Antarctica basics
The continent is 5.4 million square miles (USA is 3.6 million square miles)
Mean annual temperature at South Pole station: -46° C/-56° F
Temperatures at McMurdo Station during austral summer may reach 10° C/50° F
Antarctic Treaty signed by 46 countries reserves area south of 60° south as a zone for peaceful conduct of research
First year-round research station established on continent in 1956
The continent provides excellent conditions for scientific research on topics such as ozone changes, global warming, earth sciences, glaciology, marine ecosystems
Source: U.S. Antarctic Program Participant Guide
More information: www.usap.gov; nana.com; antarcticconnection.com; rspc.raytheon.co
TIPP CITY — Janette Plummer was looking for a mountaineering trip when she came across information about a trip to Antarctica.
After growing up in Minnesota and North Dakota, Plummer’s love affair with cold places intensified when she, accompanied by a friend, spent three weeks in Antarctica and the subantarctic islands such as the Falklands in 2000. Her most extreme journey to date was a 2003 trip in a group of seven that skied to the North Pole.
The Tipp City business owner applied unsuccessfully for the United States Antarctic Program in the past but didn’t give up on trying to feed what she calls a “passion for the polar regions.” This year, she rewrote her resume cover letter and landed a job. She leaves Sept. 26.
“It’s where you are at, not the job you are doing,” Plummer said. “Just to have that special thing that you can say, ‘I worked for the United States Antarctic Program’ is just very special to me. It is such an honor.”
Valerie Carroll, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Antarctic Program, said the project of the National Science Foundation is run under contract by Raytheon Polar Services. Plummer is employed by Raytheon and subcontractor, NANA.
Plummer will work at McMurdo Station, a small community of around 1,100 people in the summer, fewer during the more challenging winter season.
Carroll said people are hired for around 100 different positions, from scientific research to vehicle drivers to janitorial work. “Just about anything that it takes to run a small town, we have to do in Antarctica,” she said.
All potential participants must go through a “pretty rigorous process” to be qualified for the five months on the continent, Carroll said. In addition to job skills, personality plays a large role with people living in a dorm environment, she said.
She has met physical requirements, and has had vaccinations and dental work to replace older fillings, which would fall out in the dry conditions of Antarctica, she said.
Plummer’s interest in the cold is reflected in her retail business, Down A Country Lane, in Tipp City’s downtown. One room showcases her photography and memorabilia from past journeys. Photos of penguins abound, with penguins also highlighted on signs announcing her departure date and a pre-trip sale. She said she’s leaving the store in capable hands.
Matt Owen, president and CEO of the Tipp City Area Chamber of Commerce, called Plummer talented and unique.
“If you know her, you can see there is much more to Janette than a successful business owner and operator,” Owen said. “She is an intelligent, adventurous Indiana Jones-like person who has greater mountains to climb in life. I can’t wait to hear all the cool things she will be working on,” Owen said.
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