Construction/Ground Worker - Antarctica

British Antarctic Survey

BAS 26/48

Contract type: Antarctic Employment Pool – Fixed Term (6 months)

Location  Antarctica

Salary AEP B1A - £30,224 per annum (pro rata)

Closing date 10th May 2026

Interview date TBC

Background/Overview:

Antarctica is the coldest and most isolated continent in the world. It is also one of the most challenging and rewarding environments in which to work. By joining the team responsible for constructing and maintaining critical infrastructure, you could play a vital role in enabling world-leading scientific research.

Working as part of a small team, you will support the delivery of civil engineering and groundworks activities associated with station infrastructure works. You will be required to be self-motivated and capable of working both individually and as part of a team. You will have recognised experience within a general groundworks / construction environment, including but not limited to excavation, trenching, installation of pipework, backfilling and compaction. You must be prepared to be flexible, use your own initiative and adapt to a wide variety of tasks in a remote environment.

Purpose:

To work as part of a small team delivering groundworks and civil engineering support for the Fixed Fuel Line Project and other infrastructure works across the station. This will include excavation and preparation of trenches, installation of ducts pipework and associated fittings, backfilling and compaction, and assisting with lifting and handling operations. The role also contributes to general station maintenance and construction tasks as required.

Duties:

• Carry out excavation and trenching works in support of the Fixed Fuel Line Project and other infrastructure installations.

• Assist with installation, alignment and bedding of pipework and associated fittings.

• Backfilling, compaction and reinstatement of excavated areas to required standards.

• Concrete coring, duct sealing and site fabrication / installation of pipe supports.

• Support lifting and moving operations, including acting as a banksman / slinger where competent.

• Operate small plant and equipment as authorised and trained.

• Maintenance and care of tools, plant and equipment required to complete the works.

• Assist with setting out, preparation and general site works.

• Organise and carry out work in a safe, orderly manner in compliance with risk assessments and method statements.

• Work with and assist other building, engineering and logistics trades to ensure planned projects are completed.

• Work with other staff to ensure operational and safety standards of the station are maintained.

• Undertake other general duties as required or directed by the line manager and Station Leader.

 

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

Recognized experience within a civil ground works / general construction environment to UK standards. Served full apprenticeship /training program, BTEC, relevant City & Guilds or NVQ.

On-site practical experience of excavation, trenching and pipe installation.

Experience of backfilling and compaction techniques.

General civil engineering or construction site experience.

Ability to use hand tools, small plant and materials safely.

Problem solving and flexible approach to work

Proficient in written and spoken English language

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.

Ability to work within existing management structure, individually and as part of a team.

Self-motivated.

You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions

Desirable:

CSCS Certificate.

Banksman / Slinger Signaller qualification

Roller or Compaction Plant qualification

Ability to read and interpret drawings and simple setting-out information.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Although this job is not UK based, the successful candidate will be required to attend training in the UK which will require a right to work. As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.  You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org