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Ever Dreamed of a Penguin Counting Job? It Is Now Possible!

By Orgesta Tolaj

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18 June 2024

penguin counting job

© Derek Oyen / Unsplash

Working at a post office may not sound like the most exciting job, but what if it meant living on a secluded island with breathtaking views and unique wildlife?

This remote post office offers a one-of-a-kind experience that few people will ever have the opportunity to enjoy. Well, what about working at a penguin counting job while you are at it?

If you have a sense of adventure and a love for nature, this job may be perfect for you. The combination of postal duties and penguin counting may sound unusual, but it’s all part of the daily routine at this remote outpost. Interested? Keep on reading to find out more about the penguin counting job.

A Penguin Counting Job Is Now Available!

Recruitment is underway for a unique opportunity to live and work in Antarctica, where team members will face conditions without wifi or running water. Responsibilities include tasks like conducting a daily penguin count.

penguin counting job
© Vicky Inglis for CBC

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) has initiated a five-month recruitment drive for positions at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, Antarctica. These roles represent some of the most isolated jobs globally, situated approximately 9,000 miles away from the UK.

The charity is seeking new recruits to maintain the premises at the outpost, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year and hosts the world’s southernmost Post Office.

What Is the Job Like?

The team’s duties include maintaining the flagship site, operating the Post Office and gift shop, preserving artifacts at the museum in Bransfield House, and conducting daily counts to safeguard the colony of gentoo penguins.

penguin counting job
© Martin Wettstein / Unsplash

UKAHT seeks adventurous people with a passion for Antarctica to fill five available positions, such as base leader, postmaster, and wildlife monitor. The charity is seeking two conservation carpenters to restore sections of Bransfield House after extensive damage caused by heavy snowfall.

New recruits must possess resilience, physical fitness, and environmental awareness.

According to UKAHT chief executive Camilla Nichol, the positions are highly sought after and garnered a record number of applicants last year.

Ms. Nichol expressed excitement about the unique opportunity, highlighting the awe-inspiring landscape and the historical significance of Port Lockroy as the birthplace of the British Antarctic Survey. She emphasized the chance to follow in the footsteps of pioneering generations who made groundbreaking discoveries about our world.

penguin counting job
© Tam Minton / Unsplash

These positions on Goudier Island are highly sought after due to the site’s popularity. This season is particularly thrilling as it marks the 80th anniversary of Port Lockroy. Established in 1944 during Operation Tabarin, the first British base in Antarctica, Port Lockroy initiated British scientific research on the continent. This year the team will have the opportunity to share this rich history with visitors, bringing to life the legacy of Antarctic climate research, mapping, and geology.

This Is How to Apply for the Penguin Counting Job

Applicants had until March 26 to apply for most positions, while those interested in the conservation carpenter role had until April 12 to submit their applications.

Shortlisted candidates were interviewed online and invited to a two-day selection event in Northamptonshire before they underwent training in Cambridgeshire. Successful applicants are now residing and working at Port Lockroy from November to March 2024, while conservation carpenters joined the site in January 2024 for a duration of six to eight weeks.

Would you ever apply for a penguin counting job?

You might also want to read: A Couple Had a Penguin Ring-Bearer & It’s the Cutest Thing Ever!

Orgesta Tolaj

Your favorite introvert who is buzzing around the Hive like a busy bee!

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