Job Description

Help keep Antarctica connected.

In partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, Downer is looking for an experienced Telecommunications Technician to support critical communications at Scott Base, Antarctica.

This is a unique chance to use your technical skills in one of the most remote and challenging environments on earth – supporting scientific research, base operations and life-safety communications, while contributing to New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica.

Why you will enjoy working here | Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei
This is not your everyday telecommunications role – it’s a genuine, once-in-a-lifetime experience on the ice.

• A unique opportunity to live and work in one of the southernmost and most remote regions of the world, based at Scott Base
• A fixed-term role of around 14 months, including approximately 12 months on station, giving you time to settle in and make a real impact
• A structured 48 hours over 6 days work pattern, with time outside of work to connect with the team and take part in base life
• Food, accommodation and safety/wet weather gear provided, so you can focus on doing great work and being part of the Scott Base community
• The chance to support world-class scientific research and critical operations through reliable communications
• An opportunity to grow technically, personally and professionally as part of a tight-knit team representing New Zealand, working with Downer’s strong focus on Zero Harm and sustainability

It’s the kind of role, and location that stays with you for the rest of your career.

The Opportunity | Te kōwhiringa
Our Energy & Utilities business is seeking a Telecommunications Service Technician to spend one year at Scott Base in Antarctica.This is a fixed-term position, including thorough training in Christchurch before you leave for Antarctica for 12 months!

• Maintain and service all Antarctica NZ Telecommunications systems and equipment, keeping them up to operational standards.
• Diagnose faults and breakdowns, as well as complete planned maintenance and service tasks, maintaining an appropriate level of communication spare,s and an up-to-date register of equipment.
• As part of the small, close-knit team at Scott Base you will also be involved in general base tasks. You will be working 6 days per week, 48 hours per week.

If you want an opportunity of a lifetime, where you can put your hard-earned telco tech expertise to valuable use, this is your time to shine!

Important Skills | Nga pūkenga matua
You’ll bring strong technical competence, a calm and practical approach, and a genuine commitment to safety and teamwork in a remote environment.

We are looking for someone with:

• Relevant technical qualification and substantial experience in telecommunications / radio / transmission or similar
• Strong hands-on experience maintaining and fault ‑finding on communications networks and equipment
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people at all levels
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise and manage your own workload
• Proven problem-solving ability and sound judgement in complex situations
• A positive, motivated and outcome ‑focused approach
• A willingness to take ownership, follow through, and support continuous improvement
• The resilience and commitment to live and work in a remote, close ‑knit environment and contribute to wider base life
• A good appreciation of the business/commercial aspects of service delivery and basic financial awareness would be an advantage.

Applicants should hold NZ Citizenship or Residency, and be available for training in Christchurch from August, and to deploy in October.

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply
Click APPLY and follow the prompts, including your CV and copies of relevant licences/qualifications. Reference number:730659

As part of the role, you will undertake a full in-depth pre-employment medical, therefore we are seeking candidates who are physically fit and healthy. You will also be required to complete and pass a drug test and Ministry of Justice criminal check prior to starting employment.