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The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for plumbers, carpenters, electricians and chefs to staff it's five research stations in Antarctica.

Audrey Stevens, a spokeswoman for BAS, said: "The people who apply are usually quite outdoorsy. There's nothing really to spend your money on so you can come back with a chunky bank balance."

Icebergs in Antarctica

Temperatures can drop to almost -90C and there are significantly more penguins than people. Those selected will receive starting salaries of £23,000, with travel expenses, food, accommodation and winter clothing provided free of charge.

The posts to be filled include 17 plant technicians, six carpenters, six electricians, six or seven plumbers and two or three chefs. They will support research into climate change and bio-diversity by ensuring the stations run smoothly.

Tony McLaughlan, is an electrician from Luton who is already working in Antarctica, We spoke to Tony to find out what it's like working in one of the world's most inhospitable places…

We started by asking the obvious question… why?

"I wanted a challenge really!" explained Tony, "I wanted to see if I could live and work in a place like this - it's the most extreme and challenging environment in the world!Ìý I've also had a lifelong fascination with Antarctica – ever since I learnt about Scott as school I suppose.Ìý

"Back in Luton, I was working as an electrician for a local company and found myself travelling around the south of England doing electrical contract and property maintenance work.

More penguins than people!

"In the Antarctic, my job is pretty much the same really! I'm employed as an electrician and I'm responsible for maintaining the electrical services around the whole of the BAS base here" said Tony.

The average summer temperature at the South Pole is -27.5C, but it has been known to fall to as low as -89C in more extreme conditions.

"There are certainly big differences between working here and working back in Luton" laughed Tony,Ìý "Obviously there's the temperature - it gets very, very cold down here!ÌýAnd secondly, we're an isolated community, cut off from the rest of the world for half the year, which takes some getting used to.

"It's like living in a very small village really.Ìý We have seven or eight buildings for accommodation, there is a state-of-the-art science laboratory and of course the generator sheds and workshops for the mechanics."

Tony has been in the Antarctic since November 2008 and will remain there until March 2010.Ìý The contracts on offer will run from four to 18 months.

Antarctic Supply Ship

"We don't come home during that time" said Tony "In March this year, we will get one supply ship come in and when that goes, we won't see any more visitors until October because the Antarctic winter is so severe."

While it's certainly not for everyone, Tony is in no doubt about his choice of workplace…

"I never imagined an ordinary bloke like me could end up working in Antarctica. The people are great, the work is exciting. If anyone is wondering about applying, I'd say just do it - it's the best place in the world to work!"

Listen to the full interview here:

Applications for plant technician positions close on March 1 and all other vacancies close on May 4.

For moreÌý information visit the BAS website: