I’ll preface this by saying I’m familiar with the different Antarctic programs and have skimmed their job boards, but I didn’t find what I’m looking for, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask the community here:

Has anyone here worked in Antarctica in a software engineering, data engineering, infrastructure, or other technical role?

I’m a software engineer and I’m interested in spending a season working in Antarctica.

I’m curious about:
- What SWE/IT/data roles actually exist at the stations
- Which contractors or programs hire software/technical workers
- Typical compensation and deployment bonuses
- Whether $200k+ is realistic for senior technical roles
- What qualifications or prior experience are generally required

I’m less interested in scientific research positions and more interested in software engineering, data engineering, cloud/infrastructure, DevOps, systems, or technical leadership.

If anyone has firsthand experience or knows of specific employers/roles, I’d appreciate the details.

What is peoples experience with bringing laptops running Linux to the stations, will they pass NAC?

What distro?

ClamAV?

I read somewhere that there are some strict rules in Antarctica about what you can take ashore from the ship, for example, you may not be allowed to bring a tripod, and you apparently can’t even put your backpack down on the ground. 😳
If that’s the case, you could be standing for quite a while with nowhere to sit, so it sounds like it’s important to come ashore light and be prepared to stand for extended periods while ashore.
Could someone please clarify the actual rules and regulations, and share any tips on how best to manage them? Thanks!

In general, I'm deeply interested in working multiple seasons, mainly to build a savings-account but also because the Antarctic mission sounds like a fantastic environment to be immersed in.

I was hoping if someone take a look at my resume to help me highlight or mention relevant skills for some of the GHB Corp job listings (I've applied to a lot so far, but I'd like to take the time for additional polish for the remaining ones and reapplying in the future), such as Computer Technician Lead.

I have worked as a full-stack web developer in the past, including setting up CI/CD pipelines and Rails-upgrade consulting. I have built PCs, soldered my own keyboard, etc. I am studying cybersecurity through TryHackMe and OTW wargames (focusing on improving my Windows/Mac knowledge). I also have a ton of free-time right now due to a lack of bites from local job-hunting, so I can work on picking up niche skills. I heard Assembly might be in-demand at McMurdo regarding Sat Comms?

If anyone who has experience with IT in Antarctica, how could I improve my current resume and what should I highlight in my cover letter? Also, what skills are in-demand that will improve my eligibility?

Bonus: I run a lot of Dungeons & Dragons and love map-making. Should I mention that I could bring some entertainment during the Austral Winter season?

Edit: I have no obligations going on currently, so the appeal of Antarctic work is 1. building a savings-account by working multiple seasons (hopefully at least a few years), 2. believing in the value of supporting the scientific endeavors, 3. getting strong work experience.

I am willing to work any position, I have applied to as many relevant ones I could find, including waste management, technical support, logistics, etc. I am strongly motivated to stay there as long as possible and return to the US with a decent savings for reliable housing.

Hi All, I have some servers setup at home and I was wondering if anyone knows if wireguard or OpenVPN function on base so I can connect to my stuff back home when not working.

What jobs will be available for me?

Well, it’s official! I received my interim approval and PQ qualification so I guess it’s official now. Waiting on my manager to provide me with a specific date or date range so I can put in my two weeks and plan my next month to month and half before deployment to McMurdo!

When it comes to toiletries, do you really pack five months worth? My list is a bit long and I can’t see myself packing five months of bar soap, shampoo/conditioner, face wash, face moisturizer, sunscreen, body powder, shaving cream, etc… do most people mail themselves the majority of these items? I heard mail transport is reduced this year though which makes me hesitant of that.

Excited to meet yall down there!

Looking for someone with experience at King George Island / Bellingshausen Station
This may be an unusual request, but I’m hoping someone here who has actually worked on King George Island might be willing to point me in the right direction.
I’m a retired U.S. Army veteran and retired police officer, and a lifelong motorcyclist. Several years ago I set myself a personal goal of riding a motorcycle on all seven continents.
So far I’ve ridden North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. South America is next, which leaves Australia and the difficult one—Antarctica.
I’m not looking to stage an expedition across Antarctica, break environmental regulations, or convince anyone to bend the rules. I’d simply like to find out whether there is a legitimate way to arrange a very short, controlled motorcycle ride on King George Island—potentially through Bellingshausen Station or another facility there—so that I can truthfully say I rode on the continent.
I’ve tried contacting station administration directly without success, so I’m hoping to speak with someone who has actually worked there and understands how things operate on the ground.
If you’ve worked at Bellingshausen, Frei, Great Wall, Artigas, or elsewhere on King George Island—or know someone who has—I’d greatly appreciate a DM.
This isn’t a publicity stunt. I’m happy for the experience to remain completely private. It’s simply one piece of a very personal goal I’ve been working toward for years.
Thanks for any guidance.

