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Almost we all want to determine Antarctica although not everyone is able to pay the price tag. Some lucky travelers visit this dream destination on the once-in-a-lifetime cruise where photography and wildlife viewing would be the primary focus. Others dream, plan, train after which test their limits tackling super-human adventure activities in this incredible wilderness frontier.
But there's another subset of Antarctic visitors who head south for that long-term for jobs opportunities that range from six months to open-ended contracts. And these jobs are not just restricted to the very best scientists on earth. There are also plenty of operational support roles in Antarctica. You'll see advertisements for from chefs (who can ride a skidoo) to postmasters (who can also keep close track of the neighborhood Gentoo penguin population).
Want to know where and how to use? Read on.
Job vacancies in Antarctica
As along with scientists, the Australian Antarctic Program is regularly looking for workers with skills including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, IT officers, doctors and chefs. Current job openings are posted online, including information about car loan terms, perks and also the realities of working in Antarctica.
Vacancies using the Aussie stations are often advertised in December for an additional season, but opportunities do arise regularly therefore if you're really keen, keep an eye on vacancies sites.
The British Antarctic Survey advertises its roles from January to March. A recent vacancy for any cook aboard the polar exploration vessel the RRS Sir David Attenborough includes a salary of lb26,891 per annum – to provide you with a rough concept of how competitive the salaries are with jobs back home.
The Usa Antarctic Program (USAP), which is managed through the National Science Foundation, sends around 3,000 people to Antarctica each year to conduct scientific research, and in addition it employs operations and maintenance workers because of its research stations and vessels. Check out the website for more.
Calling all artists, Antarctica needs you too
The US, Australia and the UK also host artists around the great white land to increase awareness and appreciation of Antarctica – its history, importance and future challenges. In the Australian Antarctica Arts Fellowship website: "The Arts Fellowship advances these objectives with the work of individuals gifted in communicating through various media including (but not restricted to) the visual arts, film-making, performance, writing, and music."
A UK based outfit Friends from the Scott Polar Research Institute, part of the University of Cambridge, hosts artists-in-residence on HMS Protector, an icebreaker, departing in the Falkland Islands.
The US has changed up its artists- and writers-in-residence programs, with a new Polar Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (Polar STEAM) initiative, and education is an emphasis of their projects.
What's it like employed in Antarctica?
Needless to state there's a a number of requirements to be ready for any gig working on the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, as well as the kit you'll need.
Physically you need to be very fit: if you do get ill or injured you might be off-base and away from immediate medical assistance. Be prepared to need some decent first-aid skills and also the capability to remain calm and self-organise.
Applicants are also expected to show a host of personal attributes from emotional intelligence to a commitment to excellence, which means you'll not only produce great work but you'll work well with other people in a place where communication, safety, trust and mutual support are incredibly important.
As along with the experience of a lifetime and incredible experiences with other like-minded people, research stations have well stocked libraries, gyms, bars and music rooms so there is plenty of entertainment after a hard day's work. Dining in Antartica is really a challenge – fresh greens are virtually non-existent, but menus are reportedly inventive to maintain staff morale.
Working in Antarctica, a personal perspective
We talked to Laurel Morrison, a Canadian who worked in Antarctica like a field assistant for a researcher at the University of Otago in Dunedin. It had been an experience that changed the path of her lifetime. Not only did Laurel seem like she won the lottery by being because of the chance to reside in probably the most beautiful places on earth, she also met the man of her dreams, New Zealander Mark Morrison, at her base.
“Mark was an Antarctic Field Trainer, in charge of making sure the scientists didn't walk off any cliffs while out in the area. He went for 6 months, nevertheless for four months," she informs us.
So that which was the expertise of actually residing in Antarctica like? Laurel explains: “When I was offered that job, it was like on offer a chance to go to the moon. The area where we worked, the Dry Valleys, is the largest ice-free area on the continent also it was absolutely beautiful, but there is no water, except the frozen stuff obviously.
"You do need to be able to endure living rugged. We'd to clean ourselves with wipes – there were no showers within the Dry Valleys. That first shower back though- amazing!”
Where to discover more on job opportunities in Antarctica
There is sufficient of information available on the recruitment process for these exciting roles in Antarctica. You'll be placed through your paces to ensure you can handle the difficulties of remote work (remaining in touch with family members at home can be done but remember, it is really an isolated continent).
Get yourself skilled-up in one of the many vocations sent to Antarctica and apply early. If you're looking now you'll be applying for work for the entire year ahead.
For people who make it happen, you'll be contributing to global science, while expending days and nights encompassed by some of the world's most amazing wildlife within this dream destination. We can't think of a better reason to simply get it done.
