Antarctica Fresh Zealand is seeking 40 personnel to staff its Scott Base research station for the upcoming Antarctic seasons, a call for applicants spanning a range of skilled trades and scientific support roles.
The organization, responsible for New Zealand’s Antarctic program, is recruiting for positions including medics, chefs, electricians, and engineers, according to a statement released Tuesday. The roles support both the summer season, running from September to February, and a smaller winter contingent that remains at the base for a full 13-month period.
“Basically, we are running a small town down there,” explained Professor Jordy Hendrikx, Chief Executive of Antarctica New Zealand, in a recent interview. “We have to manage our own water, we have to manage our own power, manage our own sewage and also all the food and all the services will be provided to support science.”
Scott Base, established in 1957, is located on Pram Point at the southern end of Ross Island, approximately 3800 kilometers south of Christchurch, New Zealand. The station serves as a hub for scientific research, focusing on areas such as climatology, geocryology, and paleoclimatology, as well as supporting broader earth science initiatives. It is situated 3 kilometers from the larger U.S. McMurdo Station, connected by the Willy Field road.
Hendrikx emphasized the importance of a collaborative spirit among prospective applicants. “We need that real can-do attitude and a willingness to be part of a family, and to work down there and to live down there as part of a really tight community,” he said. “It’s more than a job.”
The recruitment drive comes as Antarctica New Zealand progresses with a major redevelopment project for Scott Base. The project, initiated in 2024, aims to replace the aging infrastructure with a modern, sustainable research facility designed to support New Zealand’s Antarctic presence for the next 50 years. In June 2025, LT McGuinness was selected as the Early Contractor Engagement contractor to assist with the design and delivery of the redevelopment.
Antarctica New Zealand is a government agency tasked with supporting New Zealand’s activities in Antarctica, prioritizing both scientific advancement and environmental protection. The organization’s vision centers on ensuring Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are valued, protected, and understood.
