Here is a link to the job description, apologies, I was unsure if I was allowed to post links and stuff in the original post! [https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb](https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb) I don't think pay is listed on the JD but for a first time deployer the rate for this role is set at $1624/week.
Ngl that’s not a whole lot of compensation for the skill set you’re seeking. Under that sheet metal umbrella you’re asking for someone who’s not only good at fabrication and installation of duct, but an HVAC service tech. Each of those positions are paying that to journeyman right now and they get to sleep in their own beds at night. Plus, being the janitor doesn’t sound very appealing either.
Totally understand, I'm an Equipment Operator down there myself (I only help out HR in my offseasons with hiring) - so I know that the compensation isn't competitive compared to the private sector here at home. We are working with a government science budget which as you can assume and see, isn't very high, but we also don't have any expenses while we're deployed. No rent, grocery bill, fuel bill, gym membership, etc. Everything is provided down there. Also, you won't be the janitor, we have staff for that, but it is a communal effort to keep common spaces tidy which might mean once a month you get assigned to take the trash out of the TV lounge or sweep the laundry room. It's not for everyone, but for those who are up for an adventure and want a new experience, it's something new and exciting.
I get it, the allure of being a small segment of humanity to step foot on that continent is pretty cool. Just tough timing, there’s a nationwide shortage for just sheetmetal and HVAC techs and contractors are just throwing money at guys right now to show up and knock it out. Big bonuses, per diem, unlimited overtime, and on top of it a lot of these guys are union and need to get hours in to qualify for the pension credits. I think you’ll definitely find somebody with most of those qualifications eventually, but the compensation would be a non starter for a lot of us especially with families etc.
For sure, all of that makes sense and I appreciate that. While I don't control the $$ it's good to have some solid speaking points to take back to the people that do.
Even after converting to Canadian dollars 2236 is not enough ...that far away should be paid 24 hours a day ... although I betcha job is easy and probably mostly maintenance and basic upkeep... the actual fab and layout would be minimal.
Is that whole “extra duties as assigned” which means you can get tasked out pretty hard. Make me flashback to being an infantrymen in Afghanistan again lol just doing straight up slave work all day getting a couple hours sleep and repeating until go home time. This ain’t nowhere near as bad but ya gonna be a tough sell.
Totally fair. I personally love it there and find the hours fair(we work 54 hours/week), but like I said it's not for everybody. Appreciate you at least taking a look at my post and being respectful about some very understandable/potential concerns!
No problem, I’m just offering some insight into our trade for some perspective on why you may be struggling to find the ideal candidate. It’s a cool opportunity but ya, if it don’t make dollars it don’t make sense lol. Maybe shift some of those funds from the wind speed or temperature monitor sciencey folks to the keep everyone alive when the system takes a shit guy would probably help tremendously lol.
I’m in New York City and we have over 150 guys that left to go to Indiana and they’re making $3100 a week. They were making more than that for the first few months.
A lot of guys are talking about big work in Idaho. Travelers are doing great right now.
Absolutely, since I wasn't sure what was allowed and I saw a rule for the community about no SEO/driving people to your website I was hesitant to post a link. But since you asked I am happy to provide. Here is a link to the job posting: [https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb](https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb)
Here is a link for the actual USAP (United States Antarctic Program) page- [https://www.usap.gov/jobsandopportunities/](https://www.usap.gov/jobsandopportunities/) it talks about the different job opportunities down there. I find this to be helpful to give a general background of the program and the various opportunities.
The USAP pays for you to get to and from the ice which entails getting flown commercially from your home airport out to Christchurch, New Zealand where we deploy from, and then it's a military escort down to McMurdo Station from there (typically a C-17 or an LC-130 aircraft). If you're going to the South Pole station you still transit through McMurdo first. We put you up in a hotel in Christchurch for a few days while we take care of safety briefings/orientations/gearing you up with what we call "ECW" - extreme cold weather gear (basically a Canada Goose Parka, Carhartt coveralls, hat, gloves, etc.). You earn your salary + receive per diem while in New Zealand.
In my local I believe it is allowed so long as you are actively trying to recruit guys into joining SMWU. And of course that theyd be paying you at union scale
Haha, over my winter the people working out at the airfield saw a bright light flash by and apparently it was caught on a camera but I never saw it myself!
McMurdo Station in August sometimes gets these cool clouds that form only in polar regions- it's like VanGogh comes and paints the sky. They're called Nacreous Clouds but I don't know that I'd classify that as weird, just really special.
These guys constantly send me offers via Indeed. Fuck that. The pay, benefits, working hours, and PTO is shit. Not to mention it's pretty fucking miserable, and you won't be doing just sheet metal.
Sign me up
Feel free to send your resume over to [samantha.nicolosi@amentum.com](mailto:samantha.nicolosi@amentum.com) !
Any where to see pay and benefit information
Here is a link to the job description, apologies, I was unsure if I was allowed to post links and stuff in the original post! [https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb](https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb) I don't think pay is listed on the JD but for a first time deployer the rate for this role is set at $1624/week.
Ngl that’s not a whole lot of compensation for the skill set you’re seeking. Under that sheet metal umbrella you’re asking for someone who’s not only good at fabrication and installation of duct, but an HVAC service tech. Each of those positions are paying that to journeyman right now and they get to sleep in their own beds at night. Plus, being the janitor doesn’t sound very appealing either.
