Field Guides – Antarctica

We now require Field Guides to assist scientific colleagues carrying out research in the polar environment whilst ensuring all field work and travel is carried out safely and efficiently. Of course, you'll also have to attend to many other duties, including assisting aircraft operations, organising camp sites, operating radio equipment and ensuring vehicles continue to work.

Practical, organised and unflappable, you'll have what it takes to work in the most challenging climate on Earth - enabling us to conduct successful scientific research across Antarctica.

Extensive experience of alpine mountaineering (Europe, or elsewhere) is a prerequisite. Mountain Instructors Certificate, Mountain Instructors Award are desirable.

Details of required mountaineering experience:
- Applicants should be active mountaineers (climbing, not hill walking) with at least five years’ experience of leading routes, during which they have done at least the following (or equivalent experience):
- Climbed more than 20 multi-pitch rock routes at the following grades or above: UK 5a/USA 5.7/UIAA V-/Australia 14.
- Climbed 10 multi-pitch winter/mixed routes at Scottish Grade 3 or above, or equivalent.
- Climbed 5 alpine routes on mixed and glaciated terrain at PD or above, in Europe or elsewhere (rock routes do not apply). Significant ski-mountaineering trips on glaciated terrain may be considered as a substitute.

Purpose

To conduct scientific colleagues safely and efficiently within the polar environment both on continental ice shelves and glaciated mountainous regions. Field parties come under the charge of the Field Operations Manager, who is based at Rothera and to whom the Field Guides are responsible for the safety, efficiency and well-being of their parties. All duties should be carried out in accordance with the Field Operations Manual.

Duties

- To ensure the safety and well being of all members of the field party and manage all hazards in the field where practicable.
- To ensure all field work is carried out in accordance with the appropriated BAS procedures such as the travel regulations, the Field Operations Manual and other standard operating procedures.
- To support scientific colleagues in their field work and assist in whatever way possible.
- In conjunction with the Field Operations Manager, ensure field parties have sufficient equipment and supplies for a safe and efficient field trip.
- To report major problems to the Field Operations Manager when they arise.
- To plan and ensure the safe and efficient movement of the field party.
- The organisation of field parties’ camp site.
- To ensure completion of daily radio schedules whilst in the field, reporting on the field parties’ status.
- To maintain equipment in the field including snowmobiles & generators where practical.
- To organise and staff forward operating bases, remote field camps and depots to provide direct and indirect support for aircraft operations.
- To deliver field training to staff, assess trainees’ abilities and maintain training records.
- To provide Search and Rescue cover for BAS field operations.
- To compile a report at the end of each season detailing events of the field trip, and other observations useful for future field operations.
- To work with other staff to ensure that the operational and safety standards of BAS field work are maintained or improved.
- To renovate and prepare field equipment for the next season.
- To carry out stock takes and assist in the procurement of field equipment and supplies.
- To provide opportunities for staff recreation as approved by the FOM or Station Leader.
- To prepare and consign additional food and equipment requested by parties in the field through the Field Party Request system.
- To undertake general duties as required by the Field Operations Manager and/or Station Leader, which could include building maintenance, decorating, cargo work, fuelling and loading of aircraft.
- To undertake other duties as requested by the Director of BAS

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/vacancies
These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.

Please quote reference: BAS 09/18

Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 1st April 2018
Interviews are scheduled to be held on: w/c 14th May 2018
Proposed start date: TBC

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities and disabled people are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job role.

From April 2018, the British Antarctic Survey, a component part of the Natural Environment Research Council, will be part of UK Research and Innovation. UK Research and Innovation will bring together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and a new organisation, Research England. The vision for the new organisation is to be the best research and innovation organisation in the world. More information can be found online at http://www.ukri.org. From April 2018, you will be employed by UK Research and Innovation.

You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.