UK Antarctic Heritage Trust is seeking a Conservation Carpenter to work at Base A, Port Lockroy, one of the historic sites we manage on the Antarctic Peninsula.

This role has an overall estimated timeframe of 14 weeks spanning June 2026 – April 2027 and includes: 3 weeks flexible remote pre-planning, 3-4 days team building, 2 weeks pre-deployment training in Sept/Oct, approximately 8 weeks on site at Port Lockroy during January–March 2027, and a post-deployment 2-3 days debrief.

The option for a two season contract will also be considered, with the second season ending April 2028, however we understand this could be a challenging time commitment. Only the initial season dates and contract fees are described in this application at this time.

 

ABOUT UK ANTARCTIC HERITAGE TRUST

We are UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), the principal organisation in the UK dedicated to advancing conservation, culture and education for heritage in Antarctica.

We aim to connect people with Antarctica's wonder and its stories of human endeavour to help promote a greater understanding of this extraordinary place and the role we all have in protecting it.

We help conserve Antarctic heritage by looking after six historic sites on the Antarctic Peninsula, delivering a range of vibrant and creative public programmes, and working with Antarctic policymakers on issues related to heritage conservation.

Through focusing on the layers of human history in Antarctica, we use their remarkable stories to explore Antarctica and why it matters to us all, helping current and future generations understand, value and protect this precious wilderness.

Building on our strengths, and learning from our experience, our ambition over the next decade is to: safeguard British heritage in Antarctica; engage a growing and increasingly diverse audience with this heritage and the broader questions concerning Antarctica and use our expertise and influence to help secure a sustainable future for this most remarkable place on our planet.

UKAHT is committed to equal opportunities and to learning how to increase the diversity of our people. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and encourage applications from people currently underrepresented in the Polar regions.

SCOPE OF WORK  

You will undertake a range of tasks relating to the upkeep and maintenance of the historic and modern buildings at Base A, Port Lockroy, including structural works, re-felting, timber repairs, painting, window enhancements/repairs, and any other tasks as required. The main focus will be conducting structural repairs to the sub floor structure and roof of the historic building.

You will be joined by two other UKAHT carpenters (total of three this season) to work together on conservation works required.

You will also work as an integral part of the wider Port Lockroy team, who will be on site from November 2026 to March 2027. As part of the team, you will contribute towards the general daily running of the base, using a Rota system for daily domestic duties, such as cooking and waste management.

You will also be living and working in an wildlife rich environment (a penguin colony at Port Lockroy), and the need to be respectful of the wildlife is essential.

You will also contribute to the planning, execution, and reporting of the field season. This will include the preparation of procurement lists, the completion of method statements, attendance at planning meetings, and the write-up of all works undertaken. We estimate that the time commitment for these works will be in the region of three weeks.

In advance of deployment to Antarctica, you will be required to familiarise yourself with all the planning documentation and conservation guidance about the site and engage with the project team in the UK and overseas.

Please note that this position is subject to successfully passing a medical and dental assessment to ensure fitness to work in remote locations in Antarctica.

Key tasks include the following:

• Input into project work planning, task scheduling, and procurement.

• Attendance at pre-deployment training in Cambridge in 28 September - 9 October 2026, including first aid, health & safety, asbestos non-licensed works.

• Completion of other online training modules as required, such as asbestos awareness, and working at height.

• Undertake maintenance tasks on both historic (dating from 1944) as well as contemporary/modern structures.

• Undertake work in accordance with the guiding principles laid out in the Conservation Management Plan.

• Promote UKAHT to fellow cruise ship passengers during journey South.

• Help identify hazards on site and contribute to a safe working environment.

• Equipment and supplies audit and inventory, making necessary recommendations.

• Document in detail all work carried out using UKAHT procedures and proformas.

• Prepare recommendations for future works based on your observations at the site to guide future work planning and record keeping.

• Undertake general base duties in assisting the general running of the base and playing an active role in the relief of the base, domestic support, and general duties.

• Adhere to UKAHT’s waste management policy throughout the project and take an active role in sustainable waste management on site, with support from others (training will be provided).

• Contribute to the requirements within UKAHT's Communications Strategy e.g. blog writing, press interviews, photographic/video requests etc.

• To undertake other duties as required by the Chief Executive/Head of Buildings and Conservation.

EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrable carpentry experience, ideally with qualifications.

• Experience with structural repairs is preferred.

• Experience and expertise in working with historic buildings.

• Experience of living and working in small teams, ideally in remote locations.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills.

• Excellent people and teamwork skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to conservation principles.

• Good report-writing and record-keeping skills.

• Confident using IT (including Microsoft Office, email, photograph management) and ability to learn new technical skills, such as VHF radio and satellite communications.

BEHAVIOUR & OTHER

• A good level of mental and physical fitness.

• A desire to learn and further develop conservation practice in Antarctica.

• Ability to work flexibly and improvise using a limited supply of tools and equipment.

• Ability to set and meet deadlines, and to deliver results under challenging work conditions.

• Have a positive attitude, enthusiasm and an exemplary team and work ethic.

• Comfortable living for long periods of time in basic conditions and contributing to the running of daily base life, including cooking and waste management.

• Ability to work under supervision and support UKAHT’s decision-making process.

