Communications Coordinator- McMurdo, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2026)

Duties and responsibilities

• The Communications Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management of field issued equipment and training to end users. This includes managing inventories of field gear as it is issued and returned, ensuring field gear is prepared to be deployed, and that field parties are properly trained on the use, care for, limitations and handling of this equipment. Including but not limited to VHF handheld radios, VHF receive only pagers, Satellite Phones, and low-power HF manpacks.
• Responsible for identifying short-falls in field equipment throughout the Austral summer deployment season, and ensuring that failed equipment is moved to the maintenance process for repair.
• Oversees the McMurdo Pager inventory including the programming and management of physical pagers. 
• This position provides USAP participant training via the Field Communications Courses and provides overall administrative support for the McMurdo Communications department.
• Additionally acts as helpdesk for communications department including logging and possibly remediating incoming trouble calls from both science and support groups.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma.
• Must assist the Communications Supervisor in science planning for inventory purposes.
• Microsoft Excel experience required.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a variety of personalities required.
• Strong background in administrative support, inventory control, and mission planning.
• Strong background in using RF communications systems and equipment to include HF Radio, VHF radio and Iridium Satellite Phones preferred.
• Customer Service experience required.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Competencies

• Performance Management
• Ethical Conduct
• Thoroughness

Physical requirements

• The individual in this 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 safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedure. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs.

Direct reports

Program Manager

Position Expectations

• This is a full-time, seasonal, contract position located in Antarctica.
• All expenses paid while deployed including meals, lodging, cold-weather gear, tools, and travel to/from Antarctica.
• Performance Period: Oct 2026 - Feb 2027
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• We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer as defined by the EEOC