Zoological Field Assistant - Antarctica

We offer generous benefits

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Zoological Field Assistant to join our amazing team based in Antarctica. BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!

Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK

Working at BAS is rewarding. The UK’s polar research effort is critically important for understanding environmental issues that affect everyone. This is an opportunity to do what may seem like an ordinary job in the most extraordinary place on Earth.

Zoological Field Assistants will sit within the Ecosystems team at the British Antarctic Survey. The Ecosystems team works across a wide variety of taxa and processes to understand the biological processes of life within the Antarctic environment. The research goal of Ecosystems is to understand the combined global climate inspired change and commercial fishing on polar marine ecosystems. The team is made of three groups: Ocean Ecosystems, Higher Predators, and Conservation & Management. Zoological Field Assistants will primarily sit within the Higher Predators Group but will have opportunity to work with researchers from all groups.

You’ll work at Bird Island for 18 months preparing, collecting, and recording seal and seabird data for the long-term monitoring science programme. You will also assist with other elements of the research programme as required.

Within the role, there will be an opportunity to develop a wide range of research skills that are used frequently throughout the research work environment. Skills are also highly transferable and will allow Zoological Field Assistants to pursue careers however they wish following a deployment.

Employment to the Antarctic Employment Pool (AEP) will allow candidates to redeploy either to Bird Island or other Antarctic bases under a range of roles following a successful completion of their contract.

You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting talented people like you giving you the support, you need to thrive at BAS. Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating and spectacular workplaces you could imagine.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring of either Antarctic fur seals, albatross, penguins, or petrels
• Investigating demography, breeding success, population size and diet of the relevant animal
• Collecting project data for BAS scientists and visiting researchers

The primary research programme at Bird Island is the long-term monitoring programme which investigates the life history patterns and demographics of higher predators at Bird Island. This long running project is exploring the long-term trends in populations of albatrosses, penguins, petrels, skuas, and fur seals to inform management of these species at a local and international level. Frequently, further research projects are undertaken at Bird Island and Zoological Field Assistants are expected to help and contribute to these projects and can often include GPS or satellite tracking, behavioural assays, and environmental sampling.

For the role of Zoological Field Assistant we are looking for somebody who:

• Has an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences/Ecology/Zoology or similar to have been awarded by the interview date
• Has wild bird/animal handling experience in the field
• Is proficient in the use of IT equipment
• Is self-motivated and can work unsupervised
• Is physically fit and capable of carrying out fieldwork in rugged terrain

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

What we offer:

As a valued employee, you’ll be eligible for benefits including an end of contract payment upon completion of a successful assignment in Antarctica, annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme with NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) and access to 24 hours/365 days per year employee assistance programme. In addition, you will be provided with pre-deployment training and accommodation costs. All food, accommodation and polar clothing during Antarctic deployment will also be provided.

What experiences can we offer you?

At BAS we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.

Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That’s the power of every individual. Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment and excellence.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.