British Antarctic Survey has opened applications for a new round of jobs at its research stations in Antarctica, offering roles ranging from skilled trades to science support and diving operations.
The vacancies, now live on the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) website, include positions such as Agricultural Plant Operator, Diesel Power Generation Technician, Boating Officer, Diving Officer, Meteorological Observer and Radio Operator.
Further roles, including chefs, station leaders and zoological field assistants, are expected to be advertised over the coming months.
BAS operates a number of research stations across Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic, supporting long-term scientific programmes focused on climate, ecosystems and atmospheric change.
The organisation is best known for the discovery of the ozone hole in 1985 and continues to play a central role in polar research.
Life on BAS stations is based around small, self-sufficient communities, where a wide range of practical skills are required to support scientific work. Mike Brian, who began his BAS career as a polar guide at Rothera Research Station and now manages station operations, 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!’
Among those currently working for BAS is Jess Callaghan, a zoological field assistant based on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, where she has spent the past 16 months.
‘Living on Bird Island is an ornithologist’s dream come true. One day, I’ll be working among our colony of 45,000 macaroni penguins, and the next I might be helping weighing Antarctic fur seal pups. If you’re passionate about wildlife and are looking for an overseas adventure, I simply could not recommend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
Others return season after season. Phill Coolman, a carpenter at Halley VI Research Station, first travelled south six years ago and has worked there every year since.
‘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 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.’
BAS station leader Dan McKenzie, who has worked in Antarctica for five years, also highlighted the range of backgrounds represented on station.
‘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 typically run from six to 18 months, with start dates between May and September depending on the role. Salaries begin at £30,244 per year, with accommodation, food, travel, specialist clothing, tools and training provided. There are no living costs while based in Antarctica.
Further information on current vacancies is available via the BAS recruitment pages. BAS will also host a public open day at its headquarters in Cambridge on Saturday 21 March, where prospective applicants can meet staff and learn more about living and working on the ice.
To learn more about the British Antarctic Survey’s work, follow the team on Facebook @BritishAntarcticSurvey, X @BAS_News and Instagram @britishantarcticsurvey, or check out the BAS podcast Iceworld to hear stories from people already working there.
