Waste Management Specialist (Summer 2026-2027) - South Pole

Season: Austral Summer (Oct - Feb) | Location: South Pole Station, Antarctica

About the role

Position is with Six Mile, LLC in support of Antarctic operations. The Waste Management Specialist coordinates waste handling, ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards, and responds to spills in a dynamic, physically demanding environment. Approximately 70% of tasking is outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Hazardous and Solid Waste Managers and South Pole Operations Manager to set seasonal priorities and schedules
• Attend weekly meetings and conduct community Waste Briefs or informational sessions
• Pick up hazardous waste and associated paperwork from various departments, ensuring accuracy on Hazardous Waste Identification Sheets (HWIS)
• Process waste: mark, weigh, store drums/items in shipping containers, update HWIS forms, and determine solid-waste disposition
• Perform qualitative testing (pH, flash point, etc.) on waste items
• Assist with Hazardous Waste Lab packing under the Hazardous Waste Manager’s direction
• Operate skid steer and other tools (drum dollies, cargo straps, banding, shovels, pallet jacks, power tools) safely
• Quality-check all shipping containers and correct discrepancies immediately
• Follow and update Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) as needed
• Assume Spill Lead Role: respond to spills safely, coordinate cleanup, and write spill reports
• Engage in regular physical activity: bending, lifting, carrying, reaching, and gripping
• Collaborate within a diverse team in a fast-paced, atypical work environment
• Support Operations Division and ASC metrics, ensuring compliance with Environmental Health & Safety and Quality Assurance requirements
• Perform other duties as required

Requirements

• Previous Antarctic deployment
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proficient computer skills, including Excel and Outlook
• Able to lift 50 pounds consistently and meet safety regulation maximum lift requirements
• Familiarity with power tools and machinery; equipment operating experience
• Valid Driver’s License and passport valid for six months after contract end
• Physically able to be active for 9 hours daily
• Must pass physical qualification assessment
• Able to deploy to Antarctica for the full contract duration
• US citizenship or permanent residency

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous USAP Waste Management experience
• 1 year of Hazardous Materials shipping/characterization or reporting experience or 2 years of Environmental remediation
• 1 quarter of college General Chemistry
• College degree in Chemistry or Environmental Science
• Current OSHA HazWOPER 40-Hour certification