This role supports the movement of cargo and passengers to and from McMurdo and South Pole Stations in Antarctica. The specialist ensures efficient, safe, and compliant transportation operations in one of the most remote environments on Earth.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform daily inspections and maintenance on material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, Delta III vehicles, and transport trucks.
- Operate forklifts with lifting capacities between 4,000 and 15,000 pounds to load and unload cargo aircraft and sleds.
- Prepare and secure cargo on standardized 463L Air Force pallets, following current USAF and military transport regulations.
- Handle hazardous materials, mail, baggage, and special cargo in compliance with safety and security protocols.
- Transport freight between airfields, storage zones, and end users, verifying contents against manifests and reporting discrepancies.
- Inspect cargo and equipment for damage, reporting issues promptly and preparing damaged items for return shipment to CONUS or Christchurch.
- Maintain tie-down gear including straps, nets, chains, and tensioners through regular inventory and preventative upkeep.
- Ensure all operations prioritize safety, participating in routine safety meetings and adhering to strict workplace standards.
- Support community initiatives such as station cleanup, recycling, and shared responsibilities to maintain station living conditions.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support logistics and operational continuity.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of six months of experience in aircraft cargo handling, equipment operation, or logistics recordkeeping; or completion of one Austral Summer season as an ATS Apprentice.
- U.S. Citizenship is required for facility access and credentialing.
- Ability and willingness to deploy to Antarctica for extended durations.
- Pass medical, dental, drug screening, and federal background checks as mandated by the National Science Foundation and employer.
- Valid U.S.-issued driver’s license.
- Physical capability to lift heavy loads, climb in and out of machinery, crawl, and work outdoors in extreme cold.
- Ability to obtain and maintain site-specific credentials.
Preferred Background
- Experience in logistics operations in remote or isolated environments.
Work Environment
Position is onsite at either McMurdo Station or South Pole Station, Antarctica. Work is conducted outdoors in extreme cold with strict adherence to safety and team-based operational standards. A strong commitment to workplace safety and community participation is essential.
