Job Description

SANSA has the mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology advances space engineering programmes and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organisation can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za.
SANSA thrives on its employees' creativity, competencies, expertise and ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of care, customer-centricity, trust, collaboration and innovation, then SANSA could be the place for you.
The following opportunity exists in SANSA to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies and qualifications.
VOLUNTEER POSITION FOR THE RELIEF VOYAGE TO SANAE IV, ANTARTICA
Programme: Space Science
Contract Type: Volunteer
We are currently assembling a team to participate in the annual relief expedition to SANAE IV, Antarctica.
The SANAE IV station in Antarctica lies at 71S, 2W - 4280 km from East Pier in Cape Town Harbour.
Successful candidates will embark on the SA Agulhas II, South Africa's polar research and supply vessel, for a voyage of approximately 14 days to Antarctica. Upon arrival, they will be stationed at the SANAE IV research base for the entire relief period. Volunteers will work under the guidance of the Group Leader/Senior Engineer, assisting with critical infrastructure maintenance, scientific instrument servicing, and logistical operations during the expedition.
Voyage Dates: 9 December 2025 - 9 February 2026 (TBC)
This is a unique opportunity for individuals with a scientific and/or engineering background, who are eager for an extraordinary experience in a remote Antarctic environment.
Requirements:

• This is a voluntary position; no payment will be made, although all expenses from Cape Town onwards will be covered.
• Candidates must be physically fit and mentally resilient to handle the challenging conditions.
• The work will involve physical labour and hiking rough terrain in extreme Antarctic weather conditions.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a full medical examination, including a dental examination at the cost of SANSA.

More information about SANAE IV and human activities there may be found at; www.sanap.ac.za
Application process:
To apply, please upload the following documentation on www.sansa.org.za

• Detailed CV
• Cover letter summarising your motivation for applying

• For SANSA students: A letter from your supervisor granting permission to participate in the expedition.
• For SANSA staff members: Written permission from your line manager.

Disclaimer
Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should a candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavour to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with SANSA's Employment Equity plans. SANSA reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
Background verification, including criminal records, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, shall form part of the selection process. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.
Closing Date: 15 October 2025

Skills Required