1

Antarctic Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos supports the NSF's Office of Polar Program's Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements: * Vision: Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica ...

Seasonal Contract position supporting the National Science Foundation managed United States Antarctic Program as part of the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC). Electrician Foreman will supervise and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Antarctic Program information

See salary details

$30.5K

$67.1K

$114K

How much do antarctic program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for antarctic program in the United States is $67,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job in Antarctica?

Securing a job in Antarctica, such as an Antarctic Program role, is competitive due to limited positions and strict requirements. Candidates typically need relevant experience, physical fitness, and often specialized skills like engineering, science, or medical training, along with the ability to work in extreme environments. The application process involves thorough screening and adherence to safety and health standards.

What qualifications do I need to work in Antarctica?

To work in Antarctica, applicants typically need relevant experience in their field, such as engineering, science, or healthcare, along with physical fitness and the ability to work in extreme environments. Certifications like first aid and survival training are often required, and a background check is standard. Many roles also require a willingness to work long shifts and in isolated conditions.

What is it like to work and live in Antarctica as part of an Antarctic Program?

Working and living in Antarctica presents unique challenges, including extreme cold, isolation, and limited daylight during certain months. Team members typically live in close quarters at research stations, collaborating closely with scientists, engineers, logistics staff, and support personnel to carry out the program’s objectives. Daily responsibilities can range from conducting field research and maintaining equipment to participating in chores essential for communal living. The remote environment fosters strong camaraderie and teamwork, and many find the experience both professionally rewarding and personally transformative. Those who thrive are adaptable, resourceful, and motivated by contributing to important scientific and environmental work in a truly unique setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Antarctic Program position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Antarctic Program role, you generally need a background in scientific research, engineering, logistics, or environmental sciences, often supported by a relevant degree or professional experience. Familiarity with specialized equipment, remote communication systems, and certifications such as First Aid or Antarctic field safety training is highly desirable. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under challenging environmental conditions are vital soft skills. These qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, operational effectiveness, and collaboration while living and working in one of the most extreme and isolated environments on the planet.

What is an Antarctic Program job?

An Antarctic Program job involves working in various roles to support scientific research and operations in Antarctica. These positions can range from scientists and engineers to support staff like mechanics, cooks, and logistics personnel. Jobs are typically seasonal, with most work occurring during the austral summer (October to February). Employees help maintain research stations, conduct studies on climate and wildlife, and ensure smooth operations in one of the world's most extreme environments.

How much do Antarctica workers get paid?

Antarctica program workers' pay varies depending on the role, experience, and employer, but generally ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 per month. Salaries often include benefits such as housing, meals, and travel allowances, and workers typically work in remote, challenging environments requiring specialized skills and certifications.

What jobs allow you to go to Antarctica?

Jobs that allow you to go to Antarctica include research scientist positions, logistics and support staff, and technical roles such as engineers and medical personnel. These jobs typically require specialized skills, relevant certifications, and the ability to work in extreme, remote environments for extended periods.
What cities are hiring for Antarctic Program jobs? Cities with the most Antarctic Program job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Antarctic Program jobs? The most popular types of Antarctic Program jobs are:
What states have the most Antarctic Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Antarctic Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Antarctic Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Antarctic Program jobs are:
Infographic showing various Antarctic Program job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 72% As Needed, 15% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,077 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Production Cook, McMurdo Station

Production Cook, McMurdo Station

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited - Antarctic Program

Commerce City, CO • On-site

$810 - $921/wk

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Gana-A'Yoo Services Corporation, GSC, is renowned for excellence in delivery, performance and customer satisfaction with a focus on Food Service, Janitorial Services and Administrative Services. GSC supports the National Science Foundation managed United States Antarctic Program as part of the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) and we are currently seeking a Production Cook at McMurdo Station.

As a Production Cook you will be responsible for high quality, large volume food production as directed by Sous Chef; maintaining a safe, clean and sanitary work area, maintains equipment and tools in a professional manner; assisting the Sous Chef and others as necessary.

POSITION: Production Cook

SEASON: Austral Summer (Summer 2026-2027)

LOCATION: McMurdo Station, Antarctica

SECTOR/DEPT: Gana-A'Yoo Services Corporation (GSC) Antarctica

SALARY: $810 - $921 per week

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for implementing and maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace
  • Able to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Able to work in a team unit composed of diverse personalities.
  • Displays self-motivation in physically challenging and atypical working environments
  • Able to follow standardized recipes
  • Responsible for preparation of all assigned menu items for primary and satellite locations, utilizing proper cooking techniques and batch-cooking methods.
  • Committed to producing high-quality foods, both in taste and presentation.
  • Agrees with and adheres to the Standard Operating Procedures and tasking responsibilities of the food services department.
  • Able to cook in a setting that is open/displayed to the customers
  • Able to coordinate, monitor and expedite batch-cooking procedures before and during service.
  • Responsible for proper labeling and dating of food, and efficient utilization of leftovers.
  • Displays a commitment to providing exceptional customer service, as outlined by the Sous Chef and/or Food Service Supervisor.
  • Responsible for complying with all standards of safety and sanitation in the kitchen and serving areas.
  • Responsible for proper use and timely cleaning of equipment and tools.
  • Monitors serving temperatures of hot and cold foods.
  • Functions as shift leader in the absence of the Sous Chef; all other duties performed under the supervision of the Sous Chef and/or Food Service Supervisor.
  • Displays leadership abilities, good communication and organizational skills.
  • Assists in educating Prep Cooks on proper cooking techniques and holding temperature of foods.
  • Works in conjunction with Stewards and Lead Dining Attendant(s) to ensure timely transfer and scraping of dirty pots to pot-washing area.
  • Able to lift up to the safety regulation maximum from the floor to a table or cart in a safe manner.
  • Able to stand for up to 12 hours.
  • Supports the achievement of ASC/GSC metrics, whether metrics can be directly or indirectly, effected by this position's activities.
  • Complies with all ASC/GSC Environmental Health & Safety, and Quality Assurance, requirements and goals. Provides documentation to these divisions as necessary to ensure adequate and legal documentation.
  • Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring that safety is the highest priority on the job site.
  • Perform other duties as required.

EDUCATION:

  • High school education or GED required.

CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Current ServSafe Food Handler certificate must be obtained prior to deployment to Antarctica.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Valid U.S. Passport

EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum of one year cooking experience,
  • Preferred experience, at least one year in high-volume facilities, not including convenience or fast food.
  • Previous experience with Food Services in Antarctica may be accepted in lieu of minimum experience.

OTHER:

  • US citizenship or permanent residency required.
  • A prerequisite of employment for this position is to successfully gain a favorable Tier 1 - Elevated Background Investigation (EBI) result prior to deployment. Candidates hired for this position will be required to complete; online forms, written forms, fingerprint cards and provide additional details and information as requested by NSF Personnel Security.

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited (GYL), an Alaska Native Corporation, offers services with ongoing contracts in many facility types, such as, military training facilities, emergency management centers and temporary field sites. GYL in partnership with ESS Support Services, a Division of Compass Group, will provide operational management support. ESS Support Services is the market leader in providing remote camp and catering services to clients, wherever their location, no matter how extreme the environment may be. Services extend across North America and include such diverse facilities as drilling, mining, construction, pipeline and logging camps, offshore, governmental agencies and others. Payroll and benefits are supported by Compass Group.

We are committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers.

If you require assistance in the application process, please contact us at:

GYLOpportunities@usap.gov

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. EEO is the Law poster.