How to get a job in Antarctica

Contract & Seasonal Jobs, Income & Jobs, Overseas Jobs

Always dreamed of going to the South Pole? Have you ever wanted a chance to go for a whale-watching cruise on an icebreaker? Do you like to combine travel, adventure and income? Do you think (or know) that working abroad is for you? A job in Antarctica might be your answer.

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Every year thousands of people deploy to one of three United States Antarctic Program (USAP) research stations, one of several field camps or to one of two research vessels. Some of these people are scientists; representing nearly every branch of science that you can think of. You haven’t got to be a scientist, however, to work in Antarctica. The primary support contractor, Raytheon Polar Services Company (RPSC) together with its subcontractors, hires nearly all of the support personnel for Antarctica. This could very well be the ideal opportunity for the burgeoning or experienced neo-nomad.

What types of jobs are available in Antarctica? Simply stated, each research station is a lot like a small town and you will find most of the same types of jobs at those research stations as you might find in any town in the U.S. Skilled tradespeople are in especially high demand. People who have verifiable work experience as a plumber, carpenter, electrician, equipment operator or mechanic will find their skills much sought after. Other jobs, however, make up a large percentage of the jobs available. Cooks, dishwashers, laborers, janitors, warehouse & supply chain management, medical staff, vehicle driver, radio operator, IT staff, office administration, retail – these are the types of positions that must be filled in order for science to be successful. If you’re tired of the corporate grind or if you’re a liberal arts major you wouldn’t be the first to take a job scrubbing toilets or shoveling snow to escape a soulless existence in cubicle hell.

So how then, does one go about getting a job in Antarctica? Experience tells me that the one thing that everybody who gets to Antarctica has in common is a strong desire to be there. The red tape that must be negotiated is a daunting obstacle and weeds out all but the most tenacious. The seemingly obvious first step is to find a job that you might be qualified for. These jobs aren’t very well advertised, and RPSC’s website isn’t very user-friendly, but that’s the place to start.

Step one:
Find a job that you might be qualified for. Contract positions on “The Ice” are offered for for between four and fourteen months, with most starting in October and ending in February (this is the main “summer” research season). The jobs are listed at RPSC’s website . As of this writing, jobs are listed as being located in Centennial, CO, so start with a search at that location. If you’re not sure what you might be qualified for, just browse all jobs until you find one that interests you. Pay special attention to the qualifications and before going to the trouble of applying, ensure that your work experience is commensurate with those qualifications.

• Tip: Each spring RPSC holds a job fair at their Centennial (Denver) headquarters. If you can make it, it might give you an edge on getting hired.

• Tip 2: Seasonal work not for you? Not to worry. RPSC also hires full-time people who are based in the Centennial (Denver) office. Many of these positions deploy for all or part of the research season.

Step two:
Once you’ve found a job that you feel you are qualified for, go ahead and update your resume (or C/V)

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and apply for the job you want. It might be worthwhile to try to network a little bit. Keep the whole “degrees of separation” thing in mind. You probably know someone who knows someone that may be able to help. Remember what I said before, if you want to get to The Ice, you’re going to have to make the effort.

Step three:
If your application got through the human resources gamut and on to a decision maker, you will be contacted for an interview. Most of these interviews are done over the phone. Standard interview rules apply here. Your application materials got you this far, your interview will get you the job. This is also the time to ask questions. The person conducting the interview, however, may not have ever been to The Ice, but they will most certainly be able to get answers to your questions from someone who has. Shortly after the interview, you should be given some sort of indication of whether you got the job. RPSC offers both primary and alternate positions. Don’t be discouraged if you’re offered an alternate position, rather embrace it as a chance to really put your best foot forward. At this stage, you will be required to submit a great deal of personal background information for a formal background check. Another daunting task, seemingly designed as another screen-out element.

Step four:
If offered a position, you must physically qualify (PQ). The PQ requirements will vary depending on your age and the type of contract you are being offered, but expect to have an age appropriate physical exam done as well as a dental exam. You will also be asked to fill out heaps of other paperwork, and though it has nothing to do with your state of health, it is all referred to as part of the PQ process. If you pass your physical/dental, the cost of these exams is re-reimbursable.

• Tip: Keep copies of EVERYTHING. If anything is lost, it is much easier to submit a copy rather than do it over.

• Tip 2: If you are going to be in the Denver area, see if your hiring manager can schedule your appointments with a local doctor/dentist who will direct bill RPSC.

• Tip 3: Read a hilarious account of life in Antarctica:

Step five:
The rest of your life… If you haven’t already got a frequent flier account with American Airlines, get one. You may think your trip to Antarctica is a one-time deal – it probably isn’t. As a new hire, your future holds a free round-trip ticket to either Christchurch, New Zealand (if going to McMurdo or the South Pole) or a free round-trip to Punta Arenas, Chile followed by a free cruise to Antarctica that many people fork over thousands for.

Tip: It’s probably not going to be wine, women and song, but you will meet some great people, travel to exotic lands and all the cheap beer and free music shows you could ever want.

So…what are you waiting for? It’s time to take working overseas to a whole new level. Get a job slacker!

In the next edition(s):
Beating the high cost of gas!
Eat for free!
Free housing!
Travel in Patagonia!
Travel in New Zealand!

You can come discuss employment in Antarctica in our forum

According to the on desk flight information, not all airlines but the northwest airline gives out various discounts. This includes cheap airline tickets as well. When the flights revealed this information, it made everyone go airlines.

Will @ May 20, 2008