Lead Field Coordinator - Antarctica

Are you ready for a rewarding career challenge?

Unleash your potential at Leidos, where we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customer’s success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

The Leidos Corporation is seeking an LDB Lead Field Coordinator for the NASA Long Duration Balloon (LDB) facility. 

The LDB facility is a day-use facility located on the Ross Ice Shelf nine miles from McMurdo Station, Antarctica. It supports NASA scientific balloon launches during the Antarctic summer season. 40-60 science personnel commute daily to LDB from McMurdo as they prepare to launch 1-2 large, helium-filled balloons carrying science instruments. The LDB Antarctic Support Contract staff ensure the facility is safely and smoothly managed and maintained.

*** This position is seasonal, and will only be hired to work during the deployment timeline. As such, deployment to Antarctica will be necessary (approximately 16 to 20 weeks/year). The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. ***

Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.

Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.

Your greatest work is ahead!

About the Antarctic Support Contract:

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:

• Vision:  Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.

• Mission:  To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines.  The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract, click here.

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission? Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career, share your resume with us today! 

The Challenge:

• Assists in the overall operation of, maintenance for, and inspections at the Long Duration Balloon Facility, located nine nautical miles from McMurdo.

• Monitors and ensures LDB facility safety, to include: light snow grooming, ice chipping, stair maintenance, and walkway inspections.

• Contributes input to supervisor and completes support and planning tasks as designated.

• Provides support during all scientific balloon launch operations, which may take place during overnight hours, weekends, and/or holidays.

• Identifies and supports many logistical needs including: camp set-up and takedown, cargo line maintenance, trash collecting and sorting, heavy equipment operation, fuel and propane level monitoring, cleaning work centers and bathrooms, snow clearing, and snow melting.

• Serves as the on-site primary point of contact when the facility manager is off site for meetings, recoveries, or other tasking.

• Responsible for daily record keeping and end of season reporting.

• Performs other duties as required. 

Duties may also include:

• Conducting daily facility inspections. Record findings and use spreadsheets to track the season’s inspection results. Work with Facility Manager to note trends that may lead to system failure and intervene to prevent failure from occurring.

• Tracking inventory and reporting.

• Assisting in expediting required support from various McMurdo work centers: including fuel and water deliveries, cargo movements, handling and movement of cryogens, vehicle maintenance, fleet operations, shuttle service, utility support, and resupply.

• Providing science grantees with guidance and support in learning McMurdo systems such as: waste sorting, spill reporting and clean up, radio communications, and general requirements of working in a field-camp setting.

• Launching and tracking pilot balloons in coordination with the CSBF on-site meteorologist to monitor wind conditions prior to and during balloon launches.

• Troubleshooting and resolving difficult situations such as resource limitations or sheltering on site during storms. Is involved in decision-making.

• May travel to remote locations in fixed wing aircraft or helicopters to assist in scientific payload recovery, depending on external factors.

• Maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the work place. Attends all required safety and job-specific trainings.

What Sets You Apart:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. BS/BA degree preferred.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Current Wilderness First Responder Certification required.

• Two (2+) years of experience in any combination of the following required: logistics, supply, waste management, cargo handling, facility maintenance, inspection and cleaning, handheld radio use, heavy equipment operation, outdoor education, outfitting, and/or guiding services in polar climates or high altitude winter settings.

• A proven ability to work as a team player in a remote, harsh environment required.

• Computer competency required, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.

• Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods is required.

• Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, shoveling, and working outdoors.

• Must be willing and able to work irregular hours, long shifts, weekends, and holidays.

• Must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica.

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

You May Also Have:

• Experience with heavy equipment operation is preferred. 

Original Posting:May 1, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.