The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is a world‑leading centre for polar science and polar operations, addressing issues of global importance and helping society adapt to a changing world. The BAS Air Unit sits within the Polar Operations and Engineering directorate, whose operational support spans the management of Arctic and Antarctic research stations, polar ships and aircraft. Our expertise is in polar fieldwork planning, aircraft and ship operations, and developing engineering and technology solutions for science.
Our Air Unit requires exceptional pilots to work within a small team, flying De’Havilland Twin Otters in Antarctica and supporting science campaigns around the world. The right candidates are not just pilots but people who thrive working in diverse teams supporting the delivery of complex operations safely in some of the most extreme and challenging environments on Earth. The role involves considerable autonomy and a high level of leadership to ensure safe delivery.
It is a physically and mentally demanding role, often working long hours and enduring unexpected nights camped out with the aircraft in field conditions. The flying is very varied, dynamic and involves being deployed to Rothera, our Antarctic base, for periods of up to 6 months between October and February each year. The aircraft are maintained in Calgary, Canada, where we also undertake training flying and spend time in the DeHavilland Canada simulators. On Antarctic deployments and summer science campaigns pilots may spend up to 8 months of the year outside of the UK; BAS Air Unit pilots are contracted for 221 working days and 144 days leave per annum.
Responsibilities
* Ensure all flight operations are safe and efficient and that objectives and tasks detailed by the Chief Pilot/Deputy Chief Pilot are achieved.
* Plan all flights and operate the aircraft in accordance with the BAS Air Operations Manual, current/relevant airworthiness authority regulations and safety and operational procedures.
* Report progress, deficiencies and faults related to aircraft and flight operations to the Chief Pilot/Deputy Chief Pilot.
* Maintain current necessary licences and approvals to fly BAS aircraft, both within Antarctica and elsewhere on all assigned operational, flight testing and training missions.
* Show due regard for co‑workers and an appreciation of the close, surrounding environment when detached to remote locations.
* Undertake any other duties required by deployed Station or Line Management, allocating time in accordance with priority.
Key Work Areas (approximate apportionment)
* Flying – 50%
* Operational/Training Duties – 30%
* Secondary/Administrative Duties – 10%
* General Duties – 10%
Working Conditions & Benefits
* 24 hours/365 days access to the Employee Assistance Programme (including support with physical, mental, social, health and financial issues).
* Flexible and family‑friendly working opportunities; requests for reduced hours, compressed hours or job sharing are considered.
* Hybrid working and other benefits as possible, depending on the nature of the role.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Discounted shopping on a range of retail, leisure and lifestyle categories.
Qualifications
* UK CAA Part‑FCL ATPL or ATPL (A) MCC Course (Multi‑crew Co‑operation) or equivalent ICAO licence; assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
* Accrued 2,500 flying hours.
* Ability to identify hazards, apply appropriate mitigations and safe systems of work.
* Ability to dynamically assess and manage risks in rapidly changing situations.
* Microsoft product and computer literacy.
* Problem‑solving abilities, both practical and theoretical.
* Ability to organise people and equipment.
* Effective communication to team and base (sometimes remotely, e.g. over HF radio).
* Ability to make decisions in conjunction with other members of staff and autonomously as required.
* Ability to work and lead as part of a small remote team for extended periods of time.
* Pass Antarctic medical assessment – more stringent than a CAA Class 1 medical.
Desirable
* Twin Otter type rating.
* Accrued 1,500 hours in command.
* Experience of both multi‑crew and single operations.
* Experience working autonomously in remote environments.
* Expedition or outdoor recreation experience.
* Experience responding to incidents and developing contingency plans in remote environments.
* Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery.
* Teaching experience, particularly delivering outdoor skills training.
* Ability to make appropriate decisions about safety in remote and potentially hazardous environments.
* Understanding of group dynamics and conflict resolution.
* Previous experience of physically demanding work.
For more information about the pilot role and living and working in Antarctica, please view the following resources: https://www.bas.ac.uk/about/about-bas/our-organisation/our-operational-teams/ LinkedIn – Air Unit Duties.
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