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 AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The People and Culture Branch is crucial in supporting our workforce and fostering a positive organisational culture. It is instrumental in leading the division's cultural transformation initiative, The branch places significant emphasis on providing comprehensive support for expeditioners, encompassing recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, as well as medical and organisational psychological services. Additionally, the branch delivers essential divisional services spanning media, communication, risk management, and business continuity. The AAD remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a positive, inclusive culture that promotes diversity and equity. The Polar Medicine Unit is responsible for the comprehensive medical, surgical and dental support for expeditioners deployed to the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean. Healthcare in remote extreme environments in the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) is delivered together with the Centre for Antarctic, Remote and Maritime Medicine (CARMM) partners and others as required including specialised telemedical support, public health and occupational medicine and medical evacuations (air and sea). The Polar Medicine Unit is responsible for the health care of AAP participants through: Recruiting, training and sustaining station, field and ship doctors and other healthcare workers. Providing 24/7 remote telemedicine support through Polar Medicine Unit and CARMM partners. Coordinating, and assessment of medical, public health, travel and occupational medicine screening for AAP personnel before deploying South. Responding to medical issues/incidents. Facilitating MEDEVAC operations. Maintaining and ensuring medical inventory, medical logistics and medical facilities are resupplied and functional to deliver quality and safe AAP medical capability and response. PMU also conducts practical research on human adaption and response to extreme Antarctic environments. PMU provides specialist remote and isolated medical support to a number of external State and Commonwealth agencies and related programs on a regular basis, and has an international profile and reputation for its expertise amongst Antarctic nations. The key duties of the position include The Deputy CMO works with the Chief Medical Officer and other members of the PMU in leading, advancing and supporting a comprehensive medical practice for personnel engaged in Australia's Antarctic Program and related activities. This includes provision of medical screening and approval processes for Antarctic and subantarctic AAP participants, rostered 24/7 telemedical support and the provision of medical facilities and supplies for all station, field, vessel and aircraft operations. The Deputy CMO also facilitates and participates in Polar Medicine research programs. The Deputy CMO will be required to undertake duties as the Antarctic Medical Practitioner (AMP) on Antarctic and other related ship voyages and/or summer station, air and field programs. The Deputy CMO engages with a range of clients within the AAD, in Australia and Antarctic locations, and with a range of external clients, including: PMU members; All branches: People and Culture, Operations and Logistics, Policy and Strategy, Assets and Infrastructure, Enabling Services and Science Branch members; Suppliers of drugs, medical consumables and specialised medical equipment; Australian Antarctic Program participants and international partners; Other government agencies and non-governmental organisations; and International collaborators and other National Antarctic Programs and their medical providers. It is expected the Deputy CMO will demonstrate or develop qualities of leadership and decision making as alternate Chief Medical Officer during periods of leave etc. Special considerations re potential working conditions: The duties of the Deputy CMO are largely based at Head Office in Kingston, Tasmania with typical office and medical consulting-based risks. The Deputy CMO will be required to undertake duties in Antarctica and the subantarctic. For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.
