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Let's get technical – working in Antarctica

As Australia's national weather provider, the Bureau has people and equipment in places you might not expect – such as Antarctica. Some key people in this specialised world are our technical officers. So what do they do and what's it like to work on the icy continent?

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The Bureau's work in Antarctica supports the scientific work of the Australian Antarctic Program. It also contributes to weather, marine and space weather information for Australia.

There are Bureau people at Mawson, Casey and Davis stations, and at subantarctic Macquarie Island. Some of them are meteorologists but more are technical officers.

To find out about the technical officer role and what it's like to work in Antarctica we spoke to Alana-Jayne Moore and Albert Petersen. Alana-Jayne worked at Macquarie Island (2020–21) and Mawson station (2022–23) – and returns to Macquarie Island in 2025. Albert worked at Mawson station in 2023–24.

Image: Alana-Jayne driving across sea ice at Mawson station.

What technical officers do

Technical officers look after our meteorological monitoring equipment and make sure it's in good working order. They also take weather observations (readings). The data collected is used in weather models, and informs forecasts and other analysis in Antarctica and elsewhere in Australia.

So, what does a typical work day look like?

Albert says, 'Every 3 hours we record synoptic observations including cloud height, type and cover. We look at the sky, write that data down and put it into the system.

'There's also a schedule of engineering maintenance tasks. Things like cleaning equipment, checking sensors and replacing consumables, such as filters.

'In the evening we prepare and release the weather balloon, then watch it ascend and make sure the data coming in is good.

'And we often work together and check each other's work – accurate data is the reason we're down there.'

Specific duties change depending on where you're stationed and what's happening. For example, some stations measure ozone while others don't. Some launch balloons once a day, some twice. Some record observations related to space weather or collect clean air samples for use in CSIRO research.

The regular tasks can change if there's a boat or plane due – bringing supplies, new staff or in the rare case of medical evacuation. Specific and timely observations are needed, such as the state of the sea or atmosphere en route that's needed for safe transit and arrival.

Alana-Jayne says, 'You could be starting at 4:00 am with half hourly observations because there's a plane leaving Hobart. They need an idea of whether they can get there or not'.

Supporting community life

In Antarctica, the community is small and self-reliant. You don't just take on your work role. You're trained to take on extra responsibilities that help the community function. Some examples are the firefighting and search and rescue teams, and growing food in the hydroponics lab.

As well as his day job, Albert was deputy station leader. Part of the brief is to monitor station morale. 'You try to understand where everyone's at and fix problems before they arise – keep your finger on the pulse and keep the station leader appraised'.

While there's a qualified doctor on station to deal with injury or illness, others help if needed. Alana-Jayne was on the surgical team and trained to assist in any procedures. 'It's mostly training but we did have to reset a broken ankle.' Happily, the patient made a full recovery.

Image: Albert (at right) driving across 2 m thick sea ice with Australian Antarctic Division colleagues. Credit: Jess Condon

Qualifications and experience

Depending on the level of the role, technical officers typically have qualifications in applied science, engineering, electronics and related fields. They also have experience working in similar roles and remote environments.

Alana-Jayne has a Bachelor of Science and has been at the Bureau for 13 years. She worked in various remote mainland locations as a weather observer before her first stint in Antarctica. She has a certificate of electronics and has kept up to date with the ever-evolving meteorological equipment through technical training on the job.

Albert has a background in electronics with a Cert III in engineering, a diploma of electronics and another in environmental management. He also worked at the Bureau, collecting the set of our most remote postings. Besides Antarctica, those are at Giles in the Gibson Desert and Willis Island in the Coral Sea. And he's worked in other remote technical roles. These include mining in central Queensland and maintaining hydrographic sensors across rural NSW, northern Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Anyone going to Antarctica undergoes Australian Antarctic Division assessment for personal suitability to join a remote small community.

What to do when you're not working

When work is over for the day, it's time to experience Antarctica! People explore around the station or join a field trip to different points of interest, such as huts or wildlife colonies. On Macquarie Island, when conditions are favourable, staff can hike the island's paths alone, dodging animals on the way.

Wherever you are, the wildlife is a big drawcard – seals and penguins abound. Alana-Jayne says, 'Going to the Auster penguin colony was surreal. You're on the frozen ocean with huge icebergs around you and thousands of emperor penguins.

'They're so graceful and so curious. You sit there silently watching them for a couple of hours – or as long as you can stand the -20 °C temperature!'

Image: Alana-Jayne visits the Auster emperor penguin colony near Mawson station.

Another natural wonder occurs overhead. The majestic display of the aurora australis lights up the night sky like nowhere else in the world.

Albert describes the aurora as one of his personal highlights. 'We had a capsized iceberg right in the harbour and the landscape was incredible.

'The aurora started behind the iceberg, exploding out – it was like seeing real magic'.

Video: Albert's time lapse of the aurora australis near Mawson station.

The Antarctic stations have plenty of indoor entertainment too. From movies to the internet to gym equipment, there's always something to do. There are planned activities, like a murder mystery night or the midwinter feast. Informal video nights spring up. Albert says they watched their way through all seasons of Stranger Things on Monday nights, complete with popcorn and chips.

People bring down equipment to practice their hobbies and teach them to others. For example, making belts, knives, boxes, inlaid timber – even 3D printing!

More information

Our technical officer roles are now open. Applications close 19 January 2025.

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Find out more about our jobs in Antarctica.

Frozen forecasts: meteorology in Antarctica.