Few people witness the otherworldly seasonal transformation of Antarctica, but a select group of Australians experience it first-hand. From the complete darkness of polar winter to the peachy glow of a round-the-clock summer sun, they witness the spectacle of light and wildlife returning color to an icy landscape, and gaze up at silver and green auroras across the night sky.
The Australian Antarctic Program is now recruiting for its 2026-27 season, offering work in Antarctica to about 300 Australians across almost 40 different roles. This recruitment drive is part of a broader effort to support Australia’s internationally significant climate research mission.
Roles and Responsibilities
Living and working in a close-knit community, the select group will help run Australia’s three scientific research stations—Davis, Mawson, and Casey—or they might be posted to sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island or on a scientific voyage. The roles are crucial, ranging from electricians, carpenters, and mechanics to chefs, as well as specialists in science, aviation, and information technology.
According to Andy Warton, leader of Casey station, being part of the Antarctic team is an incredible experience.
“Antarctica tests you – physically, mentally, emotionally. But the rewards are incredible,” he says. “It’s a profound adventure. You’ll make friendships that last for decades, and you’ll see and experience things that you would have never imagined.”
Challenges and Rewards
Contracts offered last four months, but they can stretch to more than 12 months. Candidates will deploy starting in July 2026. The Australian Antarctic Division runs an extensive recruitment process. Gina Woodward, director of expeditioner services, emphasizes the need for candidates who have life experience, excel at their profession, and are well-suited to join a small team in a remote environment.
Those working in Antarctica must be resilient and adaptable to a harsh environment, working with limited resources.
“For our tradies, there’s no Bunnings down the road,” Woodward says.
There is also the considerable sacrifice of being separated from family and friends for extended periods. However, the trade-off is the “wow factor”—being one of the few working in east Antarctica, while most tourists only scratch the surface at the Antarctic Peninsula.
Expeditioners witness icebergs, seals, penguins, and a variety of bird life. They see the seasons change and say that it is amazing because after winter, Antarctica comes to life again with animals breeding.
Scientific Endeavors and Community Life
Researchers primarily focus on climate science and the environment in the region, studying long-term changes and working to protect the future, often in collaboration with other nations—and even NASA.
“Our expeditioners help protect and understand an incredible part of the natural world—a landscape and marine environment unlike anything else on the planet,” Woodward says.
Lifelong friendships form in what Woodward describes as a “giant share house,” though each worker gets a private room. There are shared living areas, a kitchen, a dining hall, a cinema, a gym, a hot tub, and a sauna. They even use hydroponics to grow fresh herbs and vegetables.
Training and Financial Incentives
New recruits receive extensive training in Hobart, typically for about three months. The program sees a high rate of returnees, with about 45% coming back for another contract, demonstrating the unique, enduring appeal of the work.
“They say it just gets in your blood, you’ve got to keep going,” Woodward says.
In addition to the federal government salary classification, deployed staff receive significant additional allowances up to $65,000 a year, depending on their role. This, combined with zero expenses—no rent, fuel, or meal costs—offers an excellent way to save, with some on long-term contracts using their savings for a house deposit.
The announcement comes as the Australian Antarctic Program continues to play a vital role in global climate research, offering a unique opportunity for those ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of life on the icy continent.
