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

Season: Austral Summer (October – February)
Location: South Pole, Antarctica

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Managers to set priority and schedule for the season
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure efficient pick up and processing of waste
• Attend weekly meetings associated with position
• Conduct community Waste Briefs or other informational sessions
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise and elevate them as needed
• Pick up hazardous waste and associated paperwork from various departments on station, assuring quality of information on Hazardous Waste Identification Sheet (HWIS)
• Process waste accordingly, including marking, weighing, and storing the drums or items into a shipping container
• Update the HWIS form with any required information and determine disposition of solid waste
• Perform certain classification qualitative testing on items (pH testing, flash point testing, etc.)
• Assist with Hazardous Waste Labpacking under direction of Hazardous Waste Manager
• Safe operation of skid steer
• Quality check all shipping containers and correct discrepancies immediately
• Follow all JHAs, and update them if needed
• Assume Spill Lead Role
• Respond to all spills safely and appropriately
• Clean up or coordinate clean up of all spills and write spill reports
• Regular use of drum dollies, cargo straps, banding, shovels, pallet jacks, power tools and other tools
• Perform duties in support of Operations Division metrics (as provided by supervisor)
• Support the achievement of ASC metrics, whether directly or indirectly affected by this position's work activities
• Comply with all ASC Environmental Health & Safety, and Quality Assurance requirements and goals
• Provide documentation to these divisions as necessary to ensure adequate and legal documentation
• Work to achieve ASC goals and contractual commitments
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace
• 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
• 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 be able to lift the safety regulation maximum
• Must pass physical qualification assessment
• Able to deploy to Antarctica for length of contract
• US citizenship or permanent residency required

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
• OSHA HazWOPER 40-Hour, current

Skills

• Regular physical activity, including bending, consistently lifting and carrying, reaching and gripping
• Able to participate in a team unit composed of diverse personalities
• Displays self-motivation in physically challenging and atypical work environment; position is comprised of approximately 70% outdoor tasking
• Able to maintain flexibility and positive attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced work setting