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Employment in Antarctica

Living and Working in Antarctica
Living and Working in Antarctica
Photo by: Henry Kaiser - National Science Foundation

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York City–these are monster cities with amazing work opportunities in almost any profession. So then, why do so many people choose to work in Antarctica instead of places like the Big Apple each year? Because it's a place perfectly designed for biologists, glaciologists, geologists, oceanographers, atmospheric physicists, chemists and meteorologists to conduct extensive research. However, research teams are not comprised of only scientists. Field support for the stations and people involved in the arts can get in on the Antarctic work experience, too. Despite the brutal environment, participating in scientific research and station-based activities in such a mysterious and pristine location is a professional dream-come-true for many people.

An excerpt from e-mail correspondence to an administrator of an Antarctica research project gives a typical scenario:

"...For a few years, I have wanted to go to the South Pole, but definitely not on a cruise ship or $30,000 explorers trip. I would like to go as part of a work or scientific expedition and am willing to pay my way and provide my own equipment. Can you please help me? I don't know where to start asking so I thought perhaps you could put me on the right path of contacts to at least ask this...Thank you for any information you can provide..."

This person's inquiry sounds very similar to those of others wishing to participate in Antarctic-based explorations. The question is a good one: where does one begin when looking for a job at the South Pole?

Research On An Iceberg
Research On An Iceberg
Photo by: Josh Landis - National Science Foundation

The best place to start your search would be to find the contact information for your country's Antarctic program. In the United States, Congress established the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1950. NSF is an independent federal agency responsible for almost 20% of funding for federally-supported research at various American universities. The United States Antarctica Program, or as it is more commonly known, USAP, is funded by NSF; they deploy approximately 3,200 people to Antarctica each year to conduct scientific research and to maintain and staff specific research stations. Visit USAP at http://www.usap.gov/ to look for employment opportunities.

Field support positions, the duties of which include managing the stations, machinery, research ships, laboratories and camps, as well as flying helicopters, repairing or building facilities, looking after vehicles and coordinating field parties, are integral to keeping the stations running smoothly and safely. Raytheon Polar Services Company, found at http://rpsc.raytheon.com/, is America's field support contractor for Antarctica. All applications must be made through their website; however, be aware that the application process for these jobs is extremely competitive. All submittals undergo an intense review process. To be offered a position of employment, you must pass three or even four examinations before the contract is final–a pre-employment background check, a pre-employment drug screen, a rigorous physical and dental check-up, and, if you are to be deployed over the austral winter season, a psychological assessment. To increase your chances of employment, you should attend the Raytheon Job Fair. Held this year on Friday, April 13, 2007 at Raytheon's headquarters in Centennial, CO, the job fair provides an opportunity to learn in greater detail what Antarctic work entails, and gives prospective employees a chance to network with both potential future employers and prospective colleagues.

Food Growth Chamber
Food Growth Chamber
Photo by: Brien Barnett - National Science Foundation

Those interested in media and the arts also have options for working in Antarctica. Each year, NSF handpicks a very select group of journalists to go to Antarctica and cover America's three research stations. The application consists of a two-page document laying out what the applicant's proposed coverage would entail, and why that specific area of research interests them. The NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs then reviews each proposal. An acute understanding of NSF-funded research in Antarctica is imperative, as is being able to relay the findings of this research to the public. Television, print, online news operations and radio journalists are all welcome to apply. See http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/03/ma0326.htm for more information.

Non-journalist writers can become part of a project as well; the NSF's Antarctic Artists & Writers Program places skilled, accomplished artists and liberal arts scholars (historians, writers, painters, photographers, etc.) in full-time positions in Antarctica. The program's purpose is to increase national awareness and understanding of the importance of Antarctic scientific discoveries and of America's involvement in implementing and participating in such scientific research. To learn more about current and previous projects, please visit http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/aawr.jsp.

Working with strangers in such a barren, harsh environment, while separated from family, spouse and friends for an extended period of time, is a grueling experience for anyone. A person's compatibility with living under such circumstances is crucial (almost as crucial as the person's actual professional background) for the creation and maintenance of a thriving and comfortable workstation community. Preparing to work at the South Pole in particular is strenuous on both the mind and the body. It is a huge undertaking–but boasts gigantic rewards.

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