• Possession of personal qualities required to fit in socially and professionally with a small team from different professional backgrounds, onsite and within UKAHT office.

• Be willing to adapt methodologies and schedules according to the needs of visitors and wildlife at site (full training on working in a penguin colony will be provided).

For further insight into this role, watch an interview with previous UKAHT heritage carpenters who discuss what it was like to repair, repaint and restore Damoy Hut to its original bright orange.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• UKAHT Head of Buildings and Conservation

• UKAHT Heritage Officer

• UKAHT Head of Operations

• UKAHT Operations Officer

• UKAHT Chief Executive

• UKAHT Head of Communications and Marketing

• UKAHT Communications Officer

• Wider UKAHT Staff team

• Port Lockroy team members, especially Base Leader

• Project consultants, including architects, conservators, collections management

• Project partners and stakeholders

Working & living at site:

Communications are limited. Email will be available via a shared computer for limited time periods. Communication is primarily via Starlink. Starlink allows for limited internet access at Port Lockroy, and no mobile phone reception.

Satellite telephones are primarily for emergency use or scheduled communication with the UKAHT. Its main purpose is for safety. There is limited access to these for personal use.

Accommodation is in a 6-person bunk room, shared with the Port Lockroy team. There is no running water, but there is electricity, a gas cooker and heater. Staff accommodation is basic but comfortable, and we aim for our staff to live as sustainably as possible. Staff quarters are a purpose-built Nissen hut which is a reconstruction of the historic Nissen hut in keeping with the aesthetics of the other historic buildings on the island. Staff share one bedroom (hostel style bunkroom) with access to a kitchen/living/communications area, a separate boot room and washroom.

We have no running water and no flushing toilet on the island, so washing facilities are very basic. There will be opportunities throughout the season to go onboard cruise ships for showers and, sometimes, Wi-Fi connectivity onboard. Power is also limited at Port Lockroy. The base is run entirely on solar power, with a back-up petrol generator for emergencies.

Carpenters may choose to take their own basic tool kit, though all essential tools will be provided by UKAHT.

Smoking

UKAHT operates a no smoking policy which extends to all our heritage sites in Antarctica. Smoking (traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and any other form of inhalation/vapours) is categorically prohibited in all areas on the island for protection of the historic buildings and wildlife.

Media, Comms & Public Engagement

As a charity with a growing social media and wider press presence we will require to take part in some press related opportunities as part of this role. These can include:

• Live and/or pre-record interviews – including national and international media outlets and broadcasters

• News articles.

• Social media posts about the charity and your work – this will also require you to collect video/images for this purpose while on site.

• Blog posts featured on UKAHT’s social media and website.

• UKAHT Public engagement events such as webinars or an outreach programme.

Please note that full media training will be provided to prepare you for any interviews that may take place during your contract.

Location/ Time commitment

As well as time spent on site, you will be expected to contribute to the planning, preparation, and write-up of the project. Pre- and post-season work can be carried out remotely and will be in collaboration with the wider team. Candidates must be available to attend the mandatory team training in Cambridge in person in September/October and for the full duration of the field season.

NB dates listed may be subject to amendment:

• Remote/online (approx. 3 weeks, worked flexibly): Pre-deployment (June 2026-December 2026): project work planning, task scheduling, meetings, and procurement.

• UK based Team-building weekend for Antarctic Team, 4-7th September 2026, expenses paid.

• Cambridge, UK:

  • Pre-deployment training 28th September – 9th October 2026.

  • Assisting with packing and logistical preparation for the season, estimated 2 days, dates TBC.

  • Post-deployment –  March 2027: report writing, meetings and a de-brief of the season (dates tbc, usually 2-3 days in April 2027).

• Antarctic Peninsula, during deployment (Jan-March 2027) - Base A, Port Lockroy, HSM No. 61, Goudier Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica (approx. 8 weeks, between January 2027 – March 2027, exact dates to be confirmed).

Fees and expenses:

£41,000 pro rata, per annum (overall estimated time 14 weeks, one season).

All pre-deployment travel (in the UK), training and accommodation needed as part of the role are covered by UKAHT. During Antarctic deployment all travel, food, accommodation and essential polar clothing are provided. 

UKAHT contract staff are employed on a self-employed basis for a fixed-term contract. Contractors are responsible for paying any tax or national insurance due via their own HMRC self-assessed tax return.

The option for a two season contract will also be considered, with the second season ending April 2028, however we understand this could be a challenging time commitment. Only initial season dates and contract fees are described in this application at this time.

How to apply

Our recruitment and selection process aims to select the applicant whose skills, knowledge, and experience best match those set out in the person specification, and whose attitude and character fit within the wider Antarctic team and our organisational culture.

To apply for this post, please provide:

A portfolio of three relevant projects, ideally one where you were the lead. Please explain your role, your approach, and your recording of the work. Provide images of work where available.

A cover letter detailing why you want to work for UKAHT, and how your experience qualifies you for this role OR a video explaining the same (max 3 minutes).

A CV can also be provided but is not essential.

Deadline for applications in 6th March 2026.

Interviews will be held online:

W/c 23rd & 30th March 2026, by arrangement.

Any queries about the role may be directed to:

Ruth Mullett, Head of Buildings and Conservation Ruth.Mullett@ukaht.org

or Ruth Currell, Heritage Officer ruth.currell@ukaht.org