Working in Antarctica Q&A

Why Antarctica in the first place?

Antarctica has been on my radar for quite some time now. The journey starts way back in fourth grade when we first learned about the history of some of the early explorers. They were cool and all but what really did it for me was learning about emperor penguins. From their height to the way they waddled around, I thought they were the coolest thing. At the end of our lesson, it was followed by a project. I choose to create a comic. I remember while drawing the many panels I was like why did I do this to myself? No one made me make a comic, I could have chose something easier but it was already too late and I kept on drawing. I found that comic years later and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it still holds up. So much so that I made it into a zine. I want to turn it into a digital zine at some point but for now you must take my word for it. Ever since then, I had the goal to make it down here some day.

Application process

It wasn’t until 2023, that I found and sent my first application. That job posting ended up getting canceled and then in 2024, I applied to as many jobs as I was qualified for. A week later, I got a call from the recruter and had my first interview. It went well and I was set up for my second interview with my new potential boss. The position was for a power plant operator at the McMurdo station. I then proceeded to have the LONGEST video based interview of my life – coming in at 4.5 hours. It wasn’t until I was here that I learned that this wasn’t normal. At the time, I chalked it up as well at least they do this to weed out people but nope. It was just the interviewer at the time, which was verified by one of my coworkers that was also interviewed by him because his interview lasted 3.5 hours.

After surviving that interview I scored an alternative position for Power Plant Technician for the Winter season at McMurdo. This started the mandatory and lengthy medical and background process.

What station are you working at?

Palmer Station.

The US runs 3 stations:

McMurdo Station
South Pole
Palmer Station.

Palmer Station is located off the Americas side of the globe while McMurdo and Pole are located closer to New Zealand.

Note: Palmer Station doesn’t have Emperor Penguins but they do have 3 different types including: Adele, Gentoo, and Chinstrap! So it’s been cool regardless. One day, I’d like to make it over to McMurdo to see these emperor penguins but until then, I’ll keep enjoying the benefits of this station.

Wait, I thought you just said you were offered a job at McMurdo, what happened?

That is very true! The medical and background process took me about a year to complete due to some medical inquiries. I finally made it through the process in August 2025. Two weeks later, I got a phone call to fill another position of Utility Mechanic at Palmer Station. I immediately said yes, and had 3 weeks before I flew down south. So I instantly had to put in my 2 weeks at my last job, move all my stuff back to my home state, and then pack two checked bags to cover me for the next 6 months.

What was it like to travel down to Antarctica?

This goes for Palmer Station only. It’s a whole other process for McMurdo and Pole. But travel started off with a 27 hour travel day – between layovers – to fly down to Punta Arenas, Chile. Then I met all my new colleagues that I would be living and working with for the next 6 months. We spent the next 4 days in Chile doing training and getting ready before boarding the ship. Then it was all aboard a vessel where we spent 5 days cruising through the Drake Passage before finally arriving at Palmer Station. It is quite the process to say the least!

What exactly is a Utility Mechanic and what do you do?

This position takes care of most of the systems on station. My go to saying has become “everything breaks here”. Which is true. The work is challenging but rewarding and I have had the opportunity to work on a lot of different systems that I wouldn’t normally get to in other places. Fun fact, I even got a promotion during my season so now my title is Maintenance Specialist. So now say: Oooooh, Ahhhh.

Some of these unique systems include the follow:

The sea water pump house – this building houses the pumps responsible for bringing sea water onto station. The station sea water for toilets and labs but most of the water is transferred to our reverse osmosis system to be transformed into fresh drinking water.
Heaters and boilers to help heat the buildings
All appliances including washers, dryers, kitchen equipment, and the most important gadget on station – the coffee machine.
Exhaust fans and duct systems
Food and waste disposal equipment
Lab equipment and emergency showers and eye wash stations
And any other problem that occurs on station.

Since this is an old station – built in 1968 – everything tends to breaks to break and I stay extremely busy.

