Traverse Operations Supervisor - SPoT & Field

Position Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for problem solving, navigation, supervision of ground penetrating radar  (GPR) operations, analysis of GPR images, coordination of air support, supervision of ASC employees and camp visitors, cooking, communications, weather observation, cargo movement, equipment operation, repair and maintenance, trail maintenance, crew briefings, safety tailgate meetings, constant hazard assessment, route hazard mitigation, detailed record keeping, employee evaluations, end of season reporting and public presentations of traverse information.  

• Adheres to planned traverse pace and identified field tasking, within reason. Works directly with ASC and NSF management to ensure all parties are informed of current status and any changes to the schedule or tasking.  

• Ensures that all personnel operating the GPR are fully trained and following all procedures at all times. Determines if crevasses encountered on the trail are safe to cross using several methods (GPR analysis, hot water drill exploration, possibly with the use of explosives and through the use of formulas and standards provided by engineers).  

• Uses sound judgment in conducting all traverse operations in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures, company policies, and objectives. Communicates daily progress to the Traverse Operations Manager, Science Traverse Supervisor and/or Field Operations Manager.  

• Supervises traverse staff and completes end of season evaluations for personnel. Assigns tasking and outlines priorities daily. Identifies and communicates times for starting, stopping, breaks, meals, etc. Determines operational tempo based on environmental and scheduling factors.  

• Serves as safety coordinator. Implements USAPs environmental, health and safety programs and holds regular safety meetings. Responsible for creating and maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace and that all safety related rules and regulations are adhered to. Ensures that nothing is left in the field and that any releases to the environment are remediated properly and documented accordingly.  

• Communicates all safety incidents and near misses using the ASC reporting protocols.  

• Communicates professionally with their staff to relay information needed to be successful in their jobs. This includes, but is not limited to: staff meetings, performance appraisals, job requirements, structured trainings, SOP’s, and safety practices.  

• Ensures that all facilities and equipment are maintained and operated safely, that the camp is tidy, and that waste is stored properly throughout the season. Responsible for all hazardous cargo identification, labeling, and handling prior to disposal upon return to McMurdo Station.  

• Handles confidential matters in accordance with management policy. Ensures that all paperwork is filled out with integrity and that all department metrics are met.  

• Assists the Traverse Operations Manager in the completion of the After Operations Report and other end of season reports. May participate in traverse planning and the selection of traverse staff during the off-season.  

• Interacts with all crew members, ASC management, the National Science Foundation, US military and other agency officials, through email, over the telephone and in person, in a professional and tactful manner.  

• Maintains, organizes and transfers detailed records including fuel figures, equipment hours, weather observations, camp locations, route waypoint locations, snow accumulation data, travel logs and daily check-in data, and emergency response incidents.  

• Coordinates and supports required Search and Rescue missions or alternative emergency tasking along the route. May include the construction of an emergency skiway/runway and coordination of flights to field locations.  

• Technical Responsibilities  

• Performs fuel transfers via hose between bladders, tanks and vehicles. May refuel aircraft and vehicles with hand or electric pump.  

• Performs preventive maintenance tasks on filters, hoses, pumps, meters, etc., as directed.  

• Tracks and reports accurate quantities of fuel stored, consumed, cached and delivered.  

• Ensures that all fuel storage containers are inspected at least three (3) times each day.  

• Assists with tracking engine hours, maintenance and repair needs of all equipment.  

• Assists in operation of small mechanical equipment (chainsaws, drills, welders, etc.) as needed.  

• Provides assistance in the repair of vehicles and other equipment, as needed.  

Operates heavy equipment and tracked vehicles for any tasking required. 

• Performs other duties as required.  

SPoT Only:  

• Deployment during the Austral Summer season will require operation of heavy equipment for assigned traverse for no less than a 50-day duration to the South Pole and back at least once max twice.   

• Live and work in close quarters with up to 10 people for the duration of the traverse.   

• Deployment during the Austral Winter season is located at McMurdo Station  

Field Camps Only: 

• Live and work in close quarters for the duration of the field season in a remote camp setting.  

• Assigns equipment support, materials and science support priorities daily in accordance with the season plan.  

• Prepares cargo for movement to the filed, completes load plans and cargo prioritization with Science Traverses Supervisor and other departments prior to deployment to the field 

• Operates heavy equipment for assigned traverse.  

Required Education, Experience, Certificates and Licenses: 

• Bachelor’s Degree is required. An additional four years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of a degree. 

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a polar guide, management or field operations role  

• Two of the four years’ experience must be in a supervisory or leadership role.  

Expected Skills and Competencies: 

• Demonstrated ability to work with and independently manage, a multiple skilled work force.   

• Good verbal communication and problem-solving skills are required.  

• Team player and group dynamics are of the utmost importance.    

• Demonstrated ability to work and supervise in a remote and isolated environments 

Preferred: 

• Previous operations, project management, project planning, equipment operation, cargo movement, fuel operations and/or 24-hour facility experience is preferred.   

• Previous traverse experience in polar regions is strongly preferred.    

Physical and/or Other Requirements: 

• Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods  

• Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica 

• Successful completion of drug screening and background check required by employer 

• Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF 

• Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position.  

• Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position.  

• Must participate in community programs, such as “house-mouse” (chores), “daisy-picking” (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safety objectives.  

• Valid Driver’s License issued in the United States 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.