Frequently asked questions
Applications for the upcoming season at Port Lockroy are now closed. They will open again in spring, 2025. Before then, we know you may have questions about your eligibility to apply, the application process and the realities of living and working in Antarctica. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions.
1. Can international candidates apply?
We encourage applications from international candidates. However, all applicants must be resident in the UK by the start date of team selection (see below) and everyone we employ must have the right to work in the UK. You will be asked to provide documentation at the interview stage to prove your right to work, which may include passports, indefinite leave to remain, visas, or any other supporting documents.
The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust does NOT sponsor visa applications; therefore, you must ensure you currently have the right to work in the UK when you apply for these roles.
Please visit this website before applying if you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen.
2. Does it matter if I don’t live in the UK?
All applicants for Port Lockroy must be residents in the UK by the start date of team selection. For operational and financial reasons, UKAHT is unable to facilitate or reimburse travel for Port Lockroy team members that reside outside of the United Kingdom. No exceptions will be considered, including self-payment of travel expenses.
3. Application opening date
Recruitment for the upcoming season will open soon. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn for announcements.
4. Deadlines, selection and interview
- Closing date for applications: 18 March 2024
- Online interview: early April 2024
- Team selection weekend: 7-9 May 2024
- Meet the team training: 8-11 August 2024
- Pre-deployment training, Cambridge, UK: 16-27 September 2024
- Service in Antarctica: late October/early November 2024 until the end of March 2025
5. How many people are we looking for and what roles?
The team structure for the upcoming season is yet to be announced, however, the team usually consists of a base leader, shop manager and general assistants.
More information will be advertised soon.
6. How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted through our jobs portal.
7. I need more information. Who do I contact?
If you have any further questions please email: jobs@ukaht.org
8. Can couples apply?
Couples are welcome to apply. However, you will need to apply individually. We do not consider you as a pair and each candidate will be judged on their own merits. It is therefore possible that one of you may be offered the job and the other not. Obviously, in that scenario, you can decide as a couple whether to accept or withdraw.
9. What is the minimum/maximum age for Port Lockroy applicants?
All applicants must be over the age of 18 years. There is no maximum age limit, but applicants must be physically fit. There is a lot of physical work at Port Lockroy and all team members are expected to contribute equally. This includes: carrying 20-litre jerry cans of water, lifting and carrying 15kg boxes, digging a LOT of snow every day, cutting steps in snow/ice for safe visitor landings, and unloading boats on slippery rocks. While candidates do not need to be athletes, they do need to be strong and resilient to undertake these tasks daily for several months.
Successful applicants will be required to undertake a medical assessment with our Occupational Health experts, as well as their own GP, which will include a review of their medical history.
10. Covid-19 at Port Lockroy
- We will do everything we can to ensure Port Lockroy remains COVID-free and that staff are deployed safely and responsibly.
- You will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, using the most recent guidance from the government and our Occupational Health advisors.