I’m interested in working in Antarctica, how can I start applying?

You don’t need to be a scientist to work down here as are many different contractors that you can work for. They are mostly divided into different trades and services. So check out this website for all current contracting companies down here and start your application process: https://www.usap.gov/jobsandopportunities/

Population of Palmer Station?

We started the season with 30 people on station for the summer. The maximum station can handle is 44. We had a mid-season ship that did a turn over or a switch-a-roo of people so we currently have 39 residence. This number tends to fluctuate throughout the season due to rotating projects and lengths of science contracts.

What’s the living situation like?

I share a room with one other person. My roommate just so happens to be a gem and I could not be happier that I was lucky enough to have been assigned her. On top of her being a super cool person she also did me a solid early on.

SO, I did not learn that I would be rocking bunk beds for the next 6 months until I was already on the ship sailing down here. They just so happen to leave that detail out. But my roommate was so kind and let me have the bottom bunk. Which has been a blessing all season long.

There are also two living spaces on station. They in the two main buildings. I happen to live in the newer one which is a bit more spacious then the other building and has an extra shower. The rooms are pretty tiny – which is why we have bunk beds, as the room is not wide enough to fit two twin sized beds next to each other. In addition we also have two dressers and a desk – where I have spent a lot of time and most of my lunch breaks working away on.

What’s the work schedule like?

We work a 6 day 54 hour work week with an additional hour lunch break each day. The days are pretty long but the week tends to fly by. I’m definitely exhausted by Sunday and even earlier in the week as we head towards the end of the season. I do also try to hike during the week to get some exercise in but that’s also slowed down in the later half of the season due to weather.

What are the recreational activities?

We can hike in what is called the “backyard” which is literally the area that is directly behind station. This includes a huge rocky area which buds up to a glacier that we can hike over. And when there’s snow, we can ski or snow board. I actually learned to ski here and that was extremely cool.

I also learned how to be a boat operator so on the weekends we can explore some local islands.

The community also has access to a ton of movies in the lounge and we have a bar with a pool table. Plus plenty of games to play with our coworkers. There’s even a weekly craft night that we can gather and do individual projects. Oh and how can I forget, we also have a hot tub and a sauna.

What’s the season like?

I’m here during the Antarctic summer season which means from October to April. It was chilly when I arrived here and snow was on the ground but the weather sure has warmed up here later. It’s actually warmer here now than my home back in the states. Weather is anywhere from 30-45 degrees Fahrenheit and I even wore a t-shirt to work a few times this season! So I learned very quickly I did not pack right and most of my clothes are too warm to wear unless it’s a windy bad weather day.

Luckily for me there’s something we call Skua!

Skua is basically like our lost and found or donation rack, where people from current or past seasons can leave things that they no longer need. This includes clothes, shoes, cosmetics, hats, ect. So it has come in handy for me multiple times throughout this season.

What’s your favorite thing about living on station?

Definitely the wildlife sightings! Penguins, seals, and whales galore. It has been incredible to just observe them and their behavior. It is hands down my favorite part about being down here.

What’s you least favorite thing about living on station?

There’s really only one comfy spot to sit. The lounge has great chairs to relax but normally a movie or show is being played. I’m not really into movies so I haven’t spent too much time in there. It would just be cool if there was one extra spot on station to just go and relax while doing some writing.

Do you have access to a store?

Yes! We have a small store that is open to us twice a week. It sells things like soda, drinks, candy, hygiene products and souvenirs like t-shirts, postcards, and Palmer Station/Antarctica merch. They even sell ridiculous 4 foot emperor penguins (most purchased by tourists)!

Do you get visitors?

Yes! Surprisingly, sometimes we give tours to cruises. It’s a lengthy process that is way over my head but sometimes a ship can apply to come to station. Once they are approved, we welcome them, and then become tour guides, showing them around our little station. The stores is then opened up to them and they can take home some souvenirs if they so choose!