INTRODUCTION The United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) is a charity which exists to advance the preservation, enhancement and promotion of Antarctic heritage to engage, inform and inspire a global audience. We conserve and manage six historic sites and monuments (HSMs) on the Antarctic Peninsula. Port Lockroy is our flagship site receiving circa 18,000 visitors each season and is the most visited site in Antarctica. Port Lockroy recently featured in a BBC Natural World documentary, Penguin Post Office. We are active in engaging as wide an audience as possible in British Antarctic history whether that is through our active membership programme or through our support of other organisations via our grants scheme. We also have a trading subsidiary Antarctic Heritage Ltd which handles our trading activity our retail operation in Port Lockroy and an online shop - this currently provides the bulk of our income. We are the only UK charity which has the responsibility and the expertise in caring for our valuable Antarctic heritage in this unique and challenging environment. Operating at the highest level both in the UK and overseas to international treaty standards, our work is seen by the world and we are recognised for our commitment to high standards of stewardship and safety. We have a number of significant stakeholders with whom we work closely to deliver our Antarctic operations: The Polar Regions Department of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth office (FCO), the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), and the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust (NZAHT) among them. We might be a small team, based in Cambridge, but we enjoy a very high profile with influential supporters and partners. HRH the Princess Royal is our patron and our board of Trustees are drawn from the highest levels of the diplomatic, business, Antarctic and heritage communities. Expectations and our ambitions are high; our strategy Championing Antarctic heritage for all underlines our commitment to engaging a global audience with the stories of human endeavour in Antarctica. Fundamental to this is our work on the Antarctic Peninsula. We are looking for someone to lead on our Antarctic operations to ensure we fulfil our aim to safeguard this unique heritage and use it to inspire current and future generations
ABOUT THE UK ANTARCTIC HERITAGE TRUST OUR MISSION We exist to advance the preservation, enhancement and promotion of Antarctic heritage to engage, inform and inspire a global audience. OUR VISION Our work will ensure that the legacy of the pioneers of British Antarctic science and exploration is preserved in perpetuity to be enjoyed and valued by a global audience. We actively manage the physical heritage of human endeavour in Antarctica through a sustainable conservation programme and use the stories they hold to inspire people to discover, enjoy and respect our Antarctic history. OUR VALUES We collaborate with stakeholders and partners to achieve our aims. We are innovative and enthusiastic in our work to engage and inspire. Teamwork We are ambitious and influential; recognised for our expertise, high standards and professionalism. Inspiring Quality We use our resources effectively, responsibly and safely to achieve the best outcomes. Responsible Integrity We are reliable and conduct ourselves in an open and transparent manner.
OUR STRATEGIC AIMS 1. Preserving and enhancing the unique physical heritage of human endeavour in Antarctica to the highest standards, in the UK, in Antarctica and beyond. 2. Inspiring people to pursue a lifelong engagement with the legacy of the pioneers of British Antarctic science and exploration. 3. Securing a Sustainable future for the Trust and the work we do. OUR PROGRAMME PRIORITIES 1. The Antarctic buildings and artefacts in our care or supported by us will be safeguarded and preserved for future generations to internationally recognised standards. 2. We will deliver an efficient and safe Antarctic operation resulting in high quality visitor experiences at our heritage sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. 3. We will grow our audience and extend our reach through delivering or supporting a range of innovative programmes to engage people of all ages with Antarctic heritage. 4. We will be a resource for anyone interested in Antarctic heritage, particularly focussing on Friends of Antarctica. 5. We will be financially secure through diverse income streams and maximising our income potential. 6. We will enable other organisations to achieve our aims to preserve Antarctic heritage and engage more people with it through an active grants programme. 7. We will run a successful, secure and highly valued charitable organisation and subsidiary trading company through good governance and management.
THE ROLE Job Title: Reporting to: Direct Reports: Chief Executive Antarctic Operations Officer, Seasonal team members Job Role: Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for our operations in Antarctica. You will deliver a successful, safe and sustainable seasonal Antarctic operation at Port Lockroy and other heritage sites on the Antarctic Peninsula by: 1. Planning, delivering and reviewing the seasonal operation to run Port Lockroy as a successful tourist attraction, heritage site and main source of income for the Trust. 2. Delivering the heritage management programme for all our historic sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. 3. Taking the lead for the Trust on Health and Safety and Emergency Planning, ensuring it is effective and appropriate for the environment in which we work 4. Taking the lead for the Trust on Environmental Management ensuring our operation is sustainable, efficient and continues to have minimal environmental impact. 5. Ensuring our audiences have access to inspiring and informative content based on our Antarctic work. 6. Contributing to shaping the future of the Trust to ensure it is successful, sustainable and influential. Responsibilities: Lead on the planning and implementation of our Antarctic operation including staffing, supplies and equipment, supply chain, warehousing, transport and freight, and season communications and reporting. Ensure Port Lockroy and our other sites are maintained in good condition, that we deliver excellent visitor experiences and that our visitors are inspired to sustain ongoing engagement with the Trust long after their visit. Ensure robust, safe and effective emergency planning for our Antarctic activity. Recruit the seasonal teams Port Lockroy and mobile conservation teams, ensuring strong leadership, effective training and preparation. Develop and deliver an effective training programme for the seasonal teams, personally leading on operational training components as required.
