A paycheck that can reach 10 thousand euros a month, without having to spend a single euro on room and board. A dream job offer, with a not-so-negligible detail: it’s in Antarctica. Applications for the Australian Antarctic Program are open until November 1st, which offers various positions, from chefs to engineers, up to doctors and more technical figures.
Staggering salaries
Every year the Australian government body selects the staff who will be responsible for managing the scientific bases in Antarctica, with new hires who will be relocated to Davis, Mawson, Casey or Wilkins, with contracts that can be for six months or last over a year. The figures offered are listed on the organisation’s official portal: an electrician enjoys a salary of over 162 thousand Australian dollars, around 100 thousand euros, also including service allowance.
Added to this is a social security contribution that can reach up to 15%, bringing the total amount to around 120 thousand euros. For figures with greater responsibility, such as an “expedition leader”, the salary can reach up to 140 thousand euros.
Free room and board
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, high salaries are not the only benefit. The offer also includes food and accommodation provided by the institution, an element that greatly reduces daily expenses, while holidays will be paid once they return. In total, there are 29 open jobs: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, cooks, but also more ‘specialised’ profiles such as welders, refrigeration mechanics, crane operators and refueling workers. Rounding out the list are doctors, telecommunications technicians and airport staff. The transfer of new hires is expected between October and March and will take place by ship or plane.