Description
The United States Antarctic Program has an opening for a Field Camp Assistant supporting National Science Foundation-funded field science on the Antarctic Peninsula. This a dynamic position working in remote locations to prepare for and assist camp operations for field scientists .This is a contractual position, physically strenuous for short and intense bursts. The candidate must be able to deploy to remote locations: either our cargo hub of Punta Arenas, Chile, or via USAP support vessels to areas along the Antarctic Peninsula for day trips or multi-day camping. The person in this position must have an active resume leading remote camping groups, be capable of lifting up to 35lbs, and pass a national security background check. In the event of funded NSF funded science field groups: willing and able to pass medical pre-qualification process.
Primary Responsibilities:
Travel to Punta Arenas Chile for 3 weeks each/ twice a year (Oct/Nov and again April/May) to perform the following functions:
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Organize, prep and pack expedition gear for day trips up to multi-week camping trips in Antarctic conditions .
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Assist with cargo movements including packaging, labeling, weighing, and palletizing, as well as lifting, hauling and carrying and securing.
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Assist with routine end-of-season cleaning and maintenance of camp equipment.
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Maintain and repair camping and mountaineering gear at end of season in-shop or complete field-repairs in-situ as needed.
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Help guide, train and work worth scientists of varying levels of camping and outdoor experience on safe field practices and USAP procedures.
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In the event of funded science expeditions in outyears 2027/28, 28/29.
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Be able to lead a full camp set-up/take-down including: moving cargo, setting up tents, cooking station, waste station, fueling areas, medical area, etc. according to USAP standards.
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Assist with daily camp chores to maintain a safe, healthy and hygienic environment including: waste sorting and management according to environmental standards, haul or melt snow for water, cook meals, dish washing and galley duties, charge communications devices, etc.
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May operate snow machines, ATV’s, generators and other small machinery.
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Familiarity and ability to perform daily communications check-ins via a variety of devices/methods: Iridium, HF radio, VFH radio, Starlink.
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Assist with moving and carrying scientific samples as needed.
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Maintain a positive work environment in order to achieve a safe scientific expedition.
Basic Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED
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Two years of combined experience is required in any of the following areas: expedition outfitting in polar climates or high altitude winter settings, National Park service positions, outdoor education, and/or guiding services.
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Familiarity with working on or maintaining field camp gear.
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Experience working on or from ships, sea kayaking, sailing or other maritime pursuits.
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Basic navigational skills and able to operate a GPS.
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Wilderness First Responder Certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in science: geology, marine, biology, ecology.
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Experience with operating and maintenance of engines: ATV and snow machines, generators.
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Commercial sewing skills.
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Backpacking, climbing and mountaineering particularly in high latitude or polar climates.
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Vessel experience: sailing, small boats, commercial, or research.
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Spanish language skills or proficiency.
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Experience with Outward Bound, NOLS or another outdoor leadership school.
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W-EMT or equivalent.
*** Deployment to Antarctica may be required at the discretion of management (approximately 3 to 8 weeks / year). 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. ***
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July 17, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range $52,000.00 - $94,000.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
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