Aircrew Officer

Role overview

CHC Helicopters Australia delivers helicopter services that help customers operate in remote and demanding environments and return safely. The organisation supports offshore energy, emergency medical services, and search and rescue work across Australia and internationally, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

The company’s culture is shaped by accountability, collaboration, care, integrity, and excellence. People in the team are expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, and high-performing environment.

Position summary

This is a SAR Aircrew Officer position based in Williamtown, New South Wales. The role is a technical cabin crew position involved in Search and Rescue, Emergency Medical, rappelling, sling loading, passenger transport, and winching activities. The Aircrew Officer supports the aircraft captain by managing the rear cabin safely and efficiently during flight operations.

The work can take place in both onshore and offshore settings and may involve stressful, physically demanding, and emotionally challenging situations. Crews may operate day and night throughout the year depending on roster and contract needs, and the position requires ongoing proficiency training, fitness, and resilience.

Key responsibilities

• Hold and maintain dual qualifications as both an Aircrew Officer and a Rescue Crew Officer.
• Follow company policies, operating procedures, manuals, and relevant aviation rules.
• Support safe flight operations and assist with the rear cabin during missions.
• Deliver required pre-flight and safety briefings.
• Demonstrate strong working knowledge of search and rescue equipment and use it safely and effectively.
• Carry out pre-flight and post-flight inspections and complete required records and documentation.
• Prepare the aircraft for flight and complete post-flight servicing and housekeeping tasks.
• Identify and report operational or maintenance safety issues, including defective equipment.
• Provide first aid when needed, including in difficult and high-pressure conditions.
• Be willing to travel to CHC bases, training sites, and deployment locations as required.
• Pass periodic company fitness testing.
• Act as a safety advocate by identifying unsafe practices and supporting improvements in safety behaviour and culture.
• Take on additional duties where needed to support the business.

Required qualifications and experience

• Current CASA Class II medical.
• Current HLTAID015 certification for Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen.
• Current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certification.
• Valid Flight Radiotelephone Operator’s Licence.
• CASA-approved hoist endorsement under CASR Part 133/138.
• SLS Bronze Medallion or Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue).
• Current Class 1 driver’s licence.
• At least 500 hours of aircrew experience.
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of selection.
• Ability to complete company physical fitness assessments when required.
• Strong communication, planning, and organisational skills.
• Good critical thinking ability and the capacity to work in urgent, complex situations.
• Working knowledge of relevant IT systems.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and manage competing tasks effectively.

Preferred experience and certifications

• Certificate IV in Aviation or equivalent CASA-compliant qualification.
• Prior SAR or EMS experience.
• Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) and Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) experience.
• NVIS qualification and night operations experience.
• Experience with FLIR imaging systems.

Personal attributes

• A strong safety mindset and willingness to challenge unsafe behaviour.
• Proactive approach to physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
• Curiosity and commitment to learning and improvement.
• Team-oriented attitude with a collaborative style.
• Ability to stay effective under pressure and during demanding situations.
• Comfort working independently with limited supervision.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing requirements.
• Respectful and professional conduct at all times.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia and meet any clearance requirements that apply to the role.

Diversity and inclusion

The employer encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women and men of all genders, LGBTI+ communities, mature-aged workers, people with disability, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Recruitment notes

Interviews or the closing of applications may happen before the advertised deadline if suitable candidates are identified, so early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted. This vacancy is being handled directly by the employer, and recruitment agencies are asked not to submit candidates or make contact regarding this role.