As a Senior Communications Technical Officer (SCTO) with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will be responsible for the routine and complex telecommunications maintenance in support of daily station operations. You will also make repairs and operate communications equipment. You may install or assist with the installation of complex telecommunications systems.

SCTOs are the supervisor for Communications Technical Officers (CTO), and Information Technical Officers (ITO) while on station, managing team workloads and tasks in accordance with technical and operational priorities.

This role will deploy to Antarctica in early 2026 for 8+ months.

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

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with application

• Cert III in Electronics and Communications (UEE30920) or comparable qualification
• Certificate of Competency in Perform Inspection (MEM15004B or PUAEQU001)
• Driver’s licence – 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

• Security Clearance – this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level
• 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

Within the last 5 years:

Supervision of communications technical staff – prioritisation of tasks and jobs, maintaining a shared workshop environment, maintaining documentation, and associated drawings.

Experience in at least one of the following technical areas:

• Satellite communications systems and equipment with a strong understanding and practical maintenance experience. Including BUC/LNB style, or other microwave communications systems.
• Analogue radio systems with a strong understanding and practical maintenance including installation and repair of HF mobile and fixed base. VHF Repeaters/Base stations, Mobile radios and portables. Testing and repair of antennas and associated cabling/feeder systems and familiarity of masts and associated hardware.