The Australian Antarctic Program's (AAP) annual recruitment campaign opens today, presenting Australians with a life changing opportunity to live and work in Antarctica for up to 12 months.
More than 200 new contracts are available for the 2027/28 season, ranging from six months to more than 12 months. Roles on offer include electrician, carpenter, mechanic, plumber and chef as well as specialists in science, aviation, voyage and field leadership roles and telecommunications.
Candidates need trade qualifications and several years' experience to be successful. They also have to be an Australian citizen.
Successful applicants will help run Australia's three scientific research stations in Antarctica - Davis, Mawson and Casey - and our summer ice runway, Wilkins.
Casey Station Leader Justine Thompson said being part of a tight knit station community was one of the best parts of living and working in Antarctica.
"Antarctica isn't an easy place to live," she said.
"It's isolated, the conditions are challenging, and there's always work to be done.
"But building a community on station and making friendships that will last decades, all while working towards a common goal, is incredibly rewarding."
Ms Thomspon said living in Antarctica also brought moments of joy and wonder that very few people would ever get to experience.
"Antarctica gets under your skin, it's beyond special," she said.
"It's a once in a lifetime adventure. We've all seen and done things we never would have thought possible.
"Being an expeditioner gives you such a great appreciation for this incredible frozen wilderness.
"We work hard every day to protect and understand Antarctica, and to leave this place better than we found it."
The Australian Antarctic Division's Director of Expeditioner Recruitment and Support, Gina Woodward, said the Australian Antarctic Program looked for applicants who were both technically proficient, and well suited to small community living.
"Being an Australian Antarctic Program expeditioner can profoundly change your life for the better, but with it comes a huge responsibility," she said.
"Expeditioners are building Australia's Antarctic legacy, a legacy that stretches all the way back to the acclaimed scientist and Antarctic explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson."
"With that in mind, there's an extensive recruitment process to find the right candidates.
"All of our expeditioners are helping protect and understand an incredible part of the natural world.
"It's a massive sacrifice being so far from family and friends, but the rewards are a lifetime of adventure stories, friendships and memories."
Applications to live and work in Antarctica as part of the Australian Antarctic Program close 31 October.
For more information and to apply, go to jobs.antarctica.gov.au
Jobs available for Season 27/28 and future merit pools are:
- Chef & Senior Chef
- Station Logistics Officer & Senior Station Logistics Officer
- Operations Coordinator
- Station Safety Advisor
- Telecommunications Officer – Networks
- Telecommunications Officer – Radio
- Mechanic/Senior Mechanic/Aerodrome Mechanic
- Station Mechanical Supervisor
- Electronics Engineer
- Senior Field Training Officer/Field Training Officer
- Boilermaker Welder
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Station Trades Supervisor
- Fitter & Turner
- Mechanical Services (HVAC) Balancing Technician
- Antarctic Medical Practitioner
- Refrigeration Mechanic
- Station Plant Operator/Senior Plant Operator/Mobile Crane Operator
- Antarctic Refueller/Refuelling Supervisor
- Voyage Leader and Deputy Voyage Leader
- Watercraft Operator/Coordinator
- Aerodrome Plant Operator
- Deputy Wikins Aerodrome Manager / Winter Wilkins Aerodrome Manager
- Aircraft Ground Support Officer
