A quick run-down of the plan and some frequently asked questions!
Who are you?
I’m a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, and I’ve worked a variety of IT and IT-adjacent jobs in the past. I’ve always been a fan of remote infrastructure, logistics, and energy systems, so Antarctica (or thereabouts) has been on my radar for a while.
Where are you working?
The contract I’ve signed is at McMurdo Station, which is the largest of the 3 main US research stations in Antarctica. It’s located 2,415 miles south of Christchurch, NZ. During the summer, the station population can reach over 1,000 people. McMurdo is the main logistics hub for the majority of US science operations in Antarctica.
What is your actual job in Antarctica?
It’s my first time deploying, so I’m not going to get overly-prescriptive about something I know little about.
I’m working on one of the IT teams at McMurdo Station.
How did you get this job?
I’ve been applying since 2017! It took 1,792 days since my first application until I heard back. From there, it was a series of interviews and then a gauntlet of onboarding tasks.
How long will you be in Antarctica?
Most contracts like this, including mine, are seasonal. The contract I’ve signed runs from August 2022 through February 2023, which includes both Winfly and Summer.
August 2022 is Winfly, short for Winter Fly-in, which is a period of logistics activity to prep the station for summer science.
October 2022 is the start of Summer, known as Mainbody, which is the bustling summer science season.
February 2023 is when all the summer folks go home, and the station transitions into winter mode, with reduced staffing and projects.
How do you get there?
Flights to McMurdo go through Christchurch, NZ. The United States Antarctic Program maintains a considerable logistics presence there. I fly commercial to Christchurch, and then on a USAP-managed flight to McMurdo.
Is there Internet?
Yes, but it’s slow. Everything is over satellites, with limited bandwidth. I have email access, I can make outgoing phone calls, and of course there’s this silly blog.
Can you send me a postcard?
If I already know you in real life, maybe! Email me. Unfortunately I’m not able to send postcards to people I don’t already know.
Can I mail you stuff?
If I already know you in real life, maybe!
Mail is a bit nuanced (packages vs flats, APO customs declarations, prohibited items, timeline considerations, etc.) so please: no unsolicited mail.
Are there penguins?
Yes, probably not in downtown McMurdo, but likely nearby.
Can you pet a penguin?
No, the Antarctic Treaty System is very clear on this matter.
I want a steady supply of penguin photos!
Unfortunately you’re more likely to get a steady supply of tedious posts about infrastructure.
Will you promise to at least take one photo of a penguin?
Fine, I promise to take and share at least one (1) photo of a penguin, if the opportunity arises.
