What kind of jobs exist in Antarctica?
Matty K. Jordan wrote an ebook called How To Get a Job In Antarctica. It’s free and online. He is a project manager at Scott Base, the main New Zealand station. Some of his topics pertain specifically to that program, and others are universal. Matty does podcasts, one of which is about jobs. His book is very comprehensive about jobs in Antarctica, and it got me thinking about how it applies to some of my readers who have considered working in the Antarctic.
I imagine my readers’ attraction to working in Antarctica comes from the notion of adventure and the uniqueness of any experience on that continent. I fully understand since it’s behind what made me start my research on Antarctica. So, what jobs exist? What is it like to work there? What is the pay? How long do I have to stay there? How do I qualify and apply? I’ll address brief answers to those questions regarding the US program. Matty’s ebook goes into more detail.
Antarctica is primarily a continent for scientific research, and all operations are part of this enterprise. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need to be a scientist or have a college education to work in Antarctica. Science professionals and students typically fill science-related roles, while skilled tradespeople, enthusiastic citizens, and the military fill support jobs. For the US, all work is under the US National Science Foundation, which hires support contractors. Workers report to contractors, and contracts are also arranged by NSF with the US military, primarily for air transport. Scientists, on the other hand, report directly to the NSF. While most jobs are based in Antarctica, they are all part of the national programs of various Antarctic Treaty nations. Interested parties can find Antarctic jobs in universities and laboratories worldwide.
Where in Antarctica is the work?
Matty’s ebook focuses on work at the research stations, specifically New Zealand’s Scott Base. The main US stations are McMurdo on Ross Island in the Ross Sea, South Pole Station, and Palmer Station on the Antarctic Peninsula below South America. In some ways, the research stations resemble small towns with all their functions. These include laboratory spaces, living spaces, workshops, transport facilities, food services, housekeeping, etc. Small camps with temporary structures exist in a few remote locations to investigate specific science topics. At the extreme, research teams set up isolated tiny tent camps in the Deep Field of remote Antarctic wilderness (as in my book Mighty Bad Land).
A few research ships conduct surveys in the waters around Antarctica. These operate with a ship’s crew, scientists and their students, and science support staff. It’s important to realize the limitations on traveling to adventurous locations. Regulations pretty much restrict you to your job or mission location. I’ve traveled to Antarctica nine times, but never to South Pole Station, lacking a reason to go there.
For both scientists and support staff, the work is hard. The hours can be long, and the weather is more challenging than you’ve experienced. The pay for support staff is average but includes room and board. Whether you perform science or support, you will find yourself isolated for weeks or months. Most work is done in the summer (October through February; seasons are opposite!) when there is constant daylight. A few jobs are winter-over during the long Antarctic night. You can call your friends and family but won’t visit them. If you have children, elderly parents, or family with an ongoing illness, you must consider the fact of your isolation. You must be reasonably fit, more so for the Deep Field projects, but importantly, you must pass thorough medical and dental exams to qualify. I failed mine the first time (see Chapter 2 in Mighty Bad Land).
How and when do I apply?
NSF is Antarctica’s main funder of US science projects and support functions through its US Antarctic Program inside the NSF Office of Polar Programs. To launch a science project, you first need to discuss it with NSF science staff. You need to write and submit a competitive proposal, then get it approved by peer review. For my first project, this process took two years. Science students typically work for scientists on their projects approved by the NSF. Students will want to contact these scientists directly to apply for jobs or graduate programs with them. Google searches will turn up projects, names, and contacts of scientists leading current projects, and the NSF OPP offers a master list of active projects.
NSF works with several contractors to fill support staff positions. Find leads on the US Antarctic Program website. NSF also sponsors a select group of artists and writers through an eponymous program. These lucky folks are free to do their creative work in Antarctica alongside the science and support system. To explore more within the NSF polar programs, look here. If you subscribe to Matty’s newsletter you can see a list of job openings at various international programs.
Regardless of the route you will explore, start your applications in the winter to early spring (US) for the upcoming Antarctica work season (October – February) or next season’s winter-over group.
How to get jobs in Antarctica. What is the bottom line?
Many more people apply to work or do science in Antarctica than are accepted. Bring something special to the program to achieve selection. You need the right attitude to be chosen and successful in Antarctica. Prepare yourself to work hard in tough circumstances, remain adaptable, and work as a team player. Things can seem chaotic in Antarctica, nothing is under control. Feel grateful the Antarctic Program picked you to go to a place most people never get to see or visit. Before my first visit I spoke with veterans who told me extreme stories of their time on the continent. At times, I thought, really? Some of the tales sounded made up. Then, I learned differently. Nobody needs to make up a story about their time in Antarctica; they’re all true. You will always remember your experience in the Last Place on Earth.