Winter Site Manager (Palmer Station, Antarctica)

Leidos; United States; On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract seeks a Palmer Winter Site Manager to deploy to Palmer Station for six months during the austral winter. You will lead on-site operations, support science and project activities, and resolve resource conflicts while coordinating with the Peninsula Area Manager.

The role requires US citizenship and ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance, with deployment planning lasting several months prior to start date.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of experience; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years supporting or managing remote location operations in matrixed organizations.
• Broad management and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Deploy to Palmer Station, Antarctica for austral winter (approx. 6 months).
• Lead on-site activities to support science, projects and operations.
• Resolve resource conflicts and ensure station safety and compliance.

Skills

Remote location operations

Leadership

High-stakes coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Palmer Winter Site Manager

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract is seeking an experienced remote site manager to work in the US Antarctic Program supporting Palmer Station. The seasonal position requires deployment to Palmer Station for 6 months during the austral winter season.

This is an alternate position and requires the same Physical Qualification and Extended Background Investigation requirements as the primary. In the event the primary cannot deploy, the alternate will be ready to take their place at any time leading up to and during the winter season.

The Palmer Winter Site Manager is a critical part of the Leadership team reporting to the Peninsula Area Manager. This position manages the activities and operations for Palmer Station during their deployment. The role deploys to Palmer Station during the austral winter and leads on-site activities there for six months. While deployed, this position is responsible for day-to-day operations in support of science, projects, and sustaining operations. They work to resolve resource conflicts on station to focus efforts on highest priority activities.

• Deployment to Antarctica is required for this position - approximately 6 months per year during the Austral winter. The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations and Extended Background Investigations, 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.

Due To Contract Requirements, US Citizenship Is Required.

Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.

Your greatest work is ahead!

About The Antarctic Support Contract

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:

• Vision: Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.
• Mission: To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines. The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract.

The Challenge

• Reports to the Peninsula Area Manager and Palmer Station Manager.
• Deploys to Palmer Station, Antarctica for the Austral Winter season, approximately March to October.
• Ensures the Annual Program Plan and other station activities are completed as planned, and that concerns and obstacles are communicated as needed.
• Is available 24/7 while deployed to respond to station emergencies, personnel issues or other incidents.
• Ensures reporting responsibilities are met, including support of National Science Foundation (NSF), Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) management and subcontractor program managers.
• Works directly with Environmental Health and Safety department and Safety Manager to continuously improve safety culture, decrease frequency of injuries and property damage, and ensure a safe working environment for everyone.
• Ensures compliance with the Antarctic Treaty, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, the Antarctic Conservation Act, and other governing legislation
• Identifies and manages risk and opportunities for Palmer Station.
• Monitors project progress and resolves resource conflicts.
• Serves as lead USAP representative while deployed.
• Supports supervisors, managers and SMEs in communicating with station and stakeholders from all agencies.
• Works with Leidos HR on personnel issues; oversees implementation of Leidos disciplinary action.
• Effectively communicates with the Palmer Station Community to integrate and implement program changes and priorities.
• Facilitates station meetings to proactively discuss concerns, challenges, obstacles and resource conflicts.
• Be informed and engaged with behavioral and other personnel issues, in order to resolve or address these issues consistently within ASC.
• Manages alcohol policy on station, in conjunction with Station Services leadership.
• Serves as Emergency Operations Center (EOC) lead when emergencies arise.
• Ensures adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Handles confidential matters in accordance with management policy.
• Supports an inclusive and harassment-free workplace for all personnel on station while upholding Leidos values.

What Sets You Apart

• Bachelor's degree and at least 8+ years of experience, equivalent experience in lieu of degree is considered
• 5+ years supporting or managing remote location operations, specifically leading remote teams and operations, in matrixed multi-skilled organizations
• Broad management and leadership experience
• Ability to execute independently in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

You May Also Have

• Experience managing international or global programs, remote sites, and harsh work environments
• Antarctic, Arctic or remote cold region field safety experience is preferred

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting

August 6, 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

Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.