Rigger – Davis Station, Antarctica

Take your trade to Antarctica and experience one of the world's most remote and remarkable environments.

The Australian Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) Alliance is seeking experienced Riggers to support the delivery of critical infrastructure renewal works at Davis Station, Antarctica, for the 2027/28 summer season.

Working alongside other skilled tradespeople, you will contribute to the renewal of essential station infrastructure through a range of rigging and construction activities.

Successful applicants will need strong trade skills, a commitment to safety, and the adaptability to live and work within a close-knit Antarctic station community.

About the Role

As a Rigger with AIR Alliance, you will contribute to the delivery of infrastructure renewal works at Davis Station, applying your trade skills and experience across a range of construction activities.

The role requires flexibility and adaptability to meet changing project requirements, including undertaking work outside traditional rigging duties.

Employment and Deployment Details

- Anticipated commencement: September 2027.

- Pre-departure training: Approximately 4–6 weeks prior to deployment to Antarctica.

- Anticipated completion: February 2028.

- Working arrangements: Six-day working week during the Antarctic deployment.

*All dates are indicative and subject to change.

Key Responsibilities

- Undertaking rigging and lifting operations, including planned lifts involving cranes, hoists and associated equipment, in accordance with approved procedures.

- Conducting load calculations and ensuring safe load handling practices.

- Inspecting and maintaining rigging equipment and lifting gear.

- Supporting broader construction activities to meet changing project requirements.

- Ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and operational procedures.

Essential

Qualifications and Requirements

- Valid High Risk Work License – Intermediate Rigging (RI) or above.

- Construction White Card.

- Valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity beyond the planned completion of deployment.

- Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory police background check.

Experience

- Minimum three years' demonstrated experience undertaking rigging and lifting operations.

- Proven ability to undertake load calculations and safely execute planned lifts involving cranes, hoists and associated equipment.

- Experience providing rigging support for structural, mechanical or construction installation works.

Desirable

Qualifications and Requirements

- RIIWHS204E – Work safely at heights.

- RIIWHS202E – Enter and work in confined spaces.





- Valid High Risk Work Licence – Basic Scaffolding (SB) or above.

- Heavy Rigid (HR) Driver's Licence.

Experience

- Previous Antarctic experience.

- Experience working in remote or challenging environments.

- Background in civil, heavy construction or infrastructure projects.

- Involvement in complex lift planning and coordination.

- Practical experience lifting and positioning large structural components or heavy equipment.

Additional

Applicants are encouraged to identify any additional licenses, tickets or Statements of Attainment for the following:

- Scissor Lift

- Boom Lift

- Front End Loader

- Excavator

- Skid Steer

- Telehandler

- Articulated Haul Truck

- Crane (C6 or above)

- Roller

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will be adaptable, resilient and committed to working safely in a remote and challenging environment. You will thrive as part of a close-knit team, demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be willing to contribute positively to station life and the broader community. Above all, you will embody the AIR Alliance values of Respect, Safety, Integrity, Inclusivity, Innovation and Accountability.

Life at Davis Station

Living and working at Davis Station presents unique environmental and operational challenges. Antarctica's extreme climate and unpredictable weather conditions require adaptability, flexibility and a strong commitment to safety.

While Davis Station offers private bedrooms and comfortable facilities, successful expeditioners understand the importance of contributing to a close-knit station community. In addition to your role, you will be expected to participate in shared responsibilities that support station life. Periods of isolation, weather-related restrictions on movement, and limited contact with family and friends can also form part of the deployment experience.

Support Throughout Your Deployment

The AIR Alliance is committed to supporting expeditioners throughout their deployment. Successful candidates will receive pre-departure training, resilience and wellbeing preparation, and ongoing support for both expeditioners and their families before, during and after deployment.

Why Join Us?

Working in Antarctica offers challenges and experiences that few construction projects can match.



You'll have the opportunity to put your skills to the test, work alongside a highly skilled team and experience life in a part of the world that most people will never get to visit.

The Australian Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program is a chance to be part of a project with a lasting impact while gaining valuable professional and personal experience. Beyond the experience itself, you'll have the chance to contribute to a significant milestone in Australia's Antarctic history, helping deliver infrastructure that will support Australia's scientific and operational activities for years to come.

Recruitment Timeline for the 2027/28 Program

*Dates are used as a rough guide and subject to change

Applications: November 2026

Shortlisting: November 2026 to January 2027

Interviews: January 2027 to March 2027

Assessment Centers (completed through the Australian Antarctic Program): April 2027 to June 2027

Medical / Psychological Assessments (completed through the Australian Antarctic Program): April 2027 to July 2027

Reference checks: June 2027 to July 2027

Employment Offers: July 2027

Progression through the recruitment process is subject to successfully meeting the requirements of each assessment stage.

Applicants will receive updates and important information via the email address provided in their application. Please monitor your inbox regularly, including your junk or spam folder, to ensure you don't miss any correspondence.

Applying

To assist with the assessment process, please ensure your resume clearly lists all relevant trade qualifications, licenses, tickets, certifications and plant competencies, including license classes and High Risk Work Licenses.

All applications and resumes must be submitted through SEEK. Applications sent directly via email may not be reviewed or considered as part of the recruitment process.

Applications close Wednesday 2nd December

Contact

For enquiries regarding this opportunity, please email ••••@antarctic-alliance.com

For more information about the Australian Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program and to stay up to date with project news and future opportunities:

- Australian Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/antarctic-operations/airp/

- AIR Alliance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/antarctic-infrastructure-renewal-alliance/

AIR Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

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