Communications Technician Lead - McMurdo, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2026)

Note: If you would like to be considered for more than one position or position tier, please individually apply for all positions that you are interested in.  One application submitted for a specific position does not automatically include you to be considered for all positions that you may be qualified to perform.

Provide direct supervision and daily tasking of the Communications Technicians. Will be responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining the various communications systems at USAP stations. The Lead position provides guidance and assistance in the maintenance of land mobile radio systems, microwave backhaul communications, handheld radios, pagers, VHF wireline, and UHF radiotelephones. Position will assist science events as required in troubleshooting of science equipment. This position shall be capable of supervising and directing the activities of technicians as required for both in town and out in the field.

• →Develop project schedules and assigns tasks to team members.
• →Lead the communication technicians assigned to specific projects in technical matters.
• →Prepare management progress and project status reports.
• →Assist the Communications Supervisor with project design, development, and implementation.
• →Handle confidential matters (personnel actions, management reports, etc.) in accordance with management policy.
• →Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the work place.
• →Install, maintain, program, and repair VHF/UHF remote repeater radio systems.
• →Install, maintain, program, and repair VHF land mobile, base station, and hand-held radios.
• →Maintain, program, and repair low power manpack style HF and transceivers.
• →Install, maintain, and program high power rack mounted HF exciters and receivers.
• →Assist antenna riggers in installation and testing of broad-spectrum radio antenna systems. 
• →Assist Communications Supervisor in annual departmental inventory and re-supply ordering. 
• →All other duties as assigned.

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required. Continued education in technical courses pertaining to communication electronics preferred.
• Strong organizational, verbal/written communication skills and leadership ability required.
• Minimum four years of experience maintaining radio communications systems is required.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair electronics equipment down to the component level is required.
• Minimum two years of experience in a Lead or Supervisory role if external candidate, or show significant supervisory inclinations on the job if internal candidate.
• Minimum two years of experience maintaining digital communications equipment preferred.
• Must have a solid understanding of logical and systematic RF troubleshooting techniques. 
• Must have an excellent command of computers and software used in modern radio communications for systems control and equipment programming. 
• Familiarity with the use of voltmeters and associated radio/electronics test equipment, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF power meters is required.
• Familiarity with electronics equipment cabling and standard installation wiring practices is required.
• Familiarity with wireless backhaul systems is preferred.
• Experience with HF radio equipment and systems preferred.
• Experience with paging systems and protocols a plus.
• Familiarity with solar power and small wind turbines a plus.

• Deployment will be required in this position at discretion of management. 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.
• Complies with applicable USAP/ASC safety, environmental, health, and waste management policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work in possibly a stressful and cold environment with of 6 months of daylight.
• Individual must be capable of lifting up to 60 pounds and walking with equipment up to mile.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Performance Management
• Ethical Conduct
• Attention to detail

• 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.
• Performance Period: Oct 2026 - Feb 2027