Work in Antarctica with us
We offer the experience of a lifetime, with opportunities to work in one of the most unique and isolated environments on the planet.
You'll see weather, wildlife and scenery like you've never seen before, forging close friendships with your fellow expeditioners. You'll be part of Australia's official and ongoing presence in the Australian Antarctic Territory.
About 70 expeditioners spend winter across the 4 stations, increasing to about 300 expeditioners in summer. Each station hosts a range of people from varied backgrounds, professions and employers.
Video: Antarctica – a job like no other
As a meteorologist with the bureau for a decade, I spent 4 summer seasons forecasting the weather in Antarctica. But I wanted more so I took a plunge and applied to be a technical officer for a winter season, and haven't looked back.
After training back in Australia, I now complete manual weather observations and weather balloon releases to collect meteorological data used in forecasting models and long-term climate research.
Here in Antarctica, the weather is absolutely everything. I love seeing how the weather changes constantly with a ferocious blizzard one day, then clear skies and a stunning aurora the next.
If you're looking for your next adventure in an amazing place with incredible people and weather, then apply to be a technical officer in Antarctica.
It's 100% worth it.
Roles are now open
Applications are open until 1 November 2026 for roles in Antarctica. You can read about the roles and apply at the links below.
Our jobs in Antarctica
Our roles support the scientific work of the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP). They also contribute to weather, marine and space weather information for Australia.
We regularly recruit for opportunities in Antarctica, including at Casey, Davis and Mawson stations.
Temporary withdrawal from Macquarie Island
Roles are not currently being advertised for positions on Macquarie Island, our subantarctic station. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced on 28 August 2026 that the Australian Government's Antarctic Division (AAD) has chosen to temporarily withdraw expeditioners from the island. This decision was made due to the psychosocial risk to expeditioners posed by a potential H5 avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak on the remote island.
Learn more about the withdrawal from the media releases from the AAD and DCCEEW.
Assignments are usually for 12–16 months, depending on the station and transport schedule. Preparation and training takes 2–3 months in Melbourne, followed by 4–6 months in Hobart. After training, you'll consolidate your skills until you leave for Antarctica.
Staff are employed as meteorologists, weather observers and technical engineering officers.
Antarctica jobs combine technical expertise and teamwork in one of the most unique environments on the planet
Personal requirements
Personal qualities
When applying for a job in Antarctica you must demonstrate that you:
- have a strong work ethic
- can make a positive contribution to community and team
- respond to authority and follow the law, legislative requirements, and relevant policies and procedures
- commit to Australian Antarctic Program specific requirements.
The Bureau of Meteorology and the AAD assess personal qualities as part of the selection process.
Medical, psychological and security screening
If you meet job and personal quality assessments, you'll undergo medical, psychological and security screening.
- The AAD's Polar Medicine Unit will decide on your medical fitness for duty in Antarctica, after a nominated medical practitioner conducts tests on our behalf.
- COVID-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement prior to approved travel south with the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP).
- Psychological assessments are conducted by a psychologist nominated by the AAP.
- Security checks vary depending on the role required. At minimum, we carry out a police record check.
For more information, see Information for applicants on this page.
Community life
In Antarctica, you'll live in a small, isolated community. Whatever job you do, you'll need to support the community life of the expedition. The station leader rosters tasks such as:
- general kitchen duties
- clearing rubbish
- water duties.
You may be asked to assist other expedition members with official programs. For example, this might include:
- supporting scientific research
- aviation operations
- field camps
- overland traverses to outlying regions.
What it's like to work in Antarctica
Find out what some of our technical officers experienced during their time on the ice.
Brian trekking with a group of his colleagues
Brian – Technical Officer Level 4 at Casey Station
Brian shares what it's really like to live and work down south.
Albert (at right) driving across 2 m thick sea ice with Australian Antarctic Division colleagues
Alana-Jayne and Albert – Technical Officers at Mawson Station and Macquarie Island
Alana-Jayne and Albert share what typical work and leisure time look like in Antarctica.