Antenna Rigger - McMurdo, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2025)

GHG Corporation; Palmer (Fayette County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking skilled antenna riggers for an exciting full-time seasonal role in Antarctica. This unique opportunity involves ensuring the safe installation and maintenance of various antenna systems while working in extreme conditions. Candidates will engage in technical rigging, climbing towers, and performing inspections to uphold safety standards. With all expenses covered during deployment, including meals and lodging, this position offers a chance to experience the breathtaking Antarctic landscape while contributing to vital communication infrastructure. If you are ready for an adventure and possess the required skills, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

All expenses paid while on-ice

Meals provided

Lodging provided

Medical coverage

Travel to and from Antarctica covered

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• Must possess current Tower Climbing Certification.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain various antenna systems and power generation sites.
• Perform annual inspections and ensure safety standards are met.

Skills

Technical Rigging

Safety Standards Knowledge

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Education

Tower Climbing Certification

Experience in Technical Rigging or Structural Steel Installation

Tools

Welding Equipment

Heavy Equipment

Standard Desktop Computer

Job description

Job Purpose

Ensure safe installation and maintenance of all guyed towers, freestanding towers, and antenna support structures in the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). The antenna riggers also install and maintain necessary coaxial cable, connectors on coaxial cabling, maintenance, and repairs of antenna radomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Install and perform maintenance on various solar and wind-turbine power generation sites throughout the Antarctic continent.
• Install and maintain USAP HF, UHFNHF, microwave, and satellite antenna systems.
• Develop and fabricate systems for securely installing antennae and other tower-mounted hardware.
• Design and install technical rigging and rope-access systems.
• Perform annual inspections and maintenance on antenna systems at USAP facilities: Palmer, South Pole, McMurdo, and deep field sites.
• Maintain inventory and assist with re-supply.
• Ensure that work areas meet all ASC and USAP safety standards.
• Frequently climb towers up to 150 feet in height to perform all normal rigging duties as required.
• Frequently lift 40 pounds.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the workplace.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• Must possess current Tower Climbing Certification.
• Minimum of two years experience with technical rigging (tower or rope access) or minimum of three years experience installing structural steel.
• Knowledge of all safety aspects of high angle construction and technical rigging is necessary.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with metal working/fabricating, including welding, cutting, drilling, grinding, and bending and proper use of relevant equipment.
• Experience with construction and anchoring techniques in rock, snow, and ice.
• Experience with electrical installation and wiring.
• Experience working with cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Familiarity with OSHA approved fall restraint and fall arrest systems and similar devices required to work safely above the ground.
• Wilderness or other Medical First Responder training.

Competencies

• Technical Capacity.
• Organizational Skills.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.

Physical Requirements

• Deployment will be required in this position. 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 the withdrawal of the employment offer or other employment action.
• Complies with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work in possibly a stressful and cold environment with 6 months of darkness and 6 months of light.
• Individual must be capable of operating a standard desktop computer; must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Position Expectations

• This is a full-time, seasonal position located in Antarctica.
• All expenses paid while on-ice; meals, lodging, medical, gear, travel to and from Antarctica.
• Candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.
• Performance Period: October 2025-February 2026.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer as defined by the EEOC.