At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise a small team and manage daily operations at Wilkins Aerodrome.
- Company: Join the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
- Benefits: Unique opportunity to work in Antarctica with hands-on experience and training.
- Other info: Adventure awaits in a dynamic, challenging role with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a remote environment while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant licenses and experience in mobile plant operation.
The predicted salary is between 69300 - 84700 $ per year.
Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Brisbane QLD
Please note: This role transitions into the Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager. Candidates will be given appropriate training prior to transitioning into the Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager role.
The Deputy Aerodrome Manager (2IC) is responsible for the day-to-day tasking and supervision of staff at Wilkins Aerodrome. You will be a member of a small team (8-12 people) who live at this remote site for up to six months. Living in this environment requires all team members to complete a wide range of additional duties that are essential to maintaining the Wilkins accommodation and facilities.
The Deputy Aerodrome Manager works in direct consultation with the Aerodrome Manager. You will have a high level of communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of complex situations, given the highly remote environment. This is a hands-on role, 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.
The role also requires you to fill the position of Aerodrome Manager when the Aerodrome Manager is offsite. The Deputy Aerodrome Manager is employed at Wilkins Aerodrome during the summer operating season and may transition to the Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager role at the end of the summer operating season.
Working mainly out of Casey Station, the Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager will be responsible for scheduling and conducting winter maintenance activities for the aerodrome plant and equipment and recommissioning of the runway.
As the Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager, you are responsible for the on-site management of Wilkins Certified Aerodrome, in particular, the pack up and reinstatement of the Aerodrome to an operational level. This includes but is not limited to the Aerodrome equipment and Wilkins camp infrastructure. This is a hands-on role, which requires a good level of skill and experience in mobile plant operation coupled with excellent leadership and problem-solving skills.
The Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager is a winter-only position. You will be located at Casey Station for most of the winter period where you will have direct supervision of aviation staff, reporting directly to the Station Leader.
These positions are 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:
- Qualifications/licences
- Provide copy with application: Statement of Attainment to operate a Front-End Loader (LL)
- Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager - Statement of Attainment to operate a Skid Steer Loader (LS)
- Driver’s licence – a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) licence or higher (HC/MC)
- Citizenship – In accordance with the PS Act 1999, Australian Public Service employees are required to be Australian 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.
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:
- Within the last 5 years:
- Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
- Supervising a small team, preferably in a remote situation including conflict resolution
- Understanding aerodrome manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
- Working under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours
- Utilising highly effective communication and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated experience in the operation of mobile plant/equipment relevant to Wilkins Aerodrome
- Tasking and maintaining a heavy and light equipment fleet
- At Wilkins Aerodrome for at least 2 months duration in aerodrome construction and maintenance, or another comparable environment
- Wilkins Winter Aerodrome Manager
- Experience and current capability in the operation of relevant plant
- Sound knowledge of maintaining a heavy and light equipment fleet
- Relevant construction, project or operations experience
- Ability to work under time pressure with a flexible approach to working hours
- Previous supervisory/leadership experience
Applications close: 11.30 pm AEDT, 1 November 2026
Deputy Wilkins Aerodrome Manager 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
