Few people ever get to see Antarctica, but for 300 Australians, it could soon become part of their everyday life. The Australian Antarctic Program has begun recruiting for its 2026–2027 season, with hundreds of roles available.
Successful candidates will take on roles at Australia’s three Antarctic research stations: Casey, Davis, and Mawson, or work on Macquarie Island and aboard scientific voyages. They need carpenters, chefs, electricians, IT technicians, mechanics, and scientific researchers. Many of the research projects focus on climate change and environmental science.
Photo: Australian Antarctic Program
Extreme isolation
The catch is that you need to be willing to completely remove yourself from normal life and hole up in one of the harshest environments on Earth for months. Contracts vary in length from four months to over a year, with all positions beginning in July 2026.
Getting one of the jobs isn’t as simple as filling out a form. Applicants go through a detailed recruitment process that tests both their professional skills and their ability to cope with the environment and isolation.
“Antarctica tests you -– physically, mentally, emotionally. But the rewards are incredible,” said Andy Warton, who leads the Casey station. “It’s a profound adventure. You’ll make friendships that last for decades, and you’ll see and experience things that you would have never imagined.”
Photo: Australian Antarctic Program
Despite the extreme conditions, life on the stations is far from bleak. Each base has a gym, sauna, hot tub, and even a small cinema. Hydroponic gardens mean they can grow fresh herbs and vegetables.
For many, the salaries are a major temptation. Some positions offer nearly double what you would get paid in Australia. Workers can receive generous allowances, some of which add up to around an extra $65,000 a year. There are no living costs at all, meaning that nearly everything you earn goes straight into savings.
Photo: Australian Antarctic Program
Nearly half of those who take on an Antarctic posting return for future seasons. They speak of the addictive thrill of living somewhere so otherworldly, making long-standing friendships, and working on cutting-edge research.
Applications for the 2026–2027 season close on November 16, 2025.
