Take your place in Antarctic History

Follow in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson 100 years after he led the first Australian Antarctic team.

The Australian Antarctic Division is looking for more than 100 people to work at Casey, Davis, Mawson and Macquarie Island stations in the 2011/12 season.

Next year will mark the centenary of the pioneering 1911-1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, led by Sir Douglas Mawson.

Photograph of three men with partial ice masks. Photo: Frank Hurley

Using a flying fox to get stores from the Aurora. Photo: Frank Hurley

The Division’s Operations Manager, Robb Clifton, said it will be an exciting time to be involved in Australia’s Antarctic program.

“Those who do go south next season will be joining Australia’s long and proud history in the Antarctic region,” Mr Clifton said.

“While the conditions now are considerably more comfortable than in the heroic era - they won’t have to wear seal skin boots and eat penguins to stay alive - they will get to experience the same unspoilt wilderness and camaraderie of the Mawson expedition and take their place in history.”

Winter expeditioners at Law Dome, Antarctica. Photo: Todor Iolovski

Summer expeditioner Steve MacDonald at work at Casey station. Photo: Todor Iolovski

Enjoying the experience of living in a remote field camp. Photo: Todor Iolovski

The Australian Antarctic Division has vacancies for station leaders, doctors, mechanics, chefs, communications technicians, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, engineers, plant operators, aviation support personnel and field training officers.

“Whether the position is for a six month stint over summer or a longer period of up to 18 months over winter, it really is a unique and exciting experience to live and work in Antarctica,” Mr Clifton said.

More information

Details and application forms