Applications are open to work in Antarctica’s famous “penguin post office”.
Successful applicants will be “self-motivated”, “empathetic” and fine with showering once every two weeks.
The shop in Port Lockroy is the southernmost post office in the world and frequently smells like penguin poo.
Every year, the Antarctic Heritage Trust is flooded with applications for the jobs. This year, there are three positions on offer and they are only open to UK residents.
As well as processing up to 80,000 letters and postcards a year, staff must run the shop and welcome roughly 18,000 cruise passengers who stop by.
One applicant, charity manager Katie Shaw in Manchester, wants to go so much, she has tattooed a geographically accurate map of the Antarctic on one leg and a portrait of explorer Ernest Shackleton on the other.
“I grew up wanting to be a marine biologist working in Antarctica,” said Ms Shaw.
“Academically, that didn’t work out but I’ve always found the wildlife, landscape and the exploration there fascinating.
Katie Shaw has tattooed a geographically accurate map of Antarctica on her leg. Pic: Johnny Rad/Instagram
“The continent is so important to the environment and feels like a place we haven’t totally f****** up yet.
“Each year it feels less and less likely we’ll be able to enjoy and appreciate it.”
Katie Shaw is one of the applicants for this year’s ‘penguin post office’ position. Pic: Katie Shaw
Successful applicants need to have a range of skills. Employees have to sort post, sell stamps, look after the buildings and run the gift shop. They will have to put up with basic living conditions and be happy with…
