Communications Technician, Sr. - South Pole, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2026)

Note: If you would like to be considered for more than one position or position tier, please individually apply for all positions that you are interested in. One application submitted for a specific position does not automatically include you to be considered for all positions that you may be qualified to perform.

Responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining the various communications systems at USAP stations. These systems include radio, microwave communications, CATV, handheld radios, pagers, etc. Position will assist science events as required in the setup and troubleshooting of science equipment. This position shall also be capable of supervising and directing the activities of other technicians as required when working on specific projects or activities as a team.

• →Must have a solid understanding of logical and systematic troubleshooting techniques.
• →Must have an excellent command of computers and software used in modern radio communications for systems control and equipment programming.
• →Install, maintain, and repair H/F radio equipment and systems.
• →Install, maintain, program, and repair VHF land mobile, base station, and hand-held radios. Install, program, maintain, and repair paging systems.
• →Perform maintenance and repair of power regulation systems and UPS units.
• →Install, maintain, program, and repair VHF/UHF remote repeater radio systems.
• →Assist antenna riggers in installation testing of broad-spectrum radio antenna systems.
• →Perform annual VSWR tests on USAP antenna systems.
• →Maintain L-band/C-band satellite communications systems.
• →Maintain analog and digital microwave radio equipment, associated multiplex, and order wire systems.
• →Install and maintain analog to digital and digital to analog interface equipment.
• →Assist Communications Supervisor in annual departmental inventory and re-supply ordering. Assist project engineering in installing and testing new communications systems.
• →Maintain and install remote hybrid power generation equipment. Assist in maintaining facilities at remote locations.
• →Organize and lead traverses to and from remote field sites.
• →Acts as a senior partner with communication technicians.
• →Ensure that work areas meet all ASC and USAP safety standards.
• →Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the work place.
• →All other duties as assigned.

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required. Continued education in technical courses pertaining to communication electronics preferred.
• Minimum four years of experience maintaining radio communications systems is required.
• Minimum two years of experience maintaining digital communications equipment preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair electronics equipment down to the component level is required.
• Familiarity with the use of voltmeters and associated radio/electronics test equipment, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF power meters is required. Familiarity with electronics equipment cabling and standard installation wiring practices is required.
• Experience with paging systems and protocols preferred. Familiarity with solar power and small wind turbines is preferred. Familiarity with wireless LAN systems is -a plus.

• Deployment will be required in this position. The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations, and psychological examination, as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.
• Complies with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work in possibly a stressful and cold environment with 6 months of darkness and 6 months of light.
• Individual must be capable of operating a standard desktop computer; must be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Performance Management
• Ethical Conduct
• Thoroughness

• This is a full-time, seasonal position located in Antarctica.
• All expenses paid while on-ice meals, lodging, medical, gear, travel to and from Antarctica.
• Performance Period: Oct 2026 - Feb 2027