Two posties are wanted for six months work on the island of South Georgia, where even in summer, temperatures only reach 9C
The world’s most remote post office near Antarctica is looking for two new staff.
Two posties are required for a six-month contract on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, almost 8,000 miles from the UK, and where the balmy summer temperature reached a chilly 9C.
The work contract covers the period from September 2026 to April 2027, which is the summer period in the southern hemisphere. South Georgia, which also includes the even lesser known South Sandwich Islands, are uninhabited for half of the year and are located 800 miles southeast of the much larger Falkland Islands.
But during the Antarctic summer a research station opens up and up to 15,500 tourists from cruise ships arrive to watch sea birds, King Penguins and fur seals in one of the most pristine environments on earth.
Those lucky enough to be chosen will be paid a salary of £28,380 per annum pro rata for six months’ work.
There is no airport, and the only access to the 100-mile-long and 20-mile-wide island is by sea, and there is also no chance of returning home until the end of the summer.
The posties will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the two South Georgia post offices at King Edward Point, for residents of the research station, and a larger post office and retail outlet at Grytviken, a former whaling station which closed in the 1960s.
The job description adds that when two cruise ships arrive working hours can be long but the work load is balanced with spells when there are no ships visiting.
Shop duties include: “Cleaning, tidying, re-stocking and merchandising, ensuring goods are displayed attractively to encourage sales”.
Posties will live in shared accommodation at King Edwards Point, where Elephant seals and fur seals give birth on the beaches outside the houses, and king penguins often wander up the high street.
The document states that once the posties start work they will have to remain for the duration of the contract and will be unable to leave the island.
It adds: “During breaks between visiting vessels and during field work days there are plenty of opportunities to get out wildlife watching, hiking and cross country running.
“There is always a wide diversity of people living at King Edward Point, with up to 40 people on station during the height of summer.
“Recreational activities are varied, and their popularity depends on those on station, but people often enjoy board games, trekking, photography, film nights, and crafting. Those who do not have a crafting hobby are often excited to learn a new skill. There are plenty of books and board games on station.”
South Georgia was the first island recaptured by Royal Marines during the 1982 Falklands War. It was also where the intrepid Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton made the first crossing of the island during a heroic rescue mission to save the crew of the Endurance in 1916 after his ship had become trapped in ice.
Flights to the Falklands are included in the package along with food and accommodation and anyone interested in applying must also be prepared to conduct at least eight days field work.