For conservation experts, working in Antarctica is a career and life highlight
We engage specialists from around the world to work in Antarctica and New Zealand on our heritage conservation projects.
We look for experienced heritage professionals who are excited by the prospect of working on a leading international heritage project, able to work as part of a close knit team and – for Antarctic positions – comfortable with the challenges of working in an extreme environment.
We also have an administration team supporting our programmes from Christchurch.
Vacancies for on-ice and off-ice work are advertised on the Trust’s website. If there are no vacancies advertised please feel free to send your CV and covering letter describing the type of opportunity you are interested in to info@nzaht.org
Seeking conservators to work in Antarctica 2025-26*
Applications are now open for the following vacancies:
1 x reserve artefact conservator
2 x heritage building (timber) conservator
Introduction
The Antarctic Heritage Trust is a New Zealand based charity recognised internationally as the organisation which cares for the expedition bases associated with the famed polar explorers Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Carsten Borchgrevink and Sir Edmund Hillary.
Built between 1899 and 1957, the five expedition bases are located in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. Described as amongst the most evocative heritage buildings in the world, four of these sites were listed on the World Monuments Fund list of 100 Most Endangered Sites on Earth before the Trust’s intervention, and are protected under the Antarctic Treaty system. The expedition bases contain a combined total of approximately 20,000 artefacts consisting of objects made from materials that include timber, leather, paper, glass and metal.
Since 2006, the Trust has managed a world leading, long term, staged, international heritage conservation project, the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, to ensure the bases and associated artefact collections remain for the benefit of the international community. It has been described as one of the most exciting conservation projects in the world.
Applications are now open
The Antarctic Heritage Trust is seeking one experienced reserve artefact conservator, and two experienced heritage building conservators (timber), for roles in Antarctica during 2025-26.
Note: The Reserve Artefact Conservator will only be called upon to fulfil the role should the current Conservator need replacement.
Subject to logistics, a summer conservation season is planned, at the historic bases at Cape Royds, Cape Evans, Hut Point, and Hillary’s Hut (Scott Base). Note that the field season for artefact and building roles is likely to be slightly different timings and lengths.
The Trust is now calling for application for these roles. Because of the short term and specific nature of the contracts, applicants are required to have fluent written and spoken English.
Successful applicants will be employed by the Trust on a Fixed Term Agreement. A salary, together with travel to and from New Zealand or Antarctica, will be paid for by the Trust. All personal deploying to Antarctica must pass an Antarctic medical.
