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Summer Antarctic Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$500 - $950/wk

Austral Summer (October - February)LOCATION: South Pole Station, AntarcticaSECTOR/DEPT: Six Mile ... Previous Antarctic deploymentHigh school diploma or equivalentProficient computer skills, including ...

$500 - $950/wk

Austral Summer (October - February) LOCATION : South Pole Station, Antarctica SECTOR/DEPT : Six ... Previous Antarctic deployment High school diploma or equivalent Proficient computer skills ...

$500 - $800/wk

Austral Summer (October - February)LOCATION: South Pole, AntarcticaSECTOR/DEPT: Six Mile, LLC ... Previous Antarctic deploymentHigh school diploma or equivalentProficient computer skills, including ...

$500 - $800/wk

Austral Summer (October - February) LOCATION : South Pole, Antarctica SECTOR/DEPT : Six Mile, LLC ... Previous Antarctic deployment High school diploma or equivalent Proficient computer skills ...

Supports the National Science Foundation managed United States Antarctic Program as part of the ... the austral summer, and on asix-hourlybasis during the winter.This timeline can flex due to ...

$700 - $950/wk

Austral Summer (Oct - Feb)LOCATION: South Pole StationSECTOR/DEPT: Six Mile, LLC ... Previous Antarctic deploymentHigh school diploma or equivalentProficient computer skills, including ...

$500 - $950/wk

Austral Summer (October - April)LOCATION: Palmer Station, AntarcticaSECTOR/DEPT: Six Mile, LLC ... Antarctic seasons) of USAP Waste Management experienceCollege degree (2 additional years of ...

Supports the National Science Foundation managed United States Antarctic Program as part of the ... the austral summer, and on asix-hourlybasis during the winter.This timeline can flex due to ...

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Summer Antarctic Program information

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$28.5K

$59.8K

$102.5K

How much do summer antarctic program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer antarctic program in the United States is $59,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Summer Antarctic Program?

The Summer Antarctic Program refers to seasonal research and support activities conducted in Antarctica during the continent's summer months, typically from October to February. This program involves scientists, logistics personnel, and support staff who travel to various research stations to study topics like climate, wildlife, and glaciology. Participants work in unique and challenging conditions, contributing to important scientific discoveries. The program is usually organized by national Antarctic programs, such as the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Opportunities range from research roles to trades and operational support positions.

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

To thrive in a Summer Antarctic Program role, you typically need relevant technical or scientific expertise, physical fitness, and experience working in extreme environments, often supported by a degree in a related field or specialized training. Familiarity with field equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like wilderness first aid or cold-weather survival are commonly required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills are crucial for functioning in remote, close-knit groups under challenging conditions. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safety, operational effectiveness, and successful collaboration in the demanding Antarctic environment.

What are some unique challenges of working in the Summer Antarctic Program, and how does the team environment help address them?

Working in the Summer Antarctic Program presents unique challenges such as extreme weather conditions, remote living, and limited access to resources. Team members often work closely in multidisciplinary groups, relying on strong communication and collaboration to ensure both safety and efficiency in daily tasks. The tight-knit environment fosters a sense of camaraderie, with regular briefings and support systems in place to help everyone adapt and thrive. Flexibility and resilience are key, as roles may require assisting with various duties beyond one's primary responsibilities.

What is the difference between Summer Antarctic Program vs Summer Research Assistant?

AspectSummer Antarctic ProgramSummer Research Assistant
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate student, relevant science backgroundSimilar; often undergraduate or graduate students in related fields
Work EnvironmentExtreme cold, remote Antarctic stations, fieldworkVaries; labs, field sites, or university settings
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, research institutions, universitiesUniversities, research institutes, government labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Summer Antarctic Program involves participating in scientific research in Antarctica, often with specialized training for extreme conditions. Summer Research Assistants support various projects, typically in labs or field sites, with similar educational requirements. While both roles require relevant academic backgrounds and involve research, the Summer Antarctic Program emphasizes working in the Antarctic environment, whereas Summer Research Assistants may work in diverse locations and settings.

More about Summer Antarctic Program jobs

What cities are hiring for Summer Antarctic Program jobs?

Cities with the most Summer 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 Summer Antarctic Program jobs?

States with the most job openings for Summer Antarctic Program jobs include:

Infographic showing various Summer Antarctic Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,848 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Production Cook, McMurdo Station (Summer 2026-2027)

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited - Antarctic Program

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$810 - $921/wk

Temporary

Re-posted 7 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:
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.