This Blue Monday (20 January), escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica.
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica in a range of roles. Carpenters, chefs, electricians, plumbers, boating officers, plant operators and more are encouraged to apply for a job that offers the opportunity of a lifetime.
It's a job unlike any other and an experience that will provide lifelong memories. Successful applicants will work in some of the most remote, and beautiful places on Earth, building lifelong friendships and contributing to science that's important for understanding our changing world.
Eloise Saville is a carpenter at Halley VI Research Station, which sits on an ice shelf and is the furthest south of the BAS research stations. This is her first season in Antarctica.
"This job is unlike anything I've ever done before. I scrape ice off wood, drive skidoos and build things in one of the most extreme places on Earth, yet it's funny how quickly it all feels normal. The people here are some of the most interesting and adventurous that I've met, and yet they're normal too! If I'd known this was an option earlier, I'd have been working my way down here all along. It's not just cold, it's cool!"
It's an experience that leaves a lot of people wanting more. Ben Norrish, Head of Vehicles, joined BAS in 2001 as a Mobile Plant Technician. He has since returned to Antarctica many times, having spent 16 Antarctic seasons living and working on the ice.
"There's something special about Antarctica and the people that adventure there that gets under your skin. No matter how many times you go, When you step off the ship or aeroplane into Antarctica, look up and take in where you are. That feeling of being in an amazing place is that same now as it was the first time. I would say to anyone who's even a bit curious about what it's like to live on the ice, take the leap and apply for the job of a lifetime - you won't regret it and you don't know where it might take you!"
Looking out the window of your workplace and watching icebergs, whales and penguins is an experience that never gets old. Olivier Hubert, who is now a Catering Manager at BAS was a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant before deciding he was ready for a change of scene. He has over-wintered at Rothera Research Station and spent a summer at Halley VI Research Station.
"Being a chef in Antarctica is a very different experience to anything I've ever done before. Meals are such an important part of life down South - they're the anchors to the day so the pressure is on to create interesting and nutritious meals with limited supplies. But it's such a privilege to cook for the team that become your family while you're there - plus the views from the kitchen are pretty epic!"
BAS is a world leader in polar research and operations. Its research highlights the fragility of the Earth's frozen environments, and what that means for us and our planet. BAS scientists discovered the hole in the ozone layer and identified key evidence for climate change in ancient ice. It provides the UK's national polar capability by operating research stations, aircraft and Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough, supporting science at the poles and securing the UK's presence in Antarctic affairs.
The first batch of the jobs - including diving officer, meteorological observer and ocean scientist are now on the BAS website at bas.ac.uk/vacancies. Applicants should check the specific job advert for the relevant closing date, with contracts starting anytime between May and September. We will continue to post more vacancies, including chefs, station leaders and zoological field assistants over the next three months. To sign up and have an email alert when roles are live visit the recruitment pages
Contracts run from six to 18 months and are flexible. Salaries start at £29,273 per annum, with a benefits package. It's worth noting there are no external costs whilst living on station as all living expenses are covered - accommodation, food, travel, specialist clothing, tools and training.
Want to know more about what it's like to live and work in Antarctica? Check out our podcast Iceworld to hear stories from people working in these roles on the ice.
