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The British Antarctic Survey Mapping and Geographic Information Centre have recently published a new map of Signy and the South Orkney Islands, and development of the map highlighted many changes across the region. There are many interesting descriptive place names across the region, evoking the harsh environment and striking landforms found across the islands.

On Coronation Island, Echo Mountain was named for the acoustic effects that occur on its SE side. Nearby, Coldblow Col was named after a visiting FIDS party from Signy had their tent blown down. Cragsman Peaks is named with reference to the rock climbing that the peaks afforded during FIDS visits in 1948-49 and 1956-58.

Naming continues across British Antarctic Territory, and a few features in the South Orkney Islands were named in the latest Antarctic Place-names Committee meeting last year. These include Brierley Bay, named for Professor Andrew Stuart Brierley (1967-2024) and Murphy Islands, named for Professor Eugene Murphy.

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Application deadline: 3rd February 2025

Interview dates: week commencing 24 February 2025

The British Antarctic Territory Government has a vacancy for an ad hoc specialist to advise on place-naming in the Antarctic.

This is an opportunity to join a group of experts in toponymy, science, geography, navigation, international relations, and exploration who sit on the Antarctic Place-names Committee.

The Committee advises the British Antarctic Territory Government on all aspects relating to place names in the Antarctic. It has a secondary role of advising the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands on all aspects related to place-naming in SGSSI.

Main Purpose of the Role / Knowledge and skills

Candidates should have an interest in cartography or place-naming. They should be able to offer expertise complementary to the composition of the committee in the area(s) of Geography; Cartography; GIS; Exploration History; International Relations; Science; Toponymy; Sailing; Navigation within the Antarctic context.

The committee particularly invites applications from candidates with experience of Glaciology or Tourism within British Antarctic Territory and with links to Antarctic fieldwork, especially from outside the British Antarctic Survey.

Terms of Appointment

This is a non-remunerative, non-pensionable post. Travel and Subsistence expenses are reimbursed. The term is for a period of 3 years for new appointees, with the option of reapplying at the end of term. The successful applicant will be expected to attend the Antarctic Place-names Committee meetings twice a year and consider proposals by postal assessment up to four times a year between meetings. The meetings are normally held in Cambridge.

Eligibility Requirements

You will need to be a British Citizen, resident in the UK for at least two of the last ten years, including at least one consecutive twelve-month period.

Application

Please submit CV and Cover Letter to polarregions@fcdo.gov.uk

Selection

The successful candidate will be invited to participate in a short interview via Zoom or in-person.

If you require more information, please contact the Antarctic Place-names Committee Secretariat (Elena Field) - eleeld@bas.ac.uk or polarregions@fcdo.gov.uk

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