Waste Management Specialist (Winter 2027) - South Pole

Season: Winter (February–November) • Location: South Pole Station, Antarctica

About the role

Six Mile, LLC is seeking a Waste Management Specialist to support operations at South Pole Station, Antarctica. The position requires regular physical activity in a challenging, fast-paced environment with approximately 70% outdoor tasking.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Hazardous and Solid Waste Managers and South Pole Operations Manager to set seasonal priorities and schedules
• Attend weekly position-related meetings and conduct community Waste Briefs or informational sessions
• Troubleshoot issues and escalate as needed
• Pick up hazardous waste and associated paperwork from various departments, ensuring accuracy on Hazardous Waste Identification Sheets (HWIS)
• Process waste by marking, weighing, and storing drums or items into shipping containers; update HWIS forms and determine solid waste disposition
• Perform qualitative testing (e.g., pH, flash point) on waste items
• Assist with Hazardous Waste Lab packing under the direction of the Hazardous Waste Manager
• Operate a skid steer safely and perform quality checks on shipping containers, correcting discrepancies immediately
• Follow and update Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) as needed
• Assume Spill Lead role, respond to spills, coordinate cleanup, and write spill reports
• Regularly use drum dollies, cargo straps, banding, shovels, pallet jacks, power tools, and other equipment
• Support Operations Division and ASC metrics, ensuring compliance with Environmental Health & Safety and Quality Assurance requirements
• Document work to meet legal and ASC contractual commitments
• Maintain a safe workplace with safety as the highest priority
• 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

Certifications and Licensing

• Valid Driver’s License
• Passport valid for six months after contract end

Candidates must successfully complete an Elevated Background Investigation (EBI) prior to deployment. The process includes online and written forms, fingerprint cards, and additional details as requested by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Personnel Security office.