I had a phone interview today for the Facilities Engineer job in Antarctica.  The interview went great, but the job isn’t for me.  It was an alternate position in case something goes wrong with the primary.  I would have to train in fire ground school or WFR and then sit and wait for the primary to get sick, hurt or wig out.  The Facilities Engineer deals with all the things that make the buildings work.  I know nothing about heating systems, electrical systems, etc..  I have no doubt I could learn it quickly, but I’m not sure I want the stress of keeping buildings running when the outside is so hostile.  I don’t like the alternate concept either.  At some point in the interview, the manager said I was a great fit for Antarctica and I should apply for other jobs next year.  I told him I applied for 58 jobs.  He sounded so surprised and asked what jobs.  I listed a bunch and told him the Construction Superintendent job at McMurdo was the one I was best suited for.  A minute later he put me on hold when he saw the hiring manager for that job and took my resume over to him.  If I’m going to be considered further for the job, they will call me for an in person interview next week.  If I get called for a second interview, I’ll go in and see what happens, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t the job for me.

Things I learned about living at the South Pole today and found fascinating:  It’s at an elevation of 9,300 feet, but can feel like it’s over 11,000 when the barometric pressure changes ……what?  Awesome.  They have a hydroponic garden so they can have fresh food.  There’s around 40 people there in the winter.  It’s only accessible from October to February.  They only get 8 hours of internet a day since the satellite is only over the pole for 8 hours a day.  Temperatures can range from -4 degrees to -100 degrees.

(c) all rights reserved Kimberly Fiore