Communications Technician - McMurdo, 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.

Job Purpose

Responsible for learning and troubleshooting the various communications systems at USAP stations. These systems include land mobile radio systems, microwave backhaul communications, handheld radios, pagers, VHF wireline, and UHF radiotelephones. This position shall also be capable collaborating activities of other techs, team lead, and antenna riggers as required when working on specific projects or activities as a team. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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. 
• Maintain, program, and repair low power manpack style HF and transceivers.
• Install, maintain, and program high power rack mounted HF exciters and receivers.
• 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.   
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program.
• Install, maintain, program, and repair VHF/UHF remote repeater radio systems.
• Assist antenna riggers in installation and testing of broad-spectrum radio antenna systems. 
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace. 
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• HS diploma or equivalent required. Continued education in technical courses pertaining to communication electronics preferred. 
• Minimum two years of experience maintaining radio communications systems is required.  Electronics and troubleshooting competency may be accepted in lieu of experience.
• Minimum two years of experience maintaining digital communications equipment preferred. 
• Familiarity with the use of voltmeters and electronics test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF power meters is required.
• Familiarity with electronics equipment cabling and standard installation wiring practices is required.
• Familiarity with wireless backhaul systems is preferred.
• Experience with HF radio equipment and systems preferred.
• Experience with paging systems and protocols a plus.
• Familiarity with solar power and small wind turbines a plus.

Competencies

• Technical Capacity.
• Organizational Skills.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.

Physical Requirements

• Deployment will be required in this position. The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations 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.

Position Expectations

• 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

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer as defined by the EEOC