Walking to work under the majestic southern lights is among the many highlights for Bureau of Meteorology technical officer Nelson Clegg.

The 34-year-old from Western Australia is in his third stint in the far south as an Australian Antarctic Program employee.

On Thursday, the program opened recruitment for more than 200 roles for the 2027/28 Antarctic season, with plenty of tradies needed to deliver research station improvements.

“You can be walking to work at 10 o’clock in the morning and have an aurora over your head,” Clegg, who is posted at Davis station, said.

“Getting to see penguin rookeries and seal colonies. It’s like living in a wildlife documentary.”

Clegg is responsible for maintaining weather instruments and the daily release of weather balloons, as well as making aviation observations.

He said the camaraderie with expeditioners and other workers was another plus, as well as watching the Antarctic sea ice shift over the seasons.

The program has contracts available, ranging from six months to 12-plus months long, across 29 roles including electricians, carpenters, mechanics, plumbers and chefs. There are also spots for specialists in science, aviation, voyage and field leadership roles and telecommunications.

Last year, the program had to sift through 6200 applications.

“It is certainly a competitive space. There are lots of people seeking their next adventure,” head of expeditioner recruitment and support Gina Woodward said.

“We are looking for people who are prepared to go and live in a community environment that are inclusive, respectful of other people and ready to throw themselves in a big share house.”

Candidates need trade qualifications and several years’ experience to be successful. They must also be Australian citizens.

A thorough application process includes examining personal characteristics, as well as medical and psychological assessments.

Those heading south for a longer assignment – over the dark and colder winter months – face an even more rigorous analysis.

Woodward said there was no quota for women, but it was about getting the right mix of people and the skill sets needed.

Clegg said a dedicated gym routine and schedule helped him get through the long winter in the frozen south, but the experience was definitely worthwhile.

“There is nothing overly special or unique about us, we were all just sort of willing to … take that leap,” he said.

-AAP