"The Ice" Antarctica by AntarcticFox

Antarctica Travel Guide: 1,203 reviews and 2,539 photos

Working on the Ice

I've worked in Antarctica three times now as a tradesman for the United States Antarctic Program, and I've spent almost two years of my life there. I can't say a lot about tourism there -- I've seen one cruise ship pull in at McMurdo station, and that was back in summer 2001-2002. The sea ice was too thick for it to pull in for the summer of 2003. If you think you're up to working in Antarctica and you're a US citizen, though, I can point you in the right direction and give you the inside scoop.

The US government organisation that oversees projects on the Ice is the US Antarctic Program of the National Science Foundation. Even though you may be a gifted scientist, about the only way you'll get on with them is to have worked as a grantee for some time on the Ice. The major contractor for the USAP, though, is Raytheon Polar Services Company of Centennial, CO. They are the primary contractor and handle almost all of the logistics and maintenance work for the programme (except for helicopters and flight control; airplanes provided by NYANG and USAF). You can contact RPSC at (800)688-8606. Contracts are divided into summer, winter, and year-long contracts (remember that these are austral seasons and are reverse of those in the northern hemisphere). Getting hired is the easiest for skilled labourers as the company can never find enough trades applicants -- competition for entry-level jobs is much more abundant, although there are plenty of those jobs to be had at McMurdo.

There are three US antarctic research stations: Palmer, McMurdo, and South Pole. Each one has it's own unique atmosphere and culture. I've worked at Palmer and McMurdo, so I can give you personal insight on those two -- South Pole is another matter, but I'll relate what I've been told.

By the way, you have to be a US citizen to work for RPSC, and you must pass a physical exam (and a psych exam for McMurdo & Pole for winter contracts). Read more about it at www.polar.org. You can read more about the stations at the tips I've authored. Hiring for summer start's in April, and for winter starts in August.

UPDATE: I will be going back to the Ice for the winter of 2006. I'll be updating this page, and the various connected pages, over the course of my stay at McMurdo between February and October 2006. I'm married now (as of December 2005), so don't expect any singles' scene updates. :-)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Women- three men to every woman; having your own room in the winter and only having to share the shower with one other person; THREE BARS AT McMURDO!!!
Cons:Men- three men to every woman; people going nuts; nowhere to go after the novelty has worn off; getting stuck with a bad cook for the winter; taking one or two showers a week at South Pole Station; did I mention not being able to leave for months?
In a nutshell:Awesome, and only for people with steel in their spines.

Last visit to Antarctica: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Jan 5, 2006
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Reviews (13)

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Written Mar 20, 2004

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Living on the Ice

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Comments (29)

indygina Sep 19, 2007 at 6:36 PM Report Abuse

That is a beautiful photo!
cherrybug May 30, 2007 at 1:56 AM Report Abuse

Hi - really like your Antarctica page - a place I'd love to visit. Your journey to the top of the glacier must have been very special and connecting for you. a wonderful memory on a difficult day. All the best, Cherry.
seamandrew Dec 17, 2006 at 8:17 AM Report Abuse

An enthralling page! Part of me wants to quit my job in Manhattan and do a summer in Antarctica. I know my wife won't have this though. I'll have to be content with a week tour someday. Stay warm Fox!
Kate-Me Sep 14, 2006 at 12:29 AM Report Abuse

Wow! what a simply amazing, stunning photo. Is it really this green?
dfactor Jun 11, 2006 at 11:45 PM Report Abuse

nice shots of the antartic dude. I dunno if I would ever step foot on that part of the world at all....
gaizee May 8, 2006 at 3:30 AM Report Abuse

Hi!, I have always had a certain fascintation with the Antarctic and really enjoyed reading your tips. Maybe one day I'll be able to visit and see for myself. Thanks for your great detail. Gai
RAINBOWWINGS Apr 30, 2006 at 4:33 AM Report Abuse

If all your other travel pages are going to be as interesting as this one...then bring 'em on Fox. Fabulous pictures and info.
barbskie Apr 1, 2006 at 1:02 PM Report Abuse

Oh i love this sunrise capture. Wonderful! Thanks. regards. barbs
tashka Feb 24, 2006 at 8:02 AM Report Abuse

Three men for every women - sounds like a great place to me! :)) Must be great to have such an experience in your life, though I prefer warmer places. Great pictures!
Pawtuxet Jan 15, 2006 at 6:53 AM Report Abuse

wonderful pics. My husband will be back for a visit soon. We have a new member in VT named Polejump. He made the first jump over the pole in 66. All the guys will have a reunion in Rhode Island this year. Maybe you will come and meet everyone.