The Australian Antarctic Division needs tradies
Twenty-five jobs are on offer at Australia’s four Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations for the 2021/22 season.
Australia’s Antarctic Program is seeking tradies keen on an icy change to keep the nation’s four remote research stations running.
The 25 roles at Casey, Davis and Mawson stations, plus an outpost on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, were advertised on Wednesday.
Plumbers, carpenters, welders, refrigeration mechanics and aerodrome managers are among the jobs on offer for the 2021/22 season.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and such a unique experience to live and work on an Antarctic station, somewhere few people have the opportunity to even visit,” human resources manager Maree Riley said.
“Our expeditioners are essential to support the vital science work of the Australian Antarctic Program and maintain Australia’s research stations.” Ms Riley said the program is focused on increasing its female representation.
“We need people who can live and work together harmoniously in often harsh and inhospitable conditions,” she said.
Expeditioners are paid an allowance as compensation for living in a remote and isolated environment.
Wilkins aerodrome manager Matt Ryan has completed five Antarctic winters and helped build a three-kilometre blue-ice runway atop a glacier inland from Casey research station. He had to battle wind gusts of more than 200km/h and minus 30C temperatures.
“I’ve been doing this long enough to know I should know better but also just enough time to realise how lucky I am,” he said.
“No two Antarctic experiences are the same.”
