Life at the Edge of the World: What It Really Takes to Work in Antarctica
As the Antarctic summer ends, research stations are already planning for next season. Both the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the U.S. Antarctic Program are recruiting for hundreds of roles needed to sustain science on the ice. For those who succeed, the experience is unlike any other.
Dan McKenzie, 38, leads a team of 40 at the Halley VI Research Station. A former marine engineer from Wigan, he sought out the world's wildest places. 'I thought this would align pretty well with the skills that I’ve got,' he says via satellite call. Outside his window, a permanent white expanse stretches under a blue sky. The temperature is a 'balmy' -15C. It can drop to -40.
His job involves logistics, safety, and something less tangible: emotional support. In shared dormitories, under constant summer sun, isolation and friction test even resilient teams. 'People come into your office and say they’re not having a very good day,' McKenzie notes. 'You have to try and see if you can support them.'
BAS hires up to 150 people annually. While scientists and engineers are key, most positions are operational—electricians, chefs, doctors, plumbers. Salaries start around £31,000, with all living costs covered. About 5,000 people work across the continent each summer.
The selection process probes conflict resolution and problem-solving. According to BAS HR head Mariella Giancola, the structured routine and lack of privacy, akin to 'going back to uni,' trip up more people than the cold. Clinical psychologist Duncan Precious, who has worked with military personnel, agrees social dynamics pose the steepest challenge. When relationships fracture in a closed environment, repair is difficult.
Yet for those who adapt, the rewards are profound. McKenzie recalls doubting his decision during his first grim month. Then came whales, seals, and flights over pristine ice. This year, he witnessed an emperor penguin colony. 'It’s like something from a David Attenborough documentary,' he says. For the right person, that view makes the shared room and the endless day worthwhile.