Senior Aircraft Ground Support Officers (SAGSOs) with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) are responsible for a diverse range of duties in support of fixed and rotary wing operations in Antarctica, leading teams of typically between two to six Aircraft Ground Support Officers (AGSOs).

Employed in summer jobs at Casey and Davis stations, the SAGSO is responsible for the day-to-day tasking and supervision of a small team of AGSOs, ensuring the team is kept updated on work plans, scheduling of tasks and delegating individual responsibilities, as well as ensuring the safe operations of the Ski Landing Areas and helicopter landing sites. You will have strong communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of complex situations, given the remote nature of Antarctic aviation operations.

This is a hands-on role, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, along with servicing ground support requirements for a wide range of Aircraft. This involves operation of machinery and manual work, including the construction, maintenance and operation of ski landing areas. You will handle aviation fuelling equipment and interface with fixed/rotary wing aircraft. You will also transport passengers and cargo to and from aviation facilities and aircraft.

Aircraft schedules are heavily influenced by weather conditions. SAGSOs often work long hours (up to 12 hours) to capitalise on periods of good weather.

To apply for this role, you must have the skills and licences listed below:

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application:

• Driver’s licence – a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) class licence
• Citizenship – In accordance with the PS Act 1999, Australian Public Service employees are required to be Australian citizens. Persons who are not Australian citizens will generally only be considered where there are no suitable Australian applicants, with next considerations being Australian residents with work rights and New Zealand citizens.

Obtain prior to commencement:

• Valid Passport – The expiry date of the passport (and any relevant visa) must be at least 6 months beyond the planned end date of your intended stay in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic

Wilderness First Aid (SISSS00140) will be provided during training and includes:

• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
• HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
• HLTAID009 – Provide CPR

Certifications must be valid for at least 18 months beyond commencement, except for HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) this must be valid for at least 6 months beyond commencement.

Knowledge and experience

Within the last 5 years:

• Experience in managing/supervising a small team, preferably in an isolated environment
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated application of manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
• Working under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours
• Demonstrated experience in the operation of mobile plant/equipment relevant to aviation operations
• Experience in the operation mobile plant/equipment, in the following fields or similar:
• Agricultural
• Snowfields
• Forestry
• Civil construction
• Mining environment
• Good computer literacy skills including MS Word, Outlook and Excel