AddressThe 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 AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The Assets and Technology (A&T) 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 the design, manufacture, testing, operation and procurement of advanced scientific equipment and systems. The Branch manages major infrastructure projects in support of AAP outcomes.
The Polar Linkages section coordinates with both internal and external entities to advance the AAD's Antarctic reach, and its uptake and/or development of new technologies and research capabilities. To this end, the team collaborates with other polar agencies, government bodies, educational institutions and private businesses at both the national and international level. Within the AAD the Team provides support to the management of Branch Projects, budgets and governance.
The key duties of the position include
The Job
The Assistant Director (UAV Capabilities) reports directly to the Director - Polar Linkages who will provide broad guidance on the tasks to be performed. Based at the Head Office of the Australian Antarctic Division in Kingston, the Assistant Director (UAV Capabilities) will be part of a small team in support of A&T Branch functions and initiatives and the AAP's Science program. AAP UAV operations are conducted under the DCCEEW ReOC. The Assistant Director (UAV Capabilities) will provide support to the Office of the Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) for DCCEEW by performing duties to assist with management, training and governance by fulfilling the role of Deputy Chief Remote Pilot. The Assistant Director (UAV Capabilities) will also provide support to the Director of Aviation (Operations & Logistics Branch) with subject matter expertise when required in the development of policy and procedures and the management of UAV activities within the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT). Under guidance from the Director - Polar Linkages, the Assistant Director (UAV Capabilities) is required to:
- support the DCCEEW CRP by providing management, training and governance support in support of AAP activities,
- support the Director of Aviation (AAD) with subject matter expertise supporting the development of policy and procedures and the management of UAV activities,
- manage projects to deliver new UAV capabilities to the AAD,
- develop and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the AAD and external science programs in order to oversee the integration of new UAV technologies in support of AAD science, mapping and operational outcomes,
- provide SME input to proposed UAV operations in support of future marine science activities and project manage the review of requirements, assessment and delivery of this service,
- assist with the development of UAV SOPs to address emerging capabilities,
- coordination with stakeholders to successfully introduce BVLOS UAV operations in the AAT,
- assist with assessment and integration of bespoke technologies to be employed from UAVs in support of science and operational requirements,
- provide services to stakeholders including managing and resolving resourcing conflicts and problem solving,
- assist in ensuring that the AAD can meet its policy and government objectives.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
- Experience with the operation and management of UAVs.
- Experience with the conduct of marine science activities.
- Relevant experience in project management and project management methodology.
- Strong technical awareness with the ability to research and understand complex systems and concepts and to apply this knowledge to a capability or process.
- Relevant experience in drone operations within the wider aviation community including fixed and rotary wing operations.
- Knowledge of long range/long endurance BVLOS drone operations is highly desirable.
Skills and capabilities
- Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and collaborators and to effectively represent and negotiate on behalf of the Branch.
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) including the ability to oversee the development of complex technical and non-technical documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically when identifying and solving problems, developing innovative solutions, critically evaluating options and assessing and managing risk.
Please note that the successful applicant may be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they may be required to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments. In order to undertake travel to the Antarctic & sub-Antarctic regions they will need to:
- demonstrate the range of personal qualities and interpersonal skills necessary to perform as a successful team member within isolated Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments,
- demonstrate an ability to effectively adapt and respond to the demands of living and working in an isolated and confined environment as determined by a psychological (adaptability) assessment,
- be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the AAD's Polar Medicine Unit.
