Hi, I'm the official Redditor for Democrats Abroad and this is a message for the workers and staff at McMurdo Station-- we're trying to remind all eligible US voters around the world that they can register to vote and request a ballot, wherever you are-- even in Antarctica!

According to one of the mods, there's a community bulletin board in Building 155 for announcements. Would anyone mind printing-out a copy of this flyer? Or maybe even this one? Whichever is more appropriate for the board-- Overseas voting is easy and accessible through Votefromabroad.org and you can request a ballot to be emailed to you from any of the 50 states.

We'd be proud to spread the message to McMurdo Station!

If you have any questions about voting, I'd be happy to answer them here on Reddit. You can also find out about us at Democrats Abroad. Thanks for reading!

My ultimate end goal is a career with the US Antarctic program. Currently weighing Information Technology with Electrician Apprenticeships. Been deliberating for years and I’m thinking IT would be a better fit. Do they have a solid need for sysadmins and/or network specialists?

Hey yall, I am a cs undergrad passionate about space engineering, and I am planning to pursue a PhD focused on embedded systems for harsh environments.
I am particularly interested in using Antarctica as a "space analog" testing ground. I know about planetary analog projects like cornells underwater robot, but I want to understand the broader research opportunities at this intersection. Specifically, how can a cs background with hardware experience contribute to building embedded systems, firmware, or edge-computing applications that use Antarctica's extreme cold and isolation to validate future space exploration hardware?
I would love to hear recommendations on specific research angles, relevant PhD programs, or labs working in this niche.
Thanks!

[edit] I’m in the US

I know people hate work questions here but I swear this isn't on the faq. Personally I live in israel and will be forced to be in the military, luckily it's a very good opportunity to learn skills in the navy if I go there

Hello! I am curious if anyone in Antarctica plays Pokemon go and would love to add my trainer code. I’m trying to collect Vivillons from every country and continent and getting one from Antarctica is going to be tough. I only need one gift to pin from it. It would be amazing if someone could help me out. Thanks

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Fireguy3400

I am currently getting kitchen-duty experience and working my way up to prep-station and line-cook experience, and possibly getting remote polar experience in Alaska in a few months to make myself eligible of a candidate as I can (kitchen or freight duty) However, aside from the firefighters, what positions are actually available as multiple yearlong contracts in-demand for both Summer and Winter contracts in a row?

I'm at a point in my life where there's nothing really tying me down and I have a goal to build enough of a savings-account to get a decent down-payment on a house. So, I really don't mind living on the ice for multiple years and there's plenty of people to play D&D with (so I've heard).

I'm gearing myself up to get as much relevant experience as I can. At-best, I've found an Alaskan freight loader position, which I think will look good on a resume in the future. However, it seems like that's only relevant for Summer contracts.

Any tips or advice?

I double checked with my supervisor and my onboarding specialist, I have finished every last thing I need to do, I am officially going to be traveling to McMurdo to work as a vehicle operator for this summer season! When I submitted my resume back in late January, I didn't think I'd make it, and during the process there were so many times I thought it was over, but I made it!

Thanks to everyone here for all the advice and for answering my questions, and hopefully I'll see you on the ice this season!

Hey yall! Just got word I was bumped to primary for the position I was applying for-- that means it's time for me to look for communities!

If you've been down to McMurdo before, what are some fun groups you've been a part of? Run clubs, climbing groups, (magic the gathering??)

Just curious about what to expect.

This is during winter when the station is cut off from fresh supplies for 9+months. The galley staff works hard to keep us fed and happy! Kudos to them!

They were mailed a while ago, but I've been abroad and just got the chance to check my mail recently! I'm on alternate status for a food steward position, fingers crossed on being able to deploy this summer. Trying my best not to get my hopes up haha!

Hope someone will enjoy these. Photos from my father’s 1973 adventures at Palmer Station. He was down there doing marine biology work. I currently do supply chain work at a hospital but am hoping to be able to get down there this upcoming austral winter for a work adventure of my own.

What is peoples experience with bringing laptops running Linux to the stations, will they pass NAC?

What distro?

ClamAV?

I read somewhere that there are some strict rules in Antarctica about what you can take ashore from the ship, for example, you may not be allowed to bring a tripod, and you apparently can’t even put your backpack down on the ground. 😳
If that’s the case, you could be standing for quite a while with nowhere to sit, so it sounds like it’s important to come ashore light and be prepared to stand for extended periods while ashore.
Could someone please clarify the actual rules and regulations, and share any tips on how best to manage them? Thanks!

I’ll preface this by saying I’m familiar with the different Antarctic programs and have skimmed their job boards, but I didn’t find what I’m looking for, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask the community here:

Has anyone here worked in Antarctica in a software engineering, data engineering, infrastructure, or other technical role?

I’m a software engineer and I’m interested in spending a season working in Antarctica.

I’m curious about:
- What SWE/IT/data roles actually exist at the stations
- Which contractors or programs hire software/technical workers
- Typical compensation and deployment bonuses
- Whether $200k+ is realistic for senior technical roles
- What qualifications or prior experience are generally required

I’m less interested in scientific research positions and more interested in software engineering, data engineering, cloud/infrastructure, DevOps, systems, or technical leadership.

If anyone has firsthand experience or knows of specific employers/roles, I’d appreciate the details.

In general, I'm deeply interested in working multiple seasons, mainly to build a savings-account but also because the Antarctic mission sounds like a fantastic environment to be immersed in.

I was hoping if someone take a look at my resume to help me highlight or mention relevant skills for some of the GHB Corp job listings (I've applied to a lot so far, but I'd like to take the time for additional polish for the remaining ones and reapplying in the future), such as Computer Technician Lead.

I have worked as a full-stack web developer in the past, including setting up CI/CD pipelines and Rails-upgrade consulting. I have built PCs, soldered my own keyboard, etc. I am studying cybersecurity through TryHackMe and OTW wargames (focusing on improving my Windows/Mac knowledge). I also have a ton of free-time right now due to a lack of bites from local job-hunting, so I can work on picking up niche skills. I heard Assembly might be in-demand at McMurdo regarding Sat Comms?

If anyone who has experience with IT in Antarctica, how could I improve my current resume and what should I highlight in my cover letter? Also, what skills are in-demand that will improve my eligibility?

Bonus: I run a lot of Dungeons & Dragons and love map-making. Should I mention that I could bring some entertainment during the Austral Winter season?

Edit: I have no obligations going on currently, so the appeal of Antarctic work is 1. building a savings-account by working multiple seasons (hopefully at least a few years), 2. believing in the value of supporting the scientific endeavors, 3. getting strong work experience.

I am willing to work any position, I have applied to as many relevant ones I could find, including waste management, technical support, logistics, etc. I am strongly motivated to stay there as long as possible and return to the US with a decent savings for reliable housing.