Contract Type: Full Time
Duration: Fixed Term - 20 Months comprised of 3 months UK pre-deployment training (Aug – Oct 2025) and 17 months Antarctic deployment (Nov 2025 – Mar 2027)
Salary: £30,201 per annum
Benefits: We offer generous benefits
Team: Antarctic Employment Pool
Location: BAS Cambridge and Antarctica
Closing Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Job Profile
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.
Interview/assessment/start date – Interviews and assessments in April 2025, start date in July.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Field Diving Officer to join our amazing team based in Antarctica. BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!
What we offer:
As a valued employee, you’ll be eligible for benefits including an end of contract payment upon completion of a successful assignment in Antarctica, annual leave, a defined contribution pension scheme with NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) and access to a 24 hours/365 days per year employee assistance programme. In addition, you will be provided with pre-deployment training and accommodation costs. All food, accommodation and polar clothing during Antarctic deployment will also be provided.
The UK’s polar research effort is critically important for understanding environmental issues that affect everyone. This is an opportunity to do what may seem like an ordinary job in the most extraordinary place on Earth. You’ll be joining our Rothera marine team which consists of a Marine Operator, Boating Officer, Field Diving Officer, Ocean Scientist and Marine Biologist.
You’ll be responsible for delivering safe SCUBA diving operations in support of science. Reporting to the Deputy Station Operations Manager (DSOM), the FDO is responsible for the supervision and organisation of all diving activities at and out of the station. All requests for diving are made through the FDO and the incumbent must be present on station whenever a dive takes place.
All of our employees who deploy to Antarctica will undergo both general training and job specific training. On a general basis, this includes mental health and first aid training. But specifically, in the case of the Marine team, courses include Boat Handling and Hyperbaric Chamber Operator.
Projects the team are currently working on include preparations for the hand-over of our new Operations and Science Support building at Rothera Research Station. This groundbreaking low carbon facility is set to be operational by March 2025 marking a significant leap forward for modern Antarctic scientific research.
You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at BAS.
Some of your main responsibilities will include:
* Ensuring diving activities are undertaken in a safe and efficient manner and that all diving operations follow the relevant BAS Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Producing monthly reports and an annual report for select managers and the Institute Diving Officer (IDO).
* Being responsible for assessing the proficiency of divers and dive supervisors, with authority to withdraw permission to dive/supervise should the FDO judge a person not fit to dive.
For the role of Field Diving Officer, we are looking for somebody who:
* Holds a HSE SCUBA qualification (or HSE approved equivalent)
* Is a highly competent and experienced SCUBA diver, with extensive cold water (less than 12°C) and drysuit experience
* Is able to lead and motivate a small team safely (in diving operations)
Please download the job description for more details.
If we’ve just described you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.
What experiences can we offer you?
At BAS we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.
If you require the job information in an alternative format (i.e. email, audio or video), or would like any further information or support, please do not hesitate to get in touch at jobs@bas.ac.uk or alternatively you can call us on 01223 221508.
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