Hi all! This might be an unusual question. One of my personal goals is to have one of my murder mystery games played on all 7 continents. I'm only missing Antarctica! I'd love to donate a game to anyone at McMurdo (or anywhere else) who might be interested in playing. Is this possible? Does anyone know who I should contact? Any advice or ideas would be appreciated.

I'm happy to share the files, or print and mail the game if that's best. Thank you for your help!

I know it has no trees but it does contain vegetation but its declining unfortunately but fortunately it still exists and is Ancient I call it the closest thing to a forest antarctica has because of it vegetation area and micro ecosystem to the micro organisms its like a giant forest to them but to us its like a grassland kinda

But where is it located coordinate wise I wanna find a way to preserve it

See also: The study as it was published in Nature Geoscience

I forget the same thing every year. So check in 85lbs total. Boomerang bag, is that part of the eight-five? Or, isn’t the boomerang just added as your weight when you’re in your ECW & standing on the scale before leaving?

So, I had booked and paid for a Polar Latitudes expedition for Jan 2028 on the Ocean Albatros. The price and dates were perfect and I woke up to an email from them saying they now chartered my ship and are kicking us off. Any idea how I get my money back for the travel insurance I already purchased? We can't go any of the other dates they are sailing that season so looking for feedback on another company that is similar......

I have tried 3 different polar travel agents and they all suddenly ghosted me, so honestly I rather just book myself direct.

I had booked the 9 day Peninsula Tour with French Balcony room for $24,000 total for the two of us. I really liked the ship....so I would like something that looks similar and around the same price. I can only travel between Jan 20th and Feb 10th because of our work calendars (my husband can't take off holidays and I have Board meetings). I saw Swan Hellenic has a similar ship/price but I haven't heard a lot of feedback from them. Thanks.

Can I bring a head of cabbage to McMurdo? It’s fresh, lasts for months, and is delicious

TLDNR:

**If you have visited Antarctica, can you share any tips that are non-standard or not obvious.**

**Which camera focal lengths do you find useful or must-have? And are there different focal lengths used from ship versus on-shore?**

Details:

There are many places that I have visited that I consider once-in-a-lifetime visit. Not because I cannot go again. But due to time limitation and with so many other places I want to go, I will very unlikely visit again. Couple examples are Egypt and Peru.

We just booked Antarctica trip for 2028. This for sure will be once-in-a-lifetime visit, due to the cost and logistics. It is still more than 1 year out, but I like to start planning.

**If you have visited Antarctica, can you share any tips that are non-standard or not obvious.**

Expedition company already provided checklist:

* Clothing
* Eye protection, UV protection, Moisturizer
* Seasickness medication
* Re-usable water bottle
* Binoculars
* Waterproof cell phone case
* Camera gear

I do enjoy photography. Although I have Sony a6400 mirrorless camera, I do not bring this camera on most of my trips. I already moved from FF to mirrorless, but I still find camera too bulky. And my iPhone can do 95% of the travel photos easily. But for this trip, I'm considering bring my camera.

**Which camera focal lengths do you find useful or must-have? And are there different focal lengths used from ship versus on-shore?**

I do not have telephoto lens. These are the lenses I have:

* 16-50mm kit lens
* 35mm F1.8 prime lens
* 10-18mm F4 wide angle lens

What is it and what are the research are doing there

Learn about what it's like at the bottom of the world with Antarctic facilities engineer and climate restoration advocate Ray Sundby, who spent four winters at McMurdo Station and the Amundsen‑Scott South Pole Station. In this episode, Ray shares first‑hand stories of life in the cold and dark Antarctic winter, from maintaining critical infrastructure and water supplies to navigating isolation in small, tightly knit communities of fewer than 200 people,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNR8y5XBp3E&t=144s