Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager – Essential
Qualifications & licences (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 – Australian citizen. Non-citizens considered only where there are no suitable Australian applicants, with next considerations being Australian residents with work rights and New Zealand citizens.
Obtain prior to commencement:
1. Valid Passport – expiry at least 6 months beyond planned end date of stay in the Antarctic or sub‑Antarctic.
2. Wilderness First Aid (SISSS) will be provided during training and includes:
* HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
* HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
* HLTAID009 – Provide CPR (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond commencement; certifications otherwise valid for at least 18 months).
Knowledge & experience (within 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 of mobile plant/equipment relevant to Wilkins Aerodrome
* Tasking and maintaining a heavy and light equipment fleet
* At Wilkins Aerodrome for at least 2 months duration in aerodrome construction and maintenance, or a comparable environment
Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager – Desirable
Desirables (not essential):
3. Qualifications & licences (provide copies with application):
* Tracked Dozer (DZ)
* Grader (LG)
* Prinoth Snow Groomer
* Hagglunds all‑terrain vehicles
* Overaasen snow blowers, and
* Quadtrac tractors towing compaction/proof rollers, trailers, sleds or implements
Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager – Essential
Qualifications & licences (provide copy with application):
* Statement of Attainment to operate a Front-End Loader (LL)
* Driver's licence – a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) licence
* Citizenship – Australian citizen (as above)
Obtain prior to commencement:
4. Valid Passport – expiry at least 6 months beyond planned end date of stay in the Antarctic or sub‑Antarctic.
5. Wilderness First Aid (SISSS) will be provided during training and includes:
* HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
* HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
* HLTAID009 – Provide CPR (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond commencement; certifications otherwise valid for at least 18 months).
Knowledge & experience (within last 5 years):
* 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
* Previous supervisory/leadership experience
Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager – Desirable
Desirable knowledge & experience (within last 5 years):
* Demonstrated experience at Wilkins Aerodrome, with at least one season of the decommissioning and reinstatement of Wilkins to an operational level
* Experience in the construction and maintenance of aerodromes or similar civil construction environments
* Good computer literacy skills including MS Word, Outlook and Excel
* Previous experience as an aerodrome reporting officer
Contact
For general enquiries, please email the Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team at .
For job specific (technical or trade related) enquiries, or to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Aviation Team at .
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