The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica, where the penguins live.
Carpenters, chefs, plumbers, boat handlers, scuba divers, plant operators and more are encouraged to apply for a job that offers what is described as “the ultimate career change for those seeking adventure at the end of the earth”.
BAS is a centre for polar research where scientists study how the frozen parts of our planet are changing and what this means for the world. Their research stations are small, self-sufficient communities.
Mike Brian began his career with BAS as a polar guide at Rothera Research Station and now manages operations for the station. He said: “If you think about what it takes to keep a community going – plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, engineers, chefs – there's a job for that. The people working on our stations are ordinary people, often doing an ordinary job – just in an extraordinary place.”
Phill Coolman is a carpenter at Halley VI Research Station. He first came to the station six years ago and has returned every season since. His role ranges from maintaining the station to solving practical problems to help 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.
“Halley is a not only a station and a team, it’s 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.”
Dan McKenzie is station leader at Halley VI. He’s been working in Antarctica for five years.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work for BAS in a few different places. I started off as a plumber at Rothera and now I’m in the station leader role at Halley VI, an incredible place, filled with talented people. I always think, I’m just a lad from Wigan, who never went to university and came from pretty humble beginnings, and now I’m here. That’s the beauty of BAS, anyone can give it a try and if you work hard you never know where it will take you.”
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.
For further details, see .