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Summer Antarctic Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jun 14, 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 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.

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 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:
What job categories do people searching Summer Antarctic Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Antarctic Program jobs are:
Infographic showing various Summer Antarctic Program job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 3% Physical, and 97% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $59,848 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Sous Chef, Field Camp (Summer 2026-2027)

Sous Chef, Field Camp (Summer 2026-2027)

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited - Antarctic Program

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$905 - $1K/wk

Temporary

Posted 15 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 South Pole Station Sous Chef.
As a Sous Chef (Field Camp) you are responsible for producing high quality meals, in accordance with fluctuating population; maintain clean and sanitary work areas, equipment and tools in a professional manner; assist others as necessary. Possibility of being only cook at field camp with limited cooking facilities.
POSITION: Sous Chef Field Camp
SEASON: Austral Summer (Summer 2026-2027)
LOCATION: McMurdo Station, Antarctica Field Camp
SECTOR/DEPT: Gana-A'Yoo Services Corporation (GSC) Antarctica
SALARY: $905 - $1,008 per week
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Displays strong leadership, communication and organizational skills; must be self-motivated and have the ability to motivate others in challenging and atypical working environments. Able to develop a cohesive team unit from a diverse population. Able to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to adapt to difficult situations and limited resources during camp set up and take down.
  • Accommodate extended working hours during these time periods.
  • Monitor water level in kitchen. Assist in facilitation of keeping snow continually supplied to snow melter or stock pot for water production.
  • Monitor condition and stock of food at outside food storage locations, shovel excess snow, as needed.
  • Coordinate with Food Service Supervisor (if present) on weekly food-pulls from cargo line and freezer cave.
  • Responsible for proper documentation of food temperature logs, production records, and any other documentation required in regards to food safety and sanitation.
  • Monitor and provide snack items for warming huts.
  • Monitor access to freezer cave and assist in keeping doors free of snow.
  • Creatively utilize leftovers and use fresh produce before it spoils.
  • Properly seal and transport kitchen waste to waste line. Assist in monitoring waste area in galley.
  • Responsible for tasting, flavor adjustments and presentation of foods.
  • Monitors proper cooking techniques and holding temperatures of food and proper labeling and dating of food.
  • Prepare alternate menu items if the population's consumption exceeds production of a primary menu item. Honors requests for late arrivals via plated food held in warmers or by keeping the service line open.
  • Prepare weekly menu and confirm availability of ingredients. Keep track of inventory and inform Food Service Supervisor or Camp Supervisor of low supply, maintaining awareness of length of time field camp remains open. Able to follow standardized recipes, as well as develop high-volume recipes as needed.
  • Responsible for all aspects of safety and sanitation in the kitchen, including proper instruction and monitoring of equipment usage and safety procedures, timely cleaning of all equipment and proper organization of dry storage and refrigerated areas.
  • Ensure camp personnel and scientists are sufficiently instructed on cleaning duties and adequately supplied with cleaning items.
  • Able to lift up to the safety regulation minimum from the floor to a table or cart in a safe manner.
  • Able to stand up to 12 hours.
  • Responsible for implementing and maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace.
  • Responsible for safety reporting for all employees. This includes soreness, injuries, and near misses
  • Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION:
  • High School education or GED.
  • Graduate of a culinary arts or apprenticeship program to provide production of broad range menus required.
  • Five years additional supervisory experience in a high volume food service capacity accepted in lieu of a degree.

CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
  • ServSafe Food Handler certificate must be obtained prior to deployment to Antarctica.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Valid U.S. Passport

EXPERIENCE:
  • Minimum of five years cooking experience in high volume facilities if field camp has only one culinary team member.
  • Minimum of three years cooking experience in high volume facilities if working under a Food Service Supervisor.
  • Previous experience with Food Services in Antarctica may be accepted in lieu of minimum experience.

OTHER:
  • US citizenship or permanent residency required.

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 supp
ort. 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.