Run Antarctic ship-to-shore operations — Watercraft Operator and Coordinator, 2027/28
Qualified small-vessel operators can support Antarctic resupply, expeditioner transfers and scientific work, with a coordinator selected from successful operators. These are variable seasonal deployments, not guaranteed year-round earnings; Australian citizenship is normally required.
- Deadline
- 1 Nov 202623:30 Australia/Sydney
- Organisation
- Australian Antarctic Division (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)
- Country
- Australia
- Value
- Not disclosed in the notice
Opportunity Overview
Watercraft Operators run small craft supporting ship-to-shore transfers, station resupply, fuel movements and scientific work in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. The PDF specifies craft under 15 metres and stresses extensive, recent hands-on operating experience; this is not a larger-vessel role. The associated Coordinator appointment is selected from successful Operators and works with voyage leadership to keep waterborne activity safe and compliant. Deployments are usually tied to summer voyages and may last only several weeks, with duration shaped by operational and environmental conditions. Candidates need a current maritime ticket and evidence of sound judgement in challenging or remote operating contexts.
Why It Matters
- Antarctic logistics and research depend on safe transfers between vessels, shore and field operations. This recruitment is particularly relevant to credentialed small-vessel masters, while the coordinator pathway offers operational oversight to successful operators.
- Full-time temporary seasonal appointments; usual summer voyage work, occasional winter posts. Operator contracts are typically 5–12 weeks and vary with voyage and conditions. Craft can include jet barges, workboats, LARCs, science vessels and inflatable boats. Coordinator selected from successful Operators; work alongside Voyage Leader and Deputy Voyage Leader.
Who Can Apply
Location & work authorisation
- Australian citizenship is normally required. Non-citizens are considered only under the employer’s limited conditional exception below. Operator essential: current Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal or higher; current unrestricted manual Australian C-class licence; recent and extensive hours as master of a small vessel; operation of under-15m craft in hazardous conditions or remote locations; working to SOPs, job hazard analyses and organisational policy with strong safety/environmental compliance; concise operational reports and briefings. Experience sought within last 5 years, preferably last 2. Coordinator essential criteria also require a current Coxswain 1 certificate, manual Australian C-class licence, extensive recent small-vessel master experience, under-15m craft operation in hazardous or remote settings, safety/environmental procedural compliance and concise reports/briefings. Coordinators are selected from successful Operators. APS Australian-citizen requirement applies; non-citizens generally considered only if no suitable Australian applicants, then Australian residents with work rights and NZ citizens. Passport/visa valid 6 months beyond planned stay. HLTAID011 and HLTAID010 valid 18 months beyond AAD commencement; CPR HLTAID009 valid 6 months (may be completed pre-departure if not otherwise delivered). Police/referee checks, medical, ticket validation and probation. Dogging and MED2 or higher are highly desirable, not essential; rigging and cargo/refuelling experience desirable.
Key Details
Operator Australia base starts at AUD 95,857 per annum; Antarctic/sub-Antarctic voyage total starts at AUD 168,793 including allowances. Coordinator base starts AUD 100,736; voyage total starts AUD 173,672. Super up to 15.4% additional. AAD states these as starting remuneration figures; no assurance of full-year deployment earnings. Leave accrual 20 days pro rata, unavailable during deployment and paid out on return. AUD
Key dates
- Application deadline
- 23:30 Australia/Sydney
How to Apply
- Open the matched NGA application page and begin the form; sign in or reset password. Provide evidence of Coxswain qualification and manual C-class licence, and address every recent experience criterion. Consult the complete Operator/Coordinator PDF for level-specific requirements and AAD application guidance. Apply using the official Apply now online portal, not by email.
Important Considerations
- Applications close Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:30 PM AEDT (Australia/Sydney). Same closing time shown on the live AAD role page. Roles are for Season 2027/28 per the linked NGA page.
- Waterborne activity includes surf and ice zones, cargo/fuel transfers and remote operations; safety and environmental procedures are central. Short, variable contracts mean totals are not annual salary guarantees. Do not misrepresent desirable tickets as required. Non-citizen consideration is conditional under APS rules; medical, police/referee and qualification checks apply.
Confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.
Source & verification
- Source
- jobs.antarctica.gov.au
- Last checked
- 18 Oct 2026
- Recorded check
- Official source record checked.
Source checks do not imply endorsement. Terms can change; confirm current requirements with the source.
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