Field Training Officer & Senior Field Training Officer

Overview

Field Training Officer (FTO) & Senior Field Training Officer (SFTO)

Plan, schedule and deliver Antarctic / sub-Antarctic field training. Coordinate field safety and develop station search and rescue capabilities. Station support roles.

Field Training Officer

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $92,705 per annum .
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $163,242 per annum .
• A generous employer superannuation contribution of up to 15.4% will be paid in addition to salary and allowances.
• You will accrue recreation leave at the equivalent of 20 days per annum pro rata. Recreation leave is not available in Antarctica but will be paid out on return to Australia.

Field Training Officers (FTO) with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) are essential to the safety and success of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations. You will plan and deliver field training, support teams in the field, and coordinate station search and rescue readiness. Each station has one FTO during winter (March–November), who assumes SFTO responsibilities. Experienced FTOs may progress to SFTO duties or transition from a summer FTO to a winter SFTO position.

Senior Field Training Officer

As a SFTO with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will lead the planning, scheduling, and delivery of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic field training. Depending on station and season, you may work independently or lead and supervise a team of FTOs. A key part of the role is coordinating field safety and developing search and rescue capability at station level.

Summer SFTO : Requires a high level of technical expertise, leadership, and experience in remote alpine or polar environments.

Winter SFTO : Winter deployments are well suited to those building experience in the program; a summer FTO can transition into a winter SFTO position.

For more information about requirements and the selection process, please see the job description and link to more information on the application process below.

What we are looking for

Field Training Officer

Field Training Officers (FTO) with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) are essential to the safety and success of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations. You will plan and deliver field training, support teams in the field, and coordinate station search and rescue readiness. Each station has one FTO during winter (March–November), who assumes SFTO responsibilities. Experienced FTOs may progress to SFTO duties or transition from a summer FTO to a winter SFTO position.

Senior Field Training Officer

As a SFTO, you will lead the planning, scheduling, and delivery of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic field training. Depending on station and season, you may work independently or lead and supervise a team of FTOs. A key part of the role is coordinating field safety and developing search and rescue capability at station level.

Summer SFTO : Larger station populations and multiple projects require technical expertise, leadership, and experience in remote environments.

Winter SFTO : Smaller station communities provide opportunities to develop skills for the more demanding summer season.

For more detailed information, see the job description and link to information on the application process below.

What we are looking for

Essential – Field Training Officers

To apply, you must have the skills and licences listed below.

Qualifications / licences

Provide copy with application

Significant experience (within the last 5 years) in outdoor guiding / leading in remote wilderness settings and :

A relevant qualification in Outdoor Education such as a Certificate IV in Outdoor Education, a Diploma of Outdoor Education (preferred), a Bachelor of Education (Outdoor Education) or equivalent; and / or

Obtain prior to commencement : Valid Passport (expiry at least 6 months beyond planned end date)

You may be required to obtain prior to deployment : Provide First Aid (HLTAID011), Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (HLTAID010), Provide CPR (HLTAID009) with stated validity windows.

The certifications are typically completed as part of pre-departure training. If not delivered, it remains the expeditioner’s responsibility to obtain them prior to deployment.

Knowledge and experience

field trip planning and risk assessment

Desirable – Field Training Officers

These are not essential, but applicants are encouraged to apply even if not all requirements are met.

Qualifications / licences

Provide copy with application :

Knowledge and experience

Recent hands-on experience (within the last 5 years) :

Hands-on experience (minimum 5 years) :

Contact

For general enquiries, email Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team :

For job-specific enquiries, contact Field Operations Team :

Applications will not be accepted via email.

How to apply

Content last updated 4 weeks ago on 10 October 2025.

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