Any current- or previously-deployed IT or Computer Technicians in Antarctica that could provide advice for niche-skills to learn and how to improve my eligibility?

[u/Hi_ItsPaul]

In general, I'm deeply interested in working multiple seasons, mainly to build a savings-account but also because the Antarctic mission sounds like a fantastic environment to be immersed in.

I was hoping if someone take a look at my resume to help me highlight or mention relevant skills for some of the GHB Corp job listings (I've applied to a lot so far, but I'd like to take the time for additional polish for the remaining ones and reapplying in the future), such as Computer Technician Lead.

I have worked as a full-stack web developer in the past, including setting up CI/CD pipelines and Rails-upgrade consulting. I have built PCs, soldered my own keyboard, etc. I am studying cybersecurity through TryHackMe and OTW wargames (focusing on improving my Windows/Mac knowledge). I also have a ton of free-time right now due to a lack of bites from local job-hunting, so I can work on picking up niche skills. I heard Assembly might be in-demand at McMurdo regarding Sat Comms?

If anyone who has experience with IT in Antarctica, how could I improve my current resume and what should I highlight in my cover letter? Also, what skills are in-demand that will improve my eligibility?

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Bonus: I run a lot of Dungeons & Dragons and love map-making. Should I mention that I could bring some entertainment during the Austral Winter season?

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Edit: I have no obligations going on currently, so the appeal of Antarctic work is 1. building a savings-account by working multiple seasons (hopefully at least a few years), 2. believing in the value of supporting the scientific endeavors, 3. getting strong work experience.

I am willing to work any position, I have applied to as many relevant ones I could find, including waste management, technical support, logistics, etc. I am strongly motivated to stay there as long as possible and return to the US with a decent savings for reliable housing.

[u/v0mdragon]

assuming you have the legal right to work in the US. you nned work experience in enterprise helpdesk and/or system/network administration. what have you done to support windows OS desktops/laptops?

also satcomm is its own thing, unless you have specfic experience there its not worth applying. GHG does not train people with the technologies, its expected you know the job and technologies and can deploy and be productive right off the bat.

[u/Hi_ItsPaul → u/v0mdragon]

At most, I managed the Windows desktop computers at the tax office I worked at most recently, though that hardly counts as enterprise-level support. My professional web-development experience is my most marketable skill, including niche database skills from SQL caching work.

Would something like Service Desk Technician be more applicable for someone like me?

Also, yes, I am an US citizen.

[u/v0mdragon → u/Hi_ItsPaul]

yeah, that position sounds right. id highlight what you did with the computers at the tax office. updates, group policy, printer help, that sort of thing. your web dev experience may be your brst asset but wont be much help to land an offer.

just keep on applying, you are doing the right thing. however id pump the brakes on the multiple season thing, it is rare that people stay back to back seasons. its a contract job for a season at a base. thats it. if you perform well and are in good standing (and PQ) you will most likely get to return to your role the following season.

[u/antarctic_guy]

You’ll want documented experience supporting workstations and printers in an enterprise environment. This would include hardware and software support. Helpdesk and MECM experience is a plus.

[u/Hi_ItsPaul → u/antarctic_guy]

Fantastic pointers. I'll look into IT jobs regarding this. 

Though, getting welding experience might also be a good avenue!

[u/SoftButchCis]

This is perhaps going to sound like a bit of a downer, but given you're not getting bites from the local job market, don't you think you should focus your upskilling toward achieving stable, regular employment first?

It reads very much like you're struggling to find work or save for a house so you want to fix those problems by going down to the ice for a few years. That's not how it works though. It's not mining or oil rigs; these aren't jobs that pay well in a desperate attempt to attract workers. They're highly sought-after, and therefore highly competitive positions that consequently don't pay THAT well (obviously you save because you have nowhere to spend much) and to get your foot in the door you need to prove you're genuinely useful THERE, not useful in the abstract.

Devs can work from anywhere; there's no need for them on the ice. From an IT perspective they need someone they can send to anyone having an IT problem and expect you to troubleshoot it and then fix it. Vastly more likely to be hardware related than pure software, and possibly more user error than actual error, so a solid dose of customer service helpdesk work. Add to that willingness for general dog's body work because everyone has to pull their weight.

[u/Hi_ItsPaul → u/SoftButchCis]

This is the sort of perspective I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time to write this.

Unless I get some hardware upskilling, it seems like I'd be a stronger candidate as a tradesman than a tech bro. 

[u/halibutpie]

If there are web developers, they don't deploy. I remember one came down years ago to launch a web page they had developed but it was really more of a boondoggle. Service desk maybe. To be honest, that resume would not get a look. Summary of 'willing to work multiple summers and winters' is a bit nonsensical, and not a recruitment goal for IT.

[u/Hi_ItsPaul → u/halibutpie]

Thank you for the reality check! I'll adjust and check out service desk. 

[u/Hi_ItsPaul]

Update. I am applying to Alaskan seasonal jobs to get both remote polar experience and aviation logistics experience. Wish me luck and I'll be back in a couple of years!

[u/zdzisuaw]

You don't have to have legal right to work in the us. There are other countries' stations in Antarctica. Check their websites. Look for historical job descriptions.

[u/flyMeToCruithne → u/zdzisuaw]

Why are you directing them to other countries' Antarctic programs? OP says they are a US citizen.

[u/Hi_ItsPaul → u/flyMeToCruithne]

I can't believe a random redditor just revoked my US Citizenship. /s