Excavator Operator – ANTARCTICA

Tradestaff Global is seeking expressions of interest from Licensed & experienced EXCAVATOR OPERATORS to work on McMurdo Station in Antarctica, for Summer 2025/26

Deployments are expected to be from approx. Oct 2025 to March 2026.

These roles are not for the faint hearted; you’ll be staying for months in one of the most isolated but beautiful places in the world.

• Flights provided from any major NZ airport.
• Food, shared accommodation, travel insurance provided.
• $73.64 per hour. Contract basis, paid fortnightly in NZ$, paid for 54 hours a week.
• All PPE Supplied.

It’s hard work but in return you’ll be paid well, save money while working away, gain experience of a lifetime, & build some lifelong friendships. If you’ve ever wanted to tick this off your bucket list, this could be the job for you!

Don't wait for tomorrow to pursue this exceptional opportunity! Apply now to kickstart the application process & get on the ice!

WHAT’S THE JOB?

Construction in Antarctica is like nowhere else, and all the roles need hard working team players who are happy to pitch in on the tools, do the basics, do the mahi and look out for each other.

Operating 30–50T excavators on a large commercial build in a high-risk environment. You’ll need to be comfortable jumping out of the cab to help with general site work.

If you’ve also operated dozers, loaders or rollers, that’s a real plus on this job.

YOU NEED TO:

• Hold WTR & a Class 2 Licence.
• Have proven experience on large excavators in civil, roading or construction.
• Provide an up to date CV showing machine sizes, brands, time operating & project examples.

• Due to travel restrictions, ONLY New Zealand and US Citizens with New Zealand or US passports currently and permanently living and working in New Zealand can apply.
• Vaccinations: You need to be happy to have Flu, Tdap & MMR Vaccines.
• You’re on the ice for a long time, these roles are not ‘fly in fly out’ / FIFO.
• You’ll work long hours, six days out of seven.
• Start dates are approximate and are subject to you passing medical and dental checks, getting security clearance, your notice period and ice flight availability.
• You must pass a pre-employment drug & alcohol test.
• You need a clean criminal record.
• The application process is lengthy, you will need to demonstrate patience when working through the application process.
• You must be prepared to travel to Tauranga for medical and dental exams. We pay for testing and flights if travelling from outside the Bay of Plenty.

• APPLY ONLINE with an up-to-date CV that outlines your commercial construction skills, experience and the types of commercial construction projects you have worked on.
• If your initial application is successful, we will contact you with further information about the interview and checking process.
• You must be IT literate, have great attention to detail, follow instructions and be able to handle lots of complicated paperwork.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? ADVENTURE CALLS!

APPLY ONLINE NOW and take advantage of this opportunity of a lifetime!

We can only accept online applications. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement when your application is submitted successfully.