Field Guide - Antarctica

As part of the application process, along with your CV you will be required to upload a Climbing and Mountaineering CV. Due to system restrictions, please combine the two documents and upload it as one document.

Interview dates: 22^nd – 26^th April 2024 (subject to change) Panel and practical interview in Cambridge.
Antarctic deployment date: Approx. mid-October 2024 – late November 2025 with option to extend.
Start date: 1^st August 2024

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for Field Guides to join our experienced team based in Antarctica.  BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe. 

You’ll help us to deliver world leading polar science through conservative risk management of deep field science teams, always taking the lead and prioritising safety whilst operating in the most inhospitable environment on Earth.

Learning the Field Guide role and gaining appropriate polar experience takes time. We provide in-depth training and support in all aspects of the role. This training begins in the UK and continues throughout your employment period. Because of the length of time required to learn the role, most applicants will be required to take an overwintering contract initially.

BAS encourages career progression and development. Many Field Guides return season after season whilst others have gone on to become Lead Field Guides, Station Leaders, Field Operations Managers and Polar Operations Directors. The Field Guide role is an excellent choice for somebody seeking an exciting and diverse career within BAS and the Polar regions.

Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs.  British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org

Working at BAS is rewarding.  The UK’s polar research effort is critically important for understanding environmental issues that affect everyone.  This is an opportunity to do what may seem like an ordinary job in the most extraordinary place on Earth.

You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting talented people like you giving you the support, you need to thrive at BAS.  Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating, spectacular and challenging workplaces you could imagine. 

For more information about BAS Field Operations follow this link:

Working as a Field Guide - British Antarctic Survey (bas.ac.uk)

If you think you have the skills and experience required, we’d love to hear from you.  Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

What we offer:

As a valued employee, you’ll be eligible for benefits including an end of contract payment upon completion of a successful assignment in Antarctica, annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme with NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) and access to 24 hours/365 days per year employee assistance programme.    In addition, you will be provided with pre-deployment training and accommodation costs.  All food, accommodation and polar clothing during Antarctic deployment will also be provided.

What experiences can we offer you?

At BAS we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.

Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That’s the power of every individual.  Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment and excellence.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.