WHILE Sunraysia residents swelter through another hot summer, Mildura mechanic Dylan Hill is keeping cool – ice cold, even.
Mr Hill is in the middle of a five-month stint working as an expedition mechanic at Davis Station, one of Australia’s key Antarctic bases.
Having been fascinated by Antarctica since childhood, Mr Hill decided to take a leap into an adventure on the frozen continent this year.
“Learning about Mawson, Amundsen and Scott makes you want to follow in their footsteps and embrace the cold harsh environment,” he said.
“I signed up for the unique experience for what it is – working and living in Antarctica.
“It’s the adventurous side in you that makes you apply as well.”
Two months into his stay at Davis Station, Mr Hill is making the most of his time in Antarctica.
“It has its struggles but being able to look out at the icebergs from the workshop makes it so unique,” he said.
“It really doesn’t get much better than that.
“From learning how to read the weather and clouds to taking the perfect Aurora time-lapse, you are forever picking up new skills.”
Mr Hill has spent some of his free time while “South” honing his woodwork and guitar skills, but he’s also tried his hand at some more surprising new endeavours.
“The main skill I have learnt from starting at the Division is learning how to cut hair here on station, becoming the Station Barber/Hairdresser,” he said.
“It’s been a lot of YouTube videos and a lot of brave souls willing to let me try my craft on them. I am almost at the stage where you would happily pay money for a haircut, sometimes.”
Haircuts aside, Mr Hill said an Antarctic expedition is an experience he would wholeheartedly recommend to others.
“If you are even remotely thinking about applying, just do it,” he said.
“It really is an experience that you cannot get anywhere else.
“The skills and knowledge you will learn in such a short time while being South are incomparable to any other job you have had or will have.”
And it’s a chance that is up for the taking.
The Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) is currently searching for people to become Antarctic expeditioners for the 2021-22 season, with roles in telecommunications, engineering, plumbing, IT, aviation, science, medical and mechanical support and more.
AAP human resources manager Maree Riley said it is a rare chance to work in an environment like no other.
“it’s an amazing opportunity and such a unique experience to live and work on an Antarctic station, somewhere few people have the opportunity to even visit,” she said.
“Our expeditioners are essential to support the vital science work of the Australian Antarctic Program and maintain Australia’s research stations.”
Although expeditioners are paid an allowance to compensate for living in a remote, isolated environment, Ms Riley said it isn’t about the money for most applicants.
“It’s not the money that attracts people to Antarctica, it’s the experience,” she said.
“Our expeditioners talk about the new skills and experiences they gain from their time on station, the friendships they make, and the personal and professional growth they experience in this environment.”
For more information, visit jobs.antarctica.gov.au. Applications close on January 21.
