- Work in a dynamic and multi disciplined team supporting world leading Antarctic research
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Position provides the opportunity to participate in voyages on RSV Nuyina and other vessels to support science in both the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic.
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Opportunity to develop additional skills and undertake training opportunities relevant to the role.
Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.
These goals are to:
- maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
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protect the Antarctic environment
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understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
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undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.
The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy. The branch provides research and advice to support Australia’s Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels. It manages and administers the Australian Antarctic Science Program (including project requests, assessment, and reporting) and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions. The branch provides scientific and technical advice for Antarctic capability projects, conducts impact assessments and develops strategies to address environmental legacies and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.
The Capabilities and Facilities section support Southern Ocean and Antarctic research in the fields of aquaria, labs, engineering and marine science. Our diverse team manages lab facilities, cold store and samples both on station and at AAD headquarters, marine science assets, compliance and regulatory requirements, and workshops that design and construct bespoke technical equipment and facilities for the AAP. The Marine Science Support (MSS) group provides technical and operational support primarily for marine science, but also for broader science and operational activities. This includes the certification, maintenance and development of containerised facilities for RSV Nuyina through to the manufacture and deployment of marine science equipment. The team also supports marine science voyage planning, preparation and mobilisation/ demobilisation.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
This position forms part of the MSS team. Under the general guidance of the Senior Gear Officer(s) and the Assistant Director – Marine Science Support, the Gear Officer is required to provide technical and mechanical support to a range of marine science instruments and projects, including MSS facilities and equipment. The position will work primarily at Kingston in the Marine Science support Area and but will also be required to undertake regular duty at sea as per the provisions of the DCCEEW Enterprise Agreement to support marine and other science activities.
The position will report to either the Assistant Director – Marine Science Support or the Senior Gear Officer(s) and will form an integral element of the Marine Science Support Team. MSS stakeholders include AAD employees and contractors as well as external clients as part of the broader Australian Antarctic Program. Business contacts will include scientific and technical personnel from associated institutions, including universities, CSIRO and suppliers of technical goods and services. Contact with counterparts in other Antarctic organisations would also be expected. As a key member of the Capabilities and Facilities Section, the Gear Officer will work in/with a range of teams comprising specialist personnel in electronics, mechanics, scientific and operational areas.
What you’ll gain from the experience
- Design, manufacture, build and maintain unique equipment supporting science in the Southern Ocean Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic
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Work in a small, motivated and professional team on wide range of projects and equipment
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Workshop based position with opportunities for Antarctic and research vessel deployments
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
- Experience working at sea or in isolated environments for extended periods (such as supporting marine science voyages or small field teams is desirable).
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Knowledge of Work Health & Safety (WHS) and experience in maintaining a safe workplace particularly in relation to:
- Workshop and warehouse facilities.
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Vessel and Deck operations (supporting marine science voyages is desirable).
- Experience with equipment used to support marine science operations is preferred including but not limited to, Fishing equipment, Geoscience/coring equipment, Oceanographic equipment and containerised facilities
Skills and capabilities
- An ability to work productively and effectively both as part of small teams particularly at sea, sometimes in isolated environments, and as part of the wider corporate environment of the Australian Antarctic Division. This includes:
- Resolving and reporting problems and/or technical issues.
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Cultivating productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
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Being adaptive, proactive, resilient and a team player.
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Taking personal responsibility for achieving work objectives, results and strategic awareness.
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Work in environments where priorities can change, sometimes with short notice and/or shifting timeframes.
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Work within flexible time frames and over extended periods
- The Gear Officer must possess:
- good client service skills.
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a commitment to safety and risk management
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ability to build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers
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demonstrates high-level communication skills (verbal and written) and
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mature judgment in resolving problems, including resolving resource conflicts.
- The Gear Officer will be expected to maintain an active awareness of contemporary developments across marine science equipment and associated standards and procedures.
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An ability to produce and maintain high quality technical documentation and drawings within formal documentation management systems.
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This includes but not limited to:
- Use of CAD, such as SolidWorks, to produce technical drawings for the design, fabrication and documentation of marine science equipment.
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Writing design and operational documents including engineering drawings, routine voyage reports, job hazard analysis and standard operating procedures.
Mandatory qualifications
We are seeking applicants who can demonstrate one or more of the following
- A Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or comparable demonstrated abilities and experience.
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Tertiary qualifications related to fishing technology, maritime operations or marine technical roles with demonstrated abilities and experience.
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Or a mechanical, welding or electrical trade certificate(s) with demonstrated abilities and experience.
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Or Maritime certification such as Integrated rating, Deck Officer, Marine Engineer or similar, with demonstrated experience.
Additional requirements
- hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification,
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hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence,
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note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work,
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note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams,
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wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
Please note that the successful applicant will be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they will be expected to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments.
They will need to:
- demonstrate the range of personal qualities and interpersonal skills necessary to perform as a successful team member within isolated Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments
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demonstrate an ability to effectively adapt and respond to the demands of living and working in an isolated and confined environment as determined by a psychological (adaptability) assessment
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be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the AAD’s Polar Medicine Unit.
Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Mandatory qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.
The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.
For more information, see:
- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
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AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission
