Working at Scott Base

All team members undergo extensive training to prepare for life and work in Antarctica. This begins in Christchurch in August/September each year and includes role-specific training, the Antarctica New Zealand Awareness Programme (ANZAP), fire and bystander intervention training. Upon arrival at Scott Base, additional orientation ensures safety and readiness for the Antarctic conditions.

Scott Base and everyone who works there plays a vital role in protecting Antarctica’s environment, supporting scientific research, and ensuring the outcomes are communicated to policymakers and the public. Our team supports the various science events throughout each season, with researchers operating from Scott Base, nearby, or from remote field camps. The opportunity to engage with these scientists, gain an understanding of what questions they are trying to answer, and how this relates to New Zealand and the world is often one of the highlights of working for Antarctica New Zealand.

Regular flights between Christchurch and Ross Island run from October to early March. Over winter, flights are rare due to limited daylight, making the base largely self-sufficient. Annual resupply occurs by ship in February, with the team unpacking and preparing for winter operations before the final scheduled flight which traditionally has been in March.

Winter brings unique challenges as the days shorten, culminating in complete darkness for several months. Despite the isolation, the implementation of Starlink Wi-Fi has made staying connected with loved ones much easier, with the ability to make phone or video calls.

We have a longstanding close relationship with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) which provides Communications and Plant Operators, Chefs, Cargo Handlers and Logistics Support personnel to work as part of our team at Scott Base over summer. It also deploys staff to the nearby McMurdo Station as part of Operation Antarctica. A Senior National Officer seconded to us from NZDF works in the Christchurch office and provides leadership for all military personnel deployed to Antarctica.

Each season Compass employs a Shop and Bar Coordinator responsible for operating the Scott Base Shop and Tatty Flag over the summer season, and works with us to appoint a winter team member to lead the shop/bar coordination duties over winter.

Downer Group selects a Telecommunication Technician to work at Scott Base as part of the team that spends 13 months on ice. This role works closely with our Engineering team to maintain and operate Spark’s telecommunications infrastructure in Antarctica. This role also provides set up and troubleshooting support for Antarctica New Zealand’s field communications.

Working in one of the most remote places on earth with like-minded people means Scott Base staff make lifelong friends and memories in Antarctica. There are plenty of social events that take place throughout the season to ensure staff get work life balance. We continue to have a close relationship with McMurdo Station and hold annual competitions with them, including the manhaul, tug of war and marathon.