Life and Job Experiences in Antarctica's Extreme Environment
In the heart of Antarctica, where the sun never sets and the wind always blows, lies the Amundsen-Scott Station. This scientific research centre is dedicated to astronomy, aeronomy, cosmology, and astrophysics. Our guest writer spent two summers living and working here, experiencing firsthand the unique challenges and rewards of life in this inhospitable land.
The author's first season was spent as a General Assistant, performing tasks such as shovelling snow, separating out waste, and melting ice. The harsh Antarctic weather, with temperatures plummeting to -100F in the winter and windchills reaching -125F, made every day a test of endurance. Yet, the author found solace in the simple pleasures - long hot showers, trees, lakes, good coffee, and quality beer - that they would come to appreciate even more after their Antarctic adventure.
Jamesway living offered visual privacy only, with shared spaces and limited shower opportunities. During the winter, the station accommodates a smaller number of personnel, and the summer season brings an influx of staff, necessitating the use of tents called Jamesways for overflow accommodation.
Fresh food deliveries, or "freshies," were a special treat during the summer season. The diet in Antarctica mainly consisted of meat and potatoes, but the galley staff did a commendable job in catering to vegetarian options.
Life in Antarctica was not all work and no play. The author enjoyed various activities for fun, such as sports, dance parties, language classes, photography seminars, movie nights, open mic performances, pub trivia, and even a music room, craft room, gym, library, and greenhouse. A partial solar eclipse was a highlight of the author's experience.
In their second season, the author worked as a Materials person, keeping track of incoming cargo, doing inventory, and learning to drive heavy equipment. This role was one of many non-scientific jobs available in Antarctica, including dispatch supervisors, station support personnel, expedition crew and guides, administrative and project support roles, and jobs related to environmental management and support services.
Support staff are crucial to the operation and logistics of Antarctic stations and expeditions. Jobs available for these non-scientists include roles in communications technology, logistics, transportation, maintenance, emergency dispatch, incident command, and various support roles in vessel operations, activity guidance, and environmental management.
The workday at the Antarctic base is typically 7:30 to 5:30, six days a week, with many people working a lot of overtime. Despite the challenging conditions, the author learned that great friendships can be built in inhospitable lands and that it is possible to make a life by patching together work and adventure.
As the author left Antarctica, they carried with them a newfound appreciation for the simple comforts of home and the incredible friendships forged in the cold, bright, and bleak landscape of the South Pole. They also learned the importance of bringing lots of socks.
All photos in this article are owned by Kiell Kosberg. The author's experiences and insights provide a unique perspective on life in Antarctica, offering readers a glimpse into the world of support staff at the Amundsen-Scott Station.
- Despite the harsh conditions, the author found solace in simple pleasures like long hot showers, food, and drinks, which they appreciated even more after their Antarctic adventure.
- The author's second season saw them working as a Materials person, a role that involved keeping track of cargo, doing inventory, and learning to drive heavy equipment.
- Support staff play a vital role in the operation and logistics of Antarctic stations and expeditions, with jobs available in communications technology, logistics, transportation, maintenance, and environmental management.
- As they left Antarctica, the author carried with them a newfound appreciation for home comforts, incredible friendships formed, and the importance of packing plenty of socks for their next adventure-travel.