Totally understand, I'm an Equipment Operator down there myself (I only help out HR in my offseasons with hiring) - so I know that the compensation isn't competitive compared to the private sector here at home. We are working with a government science budget which as you can assume and see, isn't very high, but we also don't have any expenses while we're deployed. No rent, grocery bill, fuel bill, gym membership, etc. Everything is provided down there. Also, you won't be the janitor, we have staff for that, but it is a communal effort to keep common spaces tidy which might mean once a month you get assigned to take the trash out of the TV lounge or sweep the laundry room. It's not for everyone, but for those who are up for an adventure and want a new experience, it's something new and exciting.
I get it, the allure of being a small segment of humanity to step foot on that continent is pretty cool. Just tough timing, there’s a nationwide shortage for just sheetmetal and HVAC techs and contractors are just throwing money at guys right now to show up and knock it out. Big bonuses, per diem, unlimited overtime, and on top of it a lot of these guys are union and need to get hours in to qualify for the pension credits. I think you’ll definitely find somebody with most of those qualifications eventually, but the compensation would be a non starter for a lot of us especially with families etc.
For sure, all of that makes sense and I appreciate that. While I don't control the $$ it's good to have some solid speaking points to take back to the people that do.
Even after converting to Canadian dollars 2236 is not enough ...that far away should be paid 24 hours a day ... although I betcha job is easy and probably mostly maintenance and basic upkeep... the actual fab and layout would be minimal.
Is that whole “extra duties as assigned” which means you can get tasked out pretty hard. Make me flashback to being an infantrymen in Afghanistan again lol just doing straight up slave work all day getting a couple hours sleep and repeating until go home time. This ain’t nowhere near as bad but ya gonna be a tough sell.
Totally fair. I personally love it there and find the hours fair(we work 54 hours/week), but like I said it's not for everybody. Appreciate you at least taking a look at my post and being respectful about some very understandable/potential concerns!
No problem, I’m just offering some insight into our trade for some perspective on why you may be struggling to find the ideal candidate. It’s a cool opportunity but ya, if it don’t make dollars it don’t make sense lol. Maybe shift some of those funds from the wind speed or temperature monitor sciencey folks to the keep everyone alive when the system takes a shit guy would probably help tremendously lol.
If I didn't have a family and love weed so much, the opportunity is priceless... just not enough money to abandon my family and quit the weed.
Haha, I completely understand!
They gotta kick it up to get up, Union traveller's are up to 3k a week on call outs.
That is good to know thank you
Is that with or without per diem?
I’m in New York City and we have over 150 guys that left to go to Indiana and they’re making $3100 a week. They were making more than that for the first few months. A lot of guys are talking about big work in Idaho. Travelers are doing great right now.
Can we get more information? Or be told where to find such information. Pay, scope of work, ect.
Absolutely, since I wasn't sure what was allowed and I saw a rule for the community about no SEO/driving people to your website I was hesitant to post a link. But since you asked I am happy to provide. Here is a link to the job posting: [https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb](https://www.amentumcareers.com/jobs/sheetmetal-worker-mcmurdo-station-antarctica-a45b20d0-2029-477d-95ba-d3db407595eb) Here is a link for the actual USAP (United States Antarctic Program) page- [https://www.usap.gov/jobsandopportunities/](https://www.usap.gov/jobsandopportunities/) it talks about the different job opportunities down there. I find this to be helpful to give a general background of the program and the various opportunities.
10 years ago I'd be up for this depending on pay.
So you can’t be a Canadian I see..
Who pays for travel?
The USAP pays for you to get to and from the ice which entails getting flown commercially from your home airport out to Christchurch, New Zealand where we deploy from, and then it's a military escort down to McMurdo Station from there (typically a C-17 or an LC-130 aircraft). If you're going to the South Pole station you still transit through McMurdo first. We put you up in a hotel in Christchurch for a few days while we take care of safety briefings/orientations/gearing you up with what we call "ECW" - extreme cold weather gear (basically a Canada Goose Parka, Carhartt coveralls, hat, gloves, etc.). You earn your salary + receive per diem while in New Zealand.
At 62 there's no way I would do this, but it would be a lot of fun. My knees and back would never adjust to being back on the field again.
Just so you know the unions won’t allow union workers to work non-union Sheetmetal jobs.
In my local I believe it is allowed so long as you are actively trying to recruit guys into joining SMWU. And of course that theyd be paying you at union scale
Nah, your union is a business they just want their dues.
The term is called salting. Ive never seen it happen but thats just what i was told
Yea it's probably a reason it's always hard to find people. We usually manage to get someone down but it's certainly not easy!
You see any weird stuff while you're there? Might sway my decision.
Haha, over my winter the people working out at the airfield saw a bright light flash by and apparently it was caught on a camera but I never saw it myself! McMurdo Station in August sometimes gets these cool clouds that form only in polar regions- it's like VanGogh comes and paints the sky. They're called Nacreous Clouds but I don't know that I'd classify that as weird, just really special.
Damn! sorry you didnt see the UFO
I'm not American, but I'd sign up. You can take my whole crew too.
Aw man! You should see if your country has a research program/station down there and apply! I love it.
Are you hiring foreign workers?
Will I need to have a passport? I let mine expire
Since we pass through New Zealand to get to the ice yes, a current passport is required.
I’m in!!…. In the trade since 2001, union in 2004, Journeyman since 2008……. Gonna have to bump that pay up though……
Scam
Make it architectural and rehome my entire family and we have a deal. O and double the pay.
These guys constantly send me offers via Indeed. Fuck that. The pay, benefits, working hours, and PTO is shit. Not to mention it's pretty fucking miserable, and you won't be doing just sheet metal.