12 February, 2009

Antarctic jobs offer opportunity of a lifetime

Trades people looking for a career with a difference should check the national press this week. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) launches a recruitment campaign on Thursday to attract carpenters, electricians, plant technicians, plumbers and chefs to work at its research stations on the frozen continent. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime according to BAS Personnel Manager James Miller. He said:

“We have world-class laboratories, accommodation buildings, offices and technical facilities at our five scientific research stations. We need the best trades people to keep everything running smoothly and to provide top quality support to our science programme. The chance to work in the Antarctic surrounded by stunning scenery, icebergs, penguins, whales and seals is a fantastic opportunity and not something employers in the UK can offer.”

Electrician Tony McLaughlan is currently working at BAS’s Rothera Research Station. He said:

“It is really amazing being here. I never imagined that an ordinary bloke like me could end up working in Antarctica. The people are great, the work is exciting. If anyone is wondering about applying for this kind of job I’d say just do it.”

Adverts will appear this week in The Sun, Farmers Weekly and Earth Mover. Contracts run from four to 18 months and are flexible. Salaries start at £23,000 pa. Accommodation, travel, clothing and food are provided. Job seekers can apply online.

ENDS

Issued by the British Antarctic Survey Press Office

Linda Capper, Tel: ++44 (0) 1223 221448; mobile: 07714 233744 email: lmca@bas.ac.uk;

Athena Dinar, Tel: +44 (0)1223 221 414; mobile: 07740 822229 email: amdi@bas.ac.uk

Notes for editors:

Stunning broadcast-quality footage and stills of Antarctica as well as location maps are available from the BAS Press Office. Video interviews with trades people currently in Antarctica are available also from the Press Office.

Jobs on offer are:

  • 17 Plant Technicians (Rothera and Halley research stations)
  • 6 Carpenters
  • 6 Electricians
  • 6/7 Plumbers
  • 2/3 Chefs

The Cambridge-based British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is a world leader in research into global environmental issues. With an annual budget of around £45 million, five Antarctic Research Stations, two Royal Research Ships and five aircraft, BAS undertakes an interdisciplinary research programme and plays an active and influential role in Antarctic affairs. BAS has joint research projects with over 40 UK universities and has more than 120 national and international collaborations. It is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council.

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