Construction Coordinator

Who we are

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.

These goals are to:

• maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
• protect the Antarctic environment
• understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
• undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The Assets and Infrastructure (A&I) Branch provides and maintains the equipment and infrastructure to support the AAP. A&T Branch activities range from the maintenance of existing Antarctic stations and equipment through to major infrastructure projects in support of AAP outcomes.

The Infrastructure Delivery Section is a key element of the A&I Branch and is responsible for the construction of the built infrastructure at Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations. The section consists of an expeditioner workforce that carries out construction activities at the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations and a project management group at the AAD’s head office in Kingston, Tasmania. It works closely with other sections within the branch to support the design, operation and maintenance of all station infrastructure.

For more information about us please visit our website.

The job

The Job Reporting to the Project Leads, the position will involve working both independently as well as part of a wide project team, providing project support throughout the planning and delivery phases. This position would suit a construction industry professional with a desire to expand their project management knowledge and develop a skillset delivering and managing remote infrastructure. The position is responsible for providing project management support for the delivery of building and construction works and major capital projects in the following key areas:

• Planning and scheduling
• Design management
• Subcontractor management
• Inspection of off-site fabrications
• Providing remote site supervision and direction to on-station teams
• Procurement of services, materials and equipment and liaison with suppliers
• Estimating and take-offs
• Work Place Health and Safety (WHS)
• Preparation of cargo for shipping
• Quality Management
• Reporting
• Other duties as directed

The projects cover a wide range of works suitable for the hostile Antarctic environment- high wind speeds, fine snow, low temperatures and dynamic geotechnical conditions. These may include new buildings and renovations works, civil works, above-ground hydraulic and electrical site services, satellite, radio and mobile service communication infrastructure, water treatment and storage, power generation and distribution, HVAC and building monitoring systems. There is an emphasis on implementing solutions that are durable, transportable and can be constructed by a generalist workforce. Please note this is a head office position located in Kingston, Tasmania.

There may be opportunities to deploy to Antarctica or sub-Antarctic islands in support of project activities, but that is not a main duty of this role. AAD supports flexible workplace arrangements and will endeavour to reach an arrangement that meets your needs. There will be periods, particularly in the lead up to vessel and aircraft departures, that the role will involve working to achieve outcomes within rigid deadlines.

What you’ll gain from the experience

• Experience working on unique infrastructure projects
• Experience delivering construction projects in remote, complex and logistically constrained environments
• Exposure to Australia's broader Antarctic Program and partner organisations

Mandatory qualifications

• Engineering/project management, construction supervisor or trade qualification; or
• Qualification in a relevant field.