Its the second-best job in Oz aviation and probably the most secure.
If you apply for a position and get it, that is the position you have. There is no 'transfer' between bases unless a position comes up and then you apply for it. There is no 'progression' onto other types unless you are at the base where they are AND you are needed to fly them.
You DO work for a living and the circumstances / environment can be pretty crude / unpleasant at times. It is NOT an hour-builder enroute to the shiny jet job; it is an end, not a means. There are significant challenges, but a pretty awesome team to work with.
I accepted all the above and enjoyed the hell out of it, until I got a guernsey in the BEST job in Oz aviation......