It'll be a bit chillier than you're used to, but if you're Australian and have a required skill, you could be one of over 150 people chosen to head off for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Antarctica next year.
Australia manages Casey, Davis and Mawson research stations on the Antarctic continent and Macquarie Island in the sub-Antarctic. The Australian Antarctic Division is looking for people to fill a range of roles at these stations for the 2020-21 season. The predominantly trades-based roles keep Australia’s research stations running, and they range in length from four months over the summer to up to 15 months over winter.
Alongside their core roles, expeditioners may be trained in additional station support roles, including search and rescue, firefighting and surgical assistance. There also may be opportunities to contribute to Antarctic science and see animals like penguins in their natural habitat. While each summer can see up to 100 people working on a station, the winter population drops down to approximately 20 and the small community relies on one another to keep safe and maintain the station.
“We’re looking for people with the skills to do the job and who will be a good fit for life in a small and isolated community," says human resources manager, Andrew Groom. “Applicants will first undergo an assessment of their technical skills and experience, and will then be put through one of our selection centres to ensure they will be a good fit for the small Antarctic community.”
Expeditioners are paid an additional Antarctic allowance on top of their salary, and all accommodation, food and cold weather clothing is provided. If you want to make your Antarctic dreams come true, applications close on 23 January 2020 and you can visit here for more information.