Women are being encouraged to apply for expeditioner roles with the Australian Antarctic Division as the organisation aims to increase diversity at its remote outposts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The division on Thursday opened recruitment for some 150 positions, ranging from chefs and plumbers to aerodrome managers, at Australia's Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations for 2023/24.
An external review of the culture at Australia's Antarctic research stations, commissioned by the division and released in September, found a widespread culture of sexual harassment.
The division pledged to implement 42 of the report's recommendations and said the organisation was working with specialists in culture and had already made improvements.
"A significant focus for the AAD at present is increasing diversity in our program," AAD organisational psychologist and recruitment specialist Maree Riley told reporters.
"In particular, we're very keen to have more applications from women this season, particularly across our trade roles."
There are 32 different jobs on offer at Davis, Mawson and Casey research stations, and on Macquarie Island.
AAD project officer Lisa Wilkinson spent three seasons in Antarctica as an electrician before taking up a role at head office south of Hobart.
"What kept me going back were the awesome people I met who came from all over Australia with cool skills and backgrounds," she said.
"It's an opportunity to feel part of something bigger and greater.
"I am an electrician but being in the Australian Antarctic Program allows me to contribute to science both in a direct and indirect way."
Ms Riley said expeditioners would undertake four to six-month postings in summer and up to 12 months in winter.
She said the division puts significant effort into hiring the right people and has an extensive selection process.
"They have a really important role in supporting Australia's scientific endeavours in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean," she said.
"It's an amazing and unique experience to live and work in a small community."
Australian Associated Press