Escape the January blues and apply for an opportunity of a lifetime in Antarctica this year
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This year, why not escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica?
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica – from carpenters to chefs, to plumbers, scuba divers and more.
BAS is a world-leading centre for polar research and operations. Its researchers discovered the ozone hole in 1985, and today BAS scientists are studying how the frozen regions of our planet are changing as our climate warms and what this means for people around the world.
Its Antarctic research stations are small, self-sufficient communities.
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Working for BAS is a job unlike any other, and an experience that will provide memories to last a lifetime. Successful applicants will work in some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, building lifelong friendships and contributing to vital science that is helping us understand our changing world.
Jess Callaghan is a Zoological Field Assistant on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. She has spent the past 16 months living on this remote island and would recommend the experience to anyone.
‘Living on Bird Island is an ornithologist’s dream come true. One day, I’ll be working among our colony of 45,000 macaroni penguins, and the next I might be helping weighing Antarctic fur seal pups. If you’re passionate about wildlife and are looking for an overseas adventure, I simply could not recommend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
It’s an experience that leaves a lot of people wanting more. Phill Coolman is a carpenter at Halley VI Research Station, and first came to the station six years ago. He has returned every season since.
His role ranges from maintaining the station to solving practical problems to helping carry out science in this extreme environment.
‘Being a carpenter in Antarctica requires adaptability and teamwork. I’ve gained skills here that I’ve carried back to the “real world” and done things I never thought I would get the chance to do,’ said Coolman.
‘Halley is not only a station and a team, but it’s also a home and a family, and we all work together to keep the station and science running, even when the weather has other ideas! I planned on coming to Antarctica for one season and I’ve come back every season for the last six years and have no desire to stop any time soon.’
The first batch of jobs – Agricultural Plant Operator, Diesel Power Generation Technician, Boating Officer, Diving Officer, Meteorological Observer and Radio Operator are now on the BAS website at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.
Applicants should check the specific job advert for the relevant closing date, with contracts starting between May and September. BAS will continue to post more vacancies, including chefs, station leaders and zoological field assistants over the next three months. You can sign up and to receive an email alert when roles are live through their recruitment pages.
Contracts run from six to 18 months and are flexible. Salaries start at £30,244 per annum, with a benefits package. There are no living costs in Antarctica – accommodation, food, travel, specialist clothing, tools and training are all provided.
If you want to know more about what life is like in Antarctica, why not visit BAS HQ in Cambridge to meet some people who live and work on the ice? Or, check out BAS’s podcast Iceworld to hear stories from people working in these roles.