Proactive management of the seasonal activity throughout through effective communications, information and programme management, recognising the need to be agile and responsive as events unfold. Manage any contractors and consultants working on heritage projects as required. Deliver the ongoing conservation and heritage management programme at our sites ensuring they are kept in good condition, well interpreted and retain the highest degree of authenticity using original sources. Visit our sites in Antarctica during the season or during conservation projects as required. To line manage the Antarctic Operations Officer and seasonal staff ensuring they are high performing, able to develop and effective in their roles. Manage the budget and resources for the Antarctic operation. Work with the wider team to develop and deliver key elements of our strategy including income generation through retail and fundraising and public engagement. Ensure our public programme has inspiring and engaging content derived from our Antarctic activity. Contribute to the development of strategic and operational partnerships with stakeholders and partners to ensure effective relationships to support our objectives. In particular BAS, the FCO and IAATO. Provide the Chief Executive, Board of Trustees and stakeholders with accurate information and reports on the Antarctic programme. Help ensure that the reputation of the Trust is maintained and enhanced through our work. Work flexibly with colleagues in the wider support of the aims of the Trust. To undertake all of these with UKAHT values at heart and with a high regard for both Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities.
Person Specification: SKILLS ESS DES Strong analytical, planning and forecasting skills Practical field skills for operating in remote or challenging environments Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills Excellent negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively with partners Very strong financial management, logistics and administrative skills Well-developed project management skills with a proven history of delivering results Fluency in written and spoken English Fluency in a second language (Spanish, German, French, Chinese languages) Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically KNOWLEDGE ESS DES Demonstrable knowledge of managing Health and Safety best practice Understanding of best practice in emergency planning Awareness of issues surrounding operating in Antarctica or similar remote and challenging environments Understanding of best practice in environmental management Awareness of the Antarctic Treaty System and Environmental Protocol Awareness of the issues surrounding working with historic sites and buildings and associated artefacts Technical expertise in safe field operations. EXPERIENCE ESS DES Delivering logistics and operational management Proven track record in managing complex logistics and internationally particularly in remote and/or hazardous locations. Significant experience in programme management and field operations. Previous experience of managing and developing a team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others Experience of working in the polar regions or similar Experience of working in a heritage environment or with historic buildings Experience of working in a commercial environment
BEHAVIOURAL ESS DES An effective team player who is willing to take the lead Commitment to providing excellent customer service High degree of personal effectiveness Commitment to professional development of self and others A drive to constantly review and improve performance Ability to work under pressure on a range of competing priorities Committed to health and safety and the promotion of equality Terms: UKAHT is committed to providing excellent terms and conditions of employment for all employees. Location Salary 35,000-37,000 Working Hours Holidays Expenses Benefits Probationary period Notice period Cambridge: Overseas travel up to 10%, including Antarctica 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday We accommodate flexible working with core hours 1000-1600 and a minimum of 30 minutes for lunch. You will also be required from time to time to work occasional evening and weekends for which you will be granted time off in lieu. 25 days per year of paid leave plus the usual public holidays. Due to the seasonal nature of the role, leave will fit around the needs of the job. All reasonable travel costs incurred as part of the role will be reimbursed as per UKAHT policy For work undertaken in Antarctica, an allowance will be payable. UKAHT operates a contributory pension scheme upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period. The appointment will be subject to a six month probationary period Upon completion of the probationary period the period of notice will be three months by either party.
How to apply: Our recruitment and selection process aims to select the applicant whose skills, knowledge and experience best match those set out in the person specification and whose attitude and character fit our culture based on our organisational values. To apply for this post please send us a copy of your CV with a covering letter (no more than two side of A4) which demonstrates how you think you meet the requirements of the role. Please include the names and contact details of two professional referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent line manager. Please return these to jobs@ukaht.org, the deadline for applications is 5pm 8 th February 2016. Interviews will be held w/c 29th February 2016. Any informal queries about the role may be directed to info@ukaht.org or call 01223 355049.