Peninsula Field Camp Assistant

Description

The United States Antarctic Program has an opening for a Field Camp Assistant supporting National Science Foundation-funded field science on the Antarctic Peninsula. This a dynamic position working in remote locations to prepare for and assist camp operations for field scientists .This is a contractual position, physically strenuous for short and intense bursts. The candidate must be able to deploy to remote locations: either our cargo hub of Punta Arenas, Chile, or via USAP support vessels to areas along the Antarctic Peninsula for day trips or multi-day camping.

The person in this position must have an active resume leading remote camping groups, be capable of lifting up to 35lbs, and pass a national security background check. In the event of funded NSF funded science field groups: willing and able to pass medical pre-qualification process.

Primary Responsibilities:

Travel to Punta Arenas Chile for 3 weeks each/ twice a year (Oct/Nov and again April/May) to perform the following functions:

• Organize, prep and pack expedition gear for day trips up to multi-week camping trips in Antarctic conditions.
• Assist with cargo movements including packaging, labeling, weighing, and palletizing, as well as lifting, hauling and carrying and securing.
• Assist with routine end-of-season cleaning and maintenance of camp equipment.
• Maintain and repair camping and mountaineering gear at end of season in-shop or complete field-repairs in-situ as needed.
• Help guide, train and work worth scientists of varying levels of camping and outdoor experience on safe field practices and USAP procedures.
• In the event of funded science expeditions in outyears 2027/28, 28/29.
• Be able to lead a full camp set-up/take-down including: moving cargo, setting up tents, cooking station, waste station, fueling areas, medical area, etc. according to USAP standards.
• Assist with daily camp chores to maintain a safe, healthy and hygienic environment including: waste sorting and management according to environmental standards, haul or melt snow for water, cook meals, dish washing and galley duties, charge communications devices, etc.
• May operate snow machines, ATV’s, generators and other small machinery.
• Familiarity and ability to perform daily communications check-ins via a variety of devices/methods:
  Iridium, HF radio, VFH radio, Starlink.
• Assist with moving and carrying scientific samples as needed.
• Maintain a positive work environment in order to achieve a safe scientific expedition.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED
• Two years of combined experience is required in any of the following areas: expedition outfitting in polar climates or high altitude winter settings, National Park service positions, outdoor education, and/or guiding services.
• Familiarity with working on or maintaining field camp gear.
• Experience working on or from ships, sea kayaking, sailing or other maritime pursuits.
• Basic navigational skills and able to operate a GPS.
• Wilderness First Responder Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in science: geology, marine, biology, ecology.
• Experience with operating and maintenance of engines: ATV and snow machines, generators.
• Commercial sewing skills.
• Backpacking, climbing and mountaineering particularly in high latitude or polar climates.
• Vessel experience: sailing, small boats, commercial, or research.
• Spanish language skills or proficiency.
• Experience with Outward Bound, NOLS or another outdoor leadership school.
• W-EMT or equivalent.

*** Deployment to Antarctica may be required at the discretion of management (approximately 3 to 8 weeks / year). The individual in the position must successfully