National Science Foundation Social Media. Opportunities Overview Inside an ice cave. The USAP does not approve the following activities for participation in the program because they are not considered a contribution to the United States' mission for Antarctica: Private expeditions by mountain climbers or adventurers Visits to promote commercial products Photography except as in the Artists and Writers Program , or media visits "Space-available" passage on support aircraft flights Sightseeing or other superficial visits Although the government does not provide support to private expeditions, citizens are not discouraged from organizing and taking part in such expeditions if they are self-sufficient and meet environmental standards.
While there are no restaurants, there is one cafeteria on station that feeds everyone in town. Vessels and flights in the summer bring in fresh fruits and vegetables, known as freshies— the most coveted items on station and only spoken of while salivating and dreaming of life on a less desolate continent.
Each meal has a selection of soups, hot foods, salads, fruits, and freshly baked bread and desserts. Dinner includes a live-action station where you can customize whatever the special of the day is: burger, sandwich, burrito, stir fry, etc. Although limited, there are always vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available for every meal. During the holidays, the kitchen staff pulls out all the stops and prepares elaborate meals and spreads that are as good as holiday meals get, in my opinion.
Every Sunday is brunch day, where all the typical brunch-y foods can be found, including a smorgasbord of crackers, dips, cheeses, shrimp, smoked salmon, and seared tuna. Every Tuesday lunch is Taco Tuesday, which consists of all the standard taco fixings as well as tortilla chips and melted nacho cheese. Other themed meals include Greek night gyros and the bane of my existence: Asian night, aka Panda Express: Ice Edition.
All in all though, regardless of themed meal or not, the food on station was miles better than what I had expected. While they typically make an appearance in the summer, some seasons there are only sparse sightings, and others— like my season— they can be seen nearly everyday.
Seven seas. Seven continents. Six and a half years. Leaving the ice is bittersweet, as it closes a chapter full of travels and adventures for me that all started in There are a lot of amazing people on this earth, and many of them are in McMurdo Station, Antarctica— however weird of a man camp it may be at the end of the world with terrible weather.
Thanks for the memories, McMurdo. Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. This is so interesting! However I loved reading your experience and getting an inside glimpse at what it was like! Glad you enjoyed it! This is SO interesting. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do for an epic adventure! And yeah, even at the end of the world, it can still be a tough place for women to feel comfortable.
What a truly amazing experience! Thank you for breaking it down into countries as well, I was happily surprised to find that there are opportunities for Australians as well. I think a lot of people are surprised to find out how many countries have facilities down there!
Although they are considerably smaller than the main US one, there are definitely still opportunities. Reading this has made me super jealous! This must have been an incredible experience and your photos are incredible. How amazing it must be to experience this! I am truly impressed by the fact you did it to be honest!
I am too afraid of the cold to tempt it myself but I loved reading your adventures in Antartica! It also helped that my job was indoors :. It was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and an absolute privilege to make sure everyone working hard down there had clean dishes to eat off of!
Wow, this is so inspiring! It is so cool that you lived and worked in Antartica! What an experience to have!
Sounds like you have had a lot of other jobs abroad too. Your guide is so helpful and interesting too. I always knew scientists could work there, but I never thought that other people support staff could too. It makes sense though! I never thought it was possible for non-scientists to go either until I learned more about it and the various opportunities, and then I was dead set on making it down! Such an interesting post! The world has to be good to go by then, right?? This is such a fascinating article.
I learned so much-thank you. I am sue you had an amazing experience. I absolutely loved Antarctica and would love to do this! Haha How long did you live down there? It would be so cool to see the 24 hour sun! You definitely should! While it is a little more challenging to get contracts together, there are a number of couples down there.
I was on the ice for 4 months :. This is amazing!! Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions. Search Facebook Instagram Pinterest Menu. September 21, Can you live in Antarctica? How many research stations are there in Antarctica? How do you get paid to live in Antarctica?
Why are scientists needed in Antarctica? Fun Facts What support staff jobs are in Antarctica? How do I get a job in Antarctica? Americans Non-Americans Is it hard to get a job in Antarctica? Situations arise such of lack of parts or expertise which result in improvisation, quick thinking, and independence. For these reasons employers are looking for very even keeled people, unflustered when things aren't going well. There are things employers are trying to avoid.
These are red flags for people that will not do well in the small isolated communities, affecting not only their performance, but also the entire community. If you fit into these areas you should strongly consider the possibility that working in Antarctica is not for you rather than trying to deceive potential employers.
The big one for me is a person that is over excited, too anxious to get the job, who is expecting a massive adventure on the scale of the heroic age. This type of person will be restless, disillusioned, and unsatisfied. About the worst way of getting over a traumatic even such as a divorce is to go to Antarctica. I'm always looking for people that are running away from their lives.
If you have some sort of general dissatisfaction with your life, Antarctica is not the place to go to find yourself. Many people do find themselves there.
Some in a negative sense. If you feel you are have trouble fitting in to society it will be worse in Antarctica - unless it's because you've spent too much time in Antarctica already. While the quiz is a bit obvious, if you have not worked in Antarctica before it may give you an idea about what the work conditions are really like.
The summer months in Antarctica, from about September until February, is a period of hectic activity. During this period many of the supervisors are on the ice and the last thing they are thinking about is hiring for the next season. However at this time the HR department is getting jobs listed and looking for early applications to produce short lists for the return of supervisors from the ice. The most active period of hiring for Antarctica is therefore around February through mid year.
Hiring does happen year round, people don't pass medicals, quit, or maybe even don't work out, but this period at the start of the year is when most hiring is done. There is a job you are qualified to do, you think you want to try working in Antarctica, and you've got an application letter. What else should you consider at this point? There are many applicants for every job, and not many jobs.
It can be very hard to break in to working in Antarctica. Don't expect to get the job first time. If you're the sort of person that will get wound up about not getting the position first try, you're not cut out for it.
Getting the job requires more than your abilities. Luck and timing is a big part. Keep trying. Don't forget there is a large relative to the number of jobs community of people that have successfully worked in Antarctica before, and they will always get preference over a first timer.
Listen to the feedback you get from your application. If you get an interview you are a strong candidate, and unless the interviewer suggests otherwise, you are a good chance next time the job comes up - which will be soon because of the limited duration of these positions. You may also be an alternate. Many people pull out once confronted with an offer, or their family or partner convinces them it isn't such a good idea. I initially did not get a job my first try, but then did get an offer when the Old Hand who had been down before decided to go back to grad school and turned down the offer.
Even once you get an offer it will be dependent on you passing a fairly stringent medical, which may include a psychological examination. If are going to winter and have wisdom teeth, there is a good chance they will have to come out.
It used to be the case and still might be that the Australian program would even have medical practitioners have their appendix out! Now you would be expecting a huge compensation package.
If you're lucky it will be okay. Employers use the supply and demand principle to their advantage. Plus it is seen as a privilege to be offered a job, making up for lack of salary. If you are single and young, it will work out well for you. Some countries may have tax advantages. But considering the hardship, potential risks, and very strong work ethic requiring strong self discipline, working in Antarctica doesn't pay well. The person that is the perfect fit for a job in Antarctica would do better elsewhere.
If you've come to this page never having worked in Antarctica, and have made it all the way to a job, congratulations! Drop me a line to let me know how it goes.
Once you accept a position it can become very intimidating very quickly. There is a lot to learn in a short time. It can feel a bit out of control. Hopefully I'll get around to writing advice for what to do next.
But in general I suggest you watch and listen. You're now the new kid on the block.
0コメント