Life and Professional Activities in Antarctica
In the heart of the Antarctic, where the South Pole lies, stands the Amundsen-Scott Station - a research outpost dedicated to astronomy, aeronomy, cosmology, and astrophysics. This is where a blogger spent two summers, immersed in the bleak yet bright, cold yet captivating world of the Antarctic.
The station, despite its scientific focus, offers a surprising array of activities for entertainment. From sports and dance parties to language classes, photography seminars, movie nights, open mic performances, pub trivia, a music room, a craft room, a gym, a library, and even hanging out in the greenhouse, there's no shortage of ways to unwind.
Living quarters for the staff during summer are Jamesways, semi-cylindrical canvas and plywood structures heated with AN8 jet fuel. A 10-minute walk from the main station, these temporary homes provide visual privacy, though the sounds of daily life are ever-present.
The blogger's top tip for anyone heading to Antarctica? Bring lots of socks. The weather during the summer season can range from a frigid -50F with an -80 windchill to a comparatively balmy +10F. In winter, the ambient temperature plunges to -100F with windchills at -125F.
Despite the harsh conditions, life at the station is far from monotonous. The sun shines 24 hours a day, and the wind always blows in the same direction. The blogger even had the opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse, a breathtaking spectacle in the vast, open skies.
The food, mainly consisting of meat and potatoes, is surprisingly well-prepared, with the galley staff catering to vegetarian needs as well. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs are delivered every three weeks during summer.
The blogger's roles during her time at the station varied. During her first season, she worked as a General Assistant (GA), handling tasks such as shoveling snow, chipping mucky ice, and separating out waste materials. In her second season, she took on the role of a Materials person, keeping track of incoming cargo and doing inventory on existing items.
In addition to these roles, the blogger also learned to drive heavy equipment and became part of the 300 Club, a tradition where participants sit in a sauna as hot as it goes, then run outside naked, around the Pole and back.
While much of the work in Antarctica is scientific, many seasonal jobs for non-scientists focus on operational support, logistics, and maintenance essential to station life and expedition success. Roles such as Passenger Services Representative, Tool Room Attendant, Inventory Data Specialist, Project Manager for renewable energy projects, and various technician and operator positions are common.
In the end, the blogger learned to be grateful for the simple pleasures - long hot showers, trees, lakes, good coffee, and quality beer. She discovered that you can build great friendships in the most inhospitable of lands, and that Antarctica, despite its challenges, offers an unforgettable, life-changing experience.
[1] Antarctic Jobs for Non-Scientists [3] Expedition Support Staff Roles in Antarctica [5] Antarctic Jobs for Non-Scientists: A Comprehensive Guide
- The Amundsen-Scott Station, besides its scientific focus, offers a wide range of adventure-travel activities for entertainment, such as photography seminars, open mic performances, and even a craft room.
- Despite the harsh conditions in Antarctica, life at the station is far from monotonous, with opportunities to witness breathtaking spectacles like the partial solar eclipse, and try adventure-travel activities like driving heavy equipment.
- The food in Antarctica is surprisingly well-prepared, with the galley staff catering to vegetarian needs, making it a unique food experience for travelers.
- For those interested in adventure-travel, there are various non-scientific roles available in Antarctica, such as working as Passenger Services Representative, Tool Room Attendant, or Project Manager for renewable energy projects.
