Antarctic post office looking for applicants who can live with 'smelly penguins'

ANTARCTICA Peninsula Region Port Lockroy formally a British Base A between 1944 to 1962 re opened in the 1990 s as a museum and

The world's most southerly post office is looking for applicants to run it during the summer season.

Candidates must be "passionate" about Antarctica, as they will spend five months on Goudier, a small island just off the Antarctic peninsula.

With the current Antarctic season due to end in mid-March, thoughts are already turning to next season and beginning the long process of preparing for it.

Applications for the job of Port Lockroy Assistant next season opened on Monday 16 February 2015, and will stay open for 10 days.

The job advert reads: "The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) needs committed individuals (of any nationality, but able to participate in selection and training in the UK) to make up a team of four to spend five months (November – March) running the shop, post office, maintenance and museum operation at Port Lockroy, on the tiny Goudier Island off the Antarctic Peninsula.

"Port Lockroy is visited each Austral summer by approx. 18,000 ship-borne visitors amounting to two ship visits per day. During the short summer period approximately 70,000 items of mail are cancelled.

"Goudier Island is also home to 2,000 gentoo penguins. Living conditions are comfortable though basic with no mains power, heat or water, and limited communications."

ANTARCTICA Peninsula region Goudier Island Port Lockroy. A large group of Gentoo Penguins on rocks...

Applicants need to possess some unique attributes, including: "Adaptability to different situations – Are you happy not to shower for up to a month, live in close proximity to three people and 2,000 smelly penguins for five months?

"Positive – can you enthuse to visitors when it is -5C° and blowing a blizzard as well as cook supper cheerfully after a long cold day and very little sleep?"

"Coordination – can you carry a big heavy box over slippery rocks and slushy snow whilst dodging penguins?"

If you think that sounds like you submit your application, which must include your completed application form, CV and cover letter, by midnight on the 27th February. Email jobs@ukaht.org.

Those selected for interview will need to be available to take part in our selection process in the UK on 11 May and 12 May. Successful applicants will need to be available for training in the UK for up to 5 days in the week beginning 14 September 2015.