Would YOU move 7,500 miles to work as a postman? Post Office advertises jobs on British Overseas Territory near Antarctica (but you’ll need to sail 800 miles from the Falklands to get there)
- Chilly duo will be needed for six months in South Georgia, 7,500 miles from UK
- The plucky posties will be given £26,400 to ferry parcels across the island
Two jobs are open to be the world’s most remote postman – on an island near Antartica that is only inhabited for half a year.
The chilly duo will be needed for six months in South Georgia, which is more than 7,500 miles from the UK.
A British Overseas Territory, the plucky posties will be given £26,400 to ferry parcels across the island.
But even to get to the freezing rock – which has no towns or roads – workers will have to sail 800 miles from the Falklands as there is no airport.
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands said: ‘An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team for the 2023-24 austral summer as Post Officer, working at South Georgia, running one of the most southerly Post Offices in the world.’
The chilly duo will be needed for six months in South Georgia, which is more than 7,500 miles from the UK
But even to get to the freezing rock – which has no towns or roads – workers will have to sail 800 miles from the Falklands as there is no airport
They add: ‘This role requires an individual who has exceptional customer service skills, and who iscomfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
‘Detail orientated, you will be responsible, self-motivated, and conscientious, with an ability to work independently and as part of a small team.’
The two successful candidates will also get all accommodation and sustenance included, alongside travel two and from the remote island.
They will have to cater for the 14,000 tourists expected this year on cruise ships, yauchts and research vessels to see the stunning wildlife and soak in the Antartic experience.
Among the incredible eco-system are seals, penguins and an estimated five million sea lions – about 95 per cent of the species’ population.
The total population is just 30 – with all of them living there temporarily either as scientists or service staff.
Postal employees on the island have to run the Grytviken office, run a museum and a souvenir shop – called The Slop Chest.
They will have to cater for the 14,000 tourists expected this year on cruise ships, yauchts and research vessels to see the stunning wildlife and soak in the Antartic experience
They will also have to pass a British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit (BASMU) medical test and dental check, with conditions including arthritis and angina among those that would block you from going.
There are no medical facilities on the island and it is extremely difficult to get anyone out in an emergency – so candidates need to be in perfect health.
The South Georgia Post Office was first established in 1909 – with letters arriving on fishing boats.
It was later carried on whaling vessels operatingon the island, with couriers trecking between stations, having to erect special huts between them to hide out in if the weather was bad.
Their stamps carry pictures of fur seals, elephant seals, humpback whales and macaroni penguins.
Discovered by Captain James Cook on the HMS Resolution in 1675, it had no indigenous population because of the harsh climate and remoteness.
It was retaken by the British in 1982 after it was breifly captured at the start of the Falklands War in Opration Paraquet.
