If you like animals, conservation efforts, and remote places, then there’s a unique job just for you. But, before you apply, there are a few catches you need to know about.
World’s Most Remote Post Office
The British charity UK Antarctic Heritage Trust is looking for people to run the world’s most remote post office on Goudier Island in Port Lockroy, Antarctica. The search team is looking for “an individual with a sense of adventure and a genuine love of Antarctica.” There are three positions open: base leader, shop manager, and general assistant.
The three team members will be in charge of taking care of the gift shop, post office, museum, general maintenance, and counting penguins. That’s right! The charity needs to keep tabs on the amount of Gentoo penguins on the island in order to monitor them and protect their population. Maintaining the gift shop is vital to the area’s tourism industry. Port Leroy typically sees around 18,000 visitors during the summer season.
The Catch
There are a few things to note before you jet off to Antarctica to work for a few months. The job is 7 days a week, with a few fixed days off every 2 weeks. During that time off, you are not allowed to do anything adventurous, or otherwise dangerous, including climbing, water sports, and glacier walking. The charity wants to relax during the time off, suggesting that you read, paint, cook, or watch wildlife.
Now to the accommodations. The charity described them as “basic but comfortable.” You will stay in a hut with bunk beds, a kitchen, living room area, and a bathroom, but no shower. There is no running water on the island, so there is no way to bathe. The organization is looking for people who are comfortable not showering for an extended period of time, but can still maintain good hygiene. The organization says that sometimes a visiting ship will offer the team shower facilities, but not to expect that on a regular basis.
One other thing the island lacks: connection to the world. There is no cell phone reception and no internet access, so it will be difficult to communicate with anyone back home while you are working.
How To Apply
If this sounds like your dream job, start by filling out the online application. They are due by April 25, 2022, with online interviews happening in mid-May. The charity is expecting to receive hundreds of applications for the three positions. They are specifically looking for someone who has retail experience, maintenance skills, and leadership qualities. Applicants must be able to work in the United Kingdom (since that is where the charity is based), but they are not able to sponsor work visas. The job runs from late October until March 2023.
Maybe this job isn’t for you, but you still want to experience Antarctica. Here are some of our favorite reasons for visiting the continent. Also, be sure to check out the rest of our travel news.
