Australian Government - Antarctic Division Skip navigation
Australian Antarctic Division
Antarctica - Valued, Protected, Understood

Station Plant Operator

Download now

General Information PDF

Job Description PDF

Personal Qualities PDF

Online Application

More information

Expeditioner standing beside vehicle stuck in the soft snow
Working as a Plant Operator in Antarctica

Annual base salary (while in Australia)

$48,387 pa ($1,855 per fortnight before tax)

In addition whilst working in Antarctica an allowance of $49,014 pa is payable.

The Station Plant Operator (SPO) is responsible for safe operation and routine maintenance of a range of plant and equipment associated with construction and maintenance activities.

Your work will involve:

  • maintaining roads
  • site excavation
  • quarry work (rock crushing)
  • snow clearing
  • building construction and maintenance.

This role is also responsible for materials and cargo handling including resupply cargo and waste packaging for return to Australia.

You'll also assist with station, science and other programs when necessary.

If you don't meet all the requirements don't be discouraged. In making final selections we take into account overall team building and the mix of skills required.

The typical employment period for Station Plant Operators varies from shorter periods up to six months.

Recreation Leave - You will accrue recreation leave at the equivalent of 20 days for each full year worked. Please note that recreation leave is not available in Antarctica.

Superannuation - A generous employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will apply where eligibility to join the Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan is established.

You should read the SPO Job Description, General Information and Personal Qualities details available from the Job Vacancies page as it contains important information you need to know about employment and related issues.

If you would like to talk to someone about applying, please contact, for technical matters, Guy Ratcliffe (03) 6232 3219, or for general information 1800 030 755.

To apply complete an online Application Form.