The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) employs a number of Trades Supervisors to manage the delivery of infrastructure works and supervise the safe undertaking of all on-site activities carried out by our trades teams. Trades supervisors are supported by a team of trades people, project managers and engineers and administrative staff within the Antarctic Infrastructure group at the Division’s head office.

The Station trades team are typically engaged in all operational aspects of the station buildings and infrastructure, including power generation, water production and supply, wastewater treatment, station heating. The trades team also undertakes minor new works and larger capital building projects, both new constructions and renewal.

As a Station Trades Supervisor, you will oversee the station's scheduled preventive maintenance program while also managing trade response to breakdowns and corrective maintenance as they occur. Typically, most outdoor maintenance tasks, refurbishment projects, and new construction works are carried out during the summer months (October to March), when conditions are more favourable. Balancing these planned activities with unscheduled repairs will require careful coordination and adaptability.

An Antarctic station operates with limited trades personnel, equipment, materials, and resources, often requiring careful management of competing priorities. In addition to supporting scientific research and general station operations, the weather can pose additional challenges to the work schedule. Your responsibility will be to coordinate the daily tasks of the trades team, considering the forecasted weather and availability of equipment and resources, to ensure the works program is met while addressing the broader needs of the station.

The Station Trades Supervisor role typically involves approximately two months of pre-departure training in Hobart, followed by five to twelve months stationed in Antarctica or on Macquarie Island. The pre-departure training period includes position specific briefings on work priorities, the computerised maintenance management system, and general Antarctic training requirements.

As the Station Trades Supervisor, you will also be part of the station leadership team and will be expected to demonstrate attributes that align with an AAD leadership role.

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

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application:

• Trade or Technical Certificate - A relevant trade or technical certificate (Certificate III) and demonstrated experience or relevant engineering degree from an Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable overseas institution.
• Driver’s Licence - A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s 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:

• White Card (issued after May 2009)
• 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.
• Provide First Aid (HLTAID0011) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of commencement
• Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (HLTAID010) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of commencement.
• Provide CPR (HLTAID009) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of commencement

Knowledge and experience

Recent demonstrated experience (within the last 5 years):

• Direct leadership and supervision of onsite maintenance and/or construction trades personnel in the building or general construction industry.

Required capabilities:

• Well-developed leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire and guide teams effectively.
• High level verbal and written communication skills to communicate clearly and effectively across a broad range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated planning and project management capability and knowledge of construction and upgrading of building and services.
• Technical knowledge and experience in maintenance and/or construction of buildings, structures or building services, including understanding quality control methods and assessing compliance with relevant standards and specifications.
• Proven ability to maintain appropriate work site safety procedures, including sound understanding of work health and safety standards.
• Capability across a variety of technology including computer-based maintenance management systems, project management software, and Microsoft Office suite to identify programmed maintenance requirements, and produce detailed project documentation, budgets, plans, schedules and reports.
• Current or recent experience in conducting risk assessments and job hazard analyses relating to building and construction works or maintenance.