Field Coordinator in Cambridge

Contract type: Antarctic Employment Pool - Fixed-Term Appointment - between 12 and 18 months

Location: Antarctica

Interview Date: w/c 27th April 2026. Panel and practical interview in Cambridge

Purpose

British Antarctic Survey is looking for practical, organised and experienced individuals to work as Field Coordinators in Antarctica. Field Coordinators run the logistics hubs, fuel depots and static field camps that support the BAS field programme. In addition, they deliver BAS specific field training alongside preparing and maintaining field equipment. Field coordinators will work at and maintain stations, at Sky Blu, Fossil Bluff and other deep field locations, and must be prepared to spend extended periods of time in the field. They will coordinate operations at these sites to ensure the safe effective running of the field logistics network. Field coordinators must have significant experience of managing groups in remote, hazardous environments and should have spent significant time in polar (or similar) environments. Previous experience of BAS or other Polar programmes is desirable, as is experience of camp management in a polar environment.

Duties

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all field personnel and manage all hazards in the field.
• Ensure all fieldwork is carried out safely and efficiently following the appropriate BAS procedures.
• Organise and staff forward operating bases, remote field camps and depots.
• Provide support to aircraft operations such as weather observations, refuelling and cargo movements.
• Provide direct support to science projects close to the station and deep field when appropriate.
• Provision of a Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) for aircraft operations.
• Coordinate the initial response to incidents at field sites as they arise.
• Report problems to the Field Operations Manager when they arise.
• Deliver training in survival skills, camp craft and personal management in the field.
• Prepare and maintain equipment in the field, including tents, sledges, snowmobiles & generators, where practical.
• Renovate and prepare field equipment, such as stoves, tents and sledges, pre- and post-deployment.
• Organise cargo movements to and from the field, including completing load sheets, identifying dangerous goods and using cargo tracking systems.
• Carry out stock takes, assist in the procurement of field equipment and supplies, and maintain asset and stock management systems.
• Prepare and consign additional food and equipment requested by parties in the field through the Field Party Request system.
• Create and update standard operating procedures and associated documentation with support from managers.
• Support aircraft operations by providing weather observations, ground support and RFFS.
• Undertake general duties as required by the Field Operations Manager and/or Station Leader, which could include building maintenance, decorating, cargo work, and ship operations.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Group leadership and management in remote environments
• Polar camp craft skills or equivalent experience
• Camp management and group catering in the field
• Manual handling and the ability to lift, push and pull required loads
• Practical skills/background
• Able to dynamically identify hazards and apply appropriate mitigations and safe systems of work
• Able to lead an incident response at a field camp level
• Competent with word processing and spreadsheet software
• Able to write reports and use stock control software such as MAXIMO
• Problem-solving abilities both practical and theoretical
• Able to work to a variable operational tempo with no fixed hours and manage fatigue
• Ability to manage stock and resources
• Able to work with limited management oversight
• Proactively identifies tasks and able to prioritise and manage many competing demands
• Effective communications to team and station (sometimes remotely e.g., over HF Radio)
• Ability to make appropriate decisions about field safety in remote and hazardous environments
• Able to make decisions in conjunction with other members of staff (both on-site and remote) and autonomously as required
• One-to-one, as well as strong team working
• Able to organise people and equipment
• Ability to work as part of a small remote team for extended periods of time
• An understanding of group dynamics and conflict resolution
• Previous experience of physically demanding work
• Must be physically fit enough to cope with the working environment in Antarctica and pass a BAS medical
• UK Mountain Leader, Winter Mountain Leader, IML or equivalent outdoor leadership qualifications
• Wilderness first aid
• Experience setting up and maintaining skiing and Snowboarding equipment
• Experience working around aircraft and providing ground support
• Experience using radio and satellite communications equipment
• Experience of polar field work and logistics
• Operation of large vehicles, such as telescopic handler and tractor
• Experience of writing and updating risk assessments
• Experience responding to incidents and developing contingency plans in remote environments
• Teaching Experience, delivering practical and classroom-based outdoor skills training

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during employment.