How to Work in Antarctica: USAP, Military, and Private Contractors

"Serving" in Antarctica typically means working on a scientific or support contract. There are three main pathways:

1. United States Antarctic Program (USAP) — Primary Civilian Route

• Manager: National Science Foundation (NSF).
• Roles: Scientists (glaciology, astronomy, biology, climate), engineers, technicians, IT, medical, logistics, construction, culinary, janitorial, heavy equipment operators.
• Eligibility: US citizen or permanent resident; relevant degree/experience; pass rigorous physical/psychological screening (PQ).
• Deployments: Summer (Oct–Feb, ~1200 people) or Winter (Feb–Oct, ~150 at McMurdo, ~40 at Pole, ~10 at Palmer).
• Contractor: Currently Leidos (prime); apply via usap.gov.

2. U.S. Military

• Air Force (NYANG 109th AW): LC-130 ski-equipped Hercules flights (Operation Deep Freeze).
• Navy: Historical role (Operation Deep Freeze I-IV); now limited to logistics support.
• Coast Guard: Icebreaker support (Polar Star).
• Eligibility: Standard military enlistment/commissioning; volunteer for Antarctic duty.

3. Private Companies & International Programs

• Tourism: IAATO-member expedition companies (guides, lecturers, crew).
• Other National Programs: BAS (UK), AWI (Germany), IPEV (France), AAD (Australia), KOPRI (Korea), etc.—hire own nationals.
• Specialized Contractors: Construction (e.g., GHG), aviation (Kenn Borek Air), drilling (IDDO).

Key Requirements for All

• Extreme cold weather (ECW) gear issued.
• Comprehensive medical/dental clearance.
• Psychological resilience for isolation, confinement, darkness.
• Environmental protocol compliance (Antarctic Treaty).

It's a unique, demanding, and rewarding experience—advancing science at the bottom of the world.