Are you looking to have the experience of a lifetime? Why not apply for a job on the coldest, windiest and driest continent in the world?

The Australian Antarctic Division is recruiting a new team of expeditioners to head to the icy continent for the 2017/18 season, and is encouraging women to apply for the roles with the aim of improving gender balance on station. This season, women make up just over 20 per cent of expeditioners.

Human Resources Manager, Andrew Groom, said the Division is looking to fill more than 100 positions across a range of trades for its four research stations: Casey, Davis and Mawson on the Antarctic continent and Macquarie Island in the sub-Antarctic.

“We’re offering people who are open to a unique experience and willing to be a positive member of a small community the chance the call Antarctica, or the picturesque Macquarie Island, home for a period of time,” Mr Groom said.

“We’re looking for a diverse range of trades, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, plant operators, electronics engineers, aircraft ground support officers, aerodrome plant operators, field training officers, station supply officers, communication technicians and chefs.

“Expeditioners undergo a range of pre-departure training to help them prepare for working in an extreme environment, and the Division also supports a range of specialised training,” Mr Groom said.

Positions range from six months over summer or up to 15 months which includes the unique experience of wintering in Antarctica.

“Living and working in Antarctica is the experience of a lifetime and many of our Antarctic expeditioners find it such a special experience that they return time and time again.

Expeditioners receive a wage, Antarctic allowances while on station and all accommodation, food and cold weather clothing is provided.