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 dynamic position works in remote locations to prepare for and assist camp operations for field scientists. It is a contractual position and physically strenuous for short intense bursts. The candidate must be able to deploy to remote locations, either our cargo hub in Punta Arenas, Chile, or via USAP support vessels to areas along the Antarctic Peninsula for day trips or multi‑day camping.

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

Travel to Punta Arenas, Chile for approximately 3 weeks each two years (Oct/Nov and again April/May) to perform the following functions:

• Organize, prepare and pack expedition gear for day trips up to multi‑week camping trips in Antarctic conditions.
• Assist with cargo movements including packaging, labeling, weighing, palletizing, as well as lifting, hauling, 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 with scientists of varying levels of camping and outdoor experience on safe field practices and USAP procedures.
• 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, dishwashing and galley duties, charge communications devices, etc.
• May operate snow machines, ATVs, generators and other small machinery.
• Familiarity and ability to perform daily communications check‑ins via a variety of devices/methods:
  Iridium, HF radio, VHF radio, Starlink.
• Assist with moving and carrying scientific samples as needed.
• Maintain a positive work environment to achieve a safe scientific expedition.

• 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.

• 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 for approximately 3 to 8 weeks per year. The candidate must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.

Pay range: $52,000 - $94,000. Additional benefits include competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave and retirement. For more details, visit

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.