Scott Base Leader - Winter

Mo tatou | About us - What we do

Our role at Antarctica New Zealand is to support world-leading science and environmental protection in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Scott Base is the hub of New Zealand's activities in Antarctica and each year we employ seasonal staff to manage base activity and support science in the field.

Mō te mahi | About the role - What you'll be doing This role oversees all operations at Scott Base during the winter months, including overall team leadership and welfare, winter asset maintenance activities and preparation of field equipment. It involves front-line management, adjusting activities and processes as needed to ensure safe and efficient operations. As Base Leader during the winter, you'll guide the team of 12 staff to maintain the base assets and prepare the resources for the upcoming season. We are seeking interest from individuals interested in committing to the 10 months from January 2027 – October 2027. There would be a brief training period for the role in August/September 2026 with the wider team.

Key Responsibilities Include:

· Effective leadership of the team, including the establishment and maintenance of a respectful, positive team culture at Scott Base.

· Management and coordination of the summer operational season including hospitality services, base asset and maintenance work, field activities, engineering/construction projects and other activities.

· Championing the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) system.

· Communicating effectively with stakeholders, including science and event personnel, and other National Antarctic programs.

Mōu | About you - What you'll bring

We operate in one of the most remote locations in the globe, so our team needs to work well together, focus on safety and integrate successfully into the small community lifestyle. You are a highly motivated individual with exemplary leadership and communication skills and possess a natural ability to adapt and remain resilient.

Required Skills and Experience Include:

· At least 5 years operational leadership experience in a dynamic or challenging environment.

· Proven ability to build relationships and maintain strong, collaborative teams.

· Thorough understanding of health, safety, and environmental management, including hazard identification and mitigation and the ability to lead an incident response if required.

· Demonstrated ability to remain calm and logical in high-pressure situations and make difficult decisions that impact teams and individuals.

Tono mai ināianei | Apply now: This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of an organisation with a real and tangible purpose - for further details and to view a role description click apply.

Applications close 12pm, 15 March 2026

For any questions, please contact people@antarcticanz.govt.nz

One of Antarctica New Zealand's core values is 'we care for each other and the environment'. We actively encourage applications from all cultures, beliefs and backgrounds and are committed to ensuring our culture is welcoming, accessible, equitable and safe for all. The successful candidate will undergo pre-employment checks including medical assessment. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.