Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Brisbane QLD
As an Aerodrome Plant Operator (APO), you will be part of a small team, which will require you to operate a wide range of heavy and light machinery, in the construction, maintenance and operation of Wilkins Aerodrome, along with servicing the needs of Ground support requirements for a wide range of Aircraft. There are a number of hands‑on APO roles, which are employed in either summer or winter jobs.
You will be a member of a small team (8-12 people) who live at this remote site for up to six months. For winter APO roles the deployment period will be 12-13 months. At the end of the summer period, you will be located at Casey Station for most of the winter period before relocating to Wilkins again for the recommissioning of the Aerodrome. Living in this environment requires all team members to complete a wide range of additional duties that are essential to maintaining the Aerodrome and camp facilities.
This position is designated as performing Safety Sensitive Aviation Activities (SSAA) under the organisation’s Aviation Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR Part 99). As a condition of employment, employees performing SSAA are required to comply with all applicable drug and alcohol management requirements
What we are looking for
To apply for this role, you must have the skills and licences listed below:
Qualifications/licences
Provide copy with application:
- Statement of Attainment to operate a Front-End Loader (LL)
- Driver’s licence – a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) licence or higher
- 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 Antarctica
Provided during training:
- 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 the AAD start date.
Knowledge and experience
Demonstrated experience in the operation of mobile plant/equipment in any of the following fields or similar within the last 5 years:
- Agricultural
- Snowfield
- Civil construction
- Mining environment
Applications close: 11.30 pm AEDT, 1 November 2026
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Aerodrome Plant Operator - Antarctica in Brisbane employer: Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
The Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) in Canberra is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of plant conservation and biodiversity management. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the ANBG fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and First Nations knowledge, while providing access to extensive training and development programs. Employees enjoy the benefits of working in a stunning natural environment, contributing to meaningful conservation efforts that safeguard Australia's unique flora for future generations.
Contact Details:
Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Recruitment Team
