Antenna Rigger Supervisor - McMurdo, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2026)

Job purpose

Responsible for team development, technical leadership, and supervision of the Antenna Rigging Program, from planning through the safe execution of installation and maintenance of all guyed towers, freestanding towers and antenna support structures in the USAP. The Rigging Supervisor also provides guidance and assistance to install and maintain necessary coaxial cable, connectors on coaxial cabling, maintenance and repairs of antenna radomes. Also coordinates installation and maintenance of various solar and wind­ turbine power generation sites. Responsible for developing and tracking project plans and timelines. This position requires both technical and managerial skills.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provides professional technical leadership to staff to establish a working environment consistent with Division goals and objectives. Encourages professional development, performance evaluations, team building, coordination, and cooperation.
• Handles confidential matters (personnel actions, management reports, etc.) in accordance with management policy.
• Works with IT&C Leadership to determine project staffing and resource allocation requirements.
• Hires and ensures training and PQ are completed for all deploying Antenna Riggers.
• Plans, hires for, manages, and assists with annual inspections and maintenance on antenna systems at Palmer, South Pole, McMurdo, and Christchurch, New Zealand USAP facilities, deep field sites.
• Works with Lead Antenna Rigger to oversee and assign daily tasking of staff.
• Prioritizes daily tasking to ensure all RF infrastructure is attended to first and foremost.
• Develops schedules and seasonal plans for McMurdo, South Pole, and Palmer Stations
• Coordinates project resources and communications with team members.
• Coordinates with other departments in the planning and execution of all antenna rigging activities
• Prepares management progress and project status reports.
• Assists the Communications System Supervisor with project design, development, and implementation.
• Responsible for procurement for antenna rigging materials.
• Manages and assists with all installations and maintenance of USAP HF, UHFNHF, microwave, and satellite antenna systems and radomes.
• Designs and installs technical rigging and rope-access systems
• Manages and assists with installation of solar and wind-turbine power generation systems.
• Supervises/assists with the installation and maintenance of air and foam dielectric coaxial cable and connectors.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the work place.
• Guides and conducts technical training for antenna riggers and Communications shop personnel as needed. Ensures all antenna riggers have completed proper training.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• US citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must possess current Tower Climbing Certification
• Minimum of two years experience in a leadership role as an antenna rigger.
• Minimum of five years experience in tower and antenna installation and maintenance or minimum of five years experience installing structural steel.
• Knowledge of all safety aspects of tower and antenna rigging is necessary.
• Two years supervisory experience with independent responsibility is necessary.

Preferred Experience:

• BS degree in Information Technology, science or engineering.
• Five years experience providing technical expertise and leadership assistance to large multi-disciplinary projects.
• Familiarity with OSHA approved fall restraint and fall arrest systems and similar devices required to work safely above the ground preferred.
• Experience with metal working/fabricating including welding, cutting, drilling, grinding and bending.
• Experience with construction and anchoring techniques in rock, snow, and ice.
• Experience with electrical installation and wiring.
• Experience working with cranes and other heavy equipment.

Competencies

• Technical Capacity.
• Leadership skills
• Organizational Skills.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.

Physical requirements

• Deployment will be required in this position. The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.
• Complies with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedure.
• Individual must be capable of operating a standard desktop computer; must be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Position expectations

• This is a full-time, year round position located in Antarctica and Centennial
• All expenses paid while on-ice; meals, lodging, medical, gear, travel to and from Antarctica.
• 3/4 time position the states and then deploys annually to McMurdo Station for Austral Summer (October-February)
• Required to attend any planning and reporting meetings with IT and Station Leadership as deemed necessary.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer as defined by the EEOC