ANTARCTICA - Crane Operator

• Bring Your Hands‑On Expertise to a Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Opportunity
• Build Rare, High‑Value Skills That Set You Apart
• Return Home With Career‑Boosting Experience and a Standout Story

Antarctica - Crane Operators

Deployment // LATE FEBRUARY 2026 McMurdo Station, Antarctica Full time | February - September 2026

We're looking for experienced crane operators who are keen on a once in a lifetime assignment at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. If you're confident at the controls, strong on safety, and up for a challenge, this is an opportunity to work with quality equipment in one of the unique environments you will ever experience.

About the Role You'll be part of the team that keeps the station running by operating cranes and a range of heavy machinery across snow, ice, and dirt. The work is varied, hands on, and essential to daily operations. You'll be relied on to work safely, think ahead, and support wider station tasks when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and carry out lifts safely, following all lift procedures.
• Complete lift plans for any lift over 75% of crane capacity.
• Operate cranes for construction work, cargo handling, and equipment movement.
• Operate other heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, graders, backhoes, forklifts, telehandlers, tracked tractors, PistenBully, dump trucks, and snow grooming machinery.
• Carry out daily equipment checks and report any maintenance issues.
• Check fluids and work with the Vehicle Maintenance Facility to resolve any deficiencies.
• Rig loads using approved slings, chains, and rigging gear.
• Complete Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) when required.
• Track equipment hours and notify Fleet Operations when approaching service intervals.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly crane inspections.
• Support general Fleet Operations and station tasks as needed.
• Follow all Environmental Health and Safety and Quality Assurance requirements.
• Assist with manual tasks such as snow shovelling, ice chipping, and general station duties.
• Carry out physically demanding work including heavy lifting, climbing, crawling, and walking long distances in extreme cold.
• Maintain a strong safety focus at all times.
• Record time worked and equipment hours accurately in Maximo.
• Perform other duties as required to support station life.

Required Qualifications

• Recognised Crane Operator Certification (NCCCO or NZ equivalent)
• Minimum 4 years' experience operating heavy equipment
• Minimum 200 hours of routine crane operation
• Strong rigging experience and ability to read lift plans and load charts
• Confident with crane inspections, pre start checks, and emergency procedures
• Experienced with PPE and safe operating practices
• Full NZ working rights
• Valid NZ Driver Licence (Class 4 preferred)
• Ability to obtain required US facility access credentials (eligibility assessed individually)
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well in a small team
• Willingness to be away from home for an extended period

Preferred Experience

• Operating machinery in cold, remote, or harsh environments
• Construction or industrial site experience
• Snow moving or grooming experience
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office
• Experience with commercial vehicles
• Ability to work calmly and professionally when plans change
• Understanding of project schedules and remote site logistics

Physical and Deployment Requirements

• Ability and willingness to deploy to Antarctica for 6 - 12 months
• Successful completion of medical and dental checks
• Ability to pass employer drug screening and background checks
• Ability to clear a Ministry of Justice Check
• Willingness to receive FLU and TDAP vaccine.
• Physically capable of lifting equipment and parts within safety limits
• Comfortable with demanding physical tasks in extreme cold
• Participation in community duties such as chores, cleaning, recycling, and safety initiatives

How to Apply APPLY NOW or send your up to date CV to Venizze.bruzo@hays.net.nz and call 021 967 565