Instructor, Greenland Medic

Job Summary:

The medic is part of a small operational crew onsite to support the science activities in the summer. Population varies in the summer, and indoor heated space is limited, shared and public (with the exception of berthing rooms.)  Common courtesy and respect are required, and the operational crew play a role in assisting short-term visitors to achieve a successful trip.  Shared tasking is assigned as needed, but at all times, the medic’s priority will be the safety of station personnel.  As a subcontractor, the medic represents the National Science Foundation and a professional approach is required in all circumstances.

Staff and researchers using the station are generally working outside in extreme temperatures.  Altitude illness is the most common complaint at Summit Station.  The Medic is proactive in preparing visitors for such risks. The Medic Position at Summit Station, Greenland 24/7 is scheduled through mid-July.  These dates include transit days plus 1 day safety training and orientation in NY in route to Greenland.

The approximate dates for these positions are June 11 to July 25 and July 16 to August 29.

The Subcontractor’s medical personnel are responsible for maintaining the camp medical inventory on an existing spreadsheet, as well as preparing resupply orders for needed supplies, to include vendor sourcing.  They will provide feedback on inventory items to meet the needs of a remote field station.  The field medical personnel play an integral role in the operations crew of Summit Station.  They are expected to participate in collateral station duties as requested and are subject to station policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Caring for all medical issues that arise among individuals at Summit Station
• Coordination of a remote outpost's medical clinic
• Education of the station residents to improve health and safety
• Direction of an emergency response team
• Regular communication with medical direction back at CU Anschutz

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has been sub-contracted to the National Science Foundation to provide medical support for the suite of research activities ongoing in the Arctic.

Polar Field Services (PFS/CPS) is the prime logistics Subcontractor for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which funds research activities throughout the Arctic. Research is often conducted in very remote portions of the Arctic where there is little to no access to immediate emergency medical services and/or facilities. CPS provides a basic remote medical kit(s) and Iridium phone(s) to many of these remote field camps while other groups provide their own medical supplies and medications. 

Summit Station is a CPS supported research facility located at 10,500 feet in elevation at 72.5 degrees North, 38.5 degrees West near the summit of the Greenland ice sheet.  Summit Station is open year-round.  During the winter months, the population is 5-6 people and staff are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified.  During the months of April – August, the population increases to range from 30-50 people including researchers funded by the NSF to conduct research projects and CPS station operations personnel.  The April – August time-frame is staffed by a subcontracted medic (currently certified Paramedic, Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant or Physician).  During any season, flights in and out of Summit can result in evacuation delays of up to 5 days.  Staff and researchers using the station are generally working outside in extreme temperatures.  Altitude illness is the most common complaint at Summit Station. 

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Each person working at Summit for longer than one flight period (staff and researchers) must pass an NSF medical and dental exam.
• Paramedic, Nurse, NP or PA, MD or DO
• 2 years minimum experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical climbing or rescue experience
• Previous wilderness first responder training
• Previous international experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Microsoft Office
• Experience with wilderness medicine, altitude and living and working in extreme snow and cold conditions
• High angle rescue

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers .

Questions should be directed to: John Perry: [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by April 1, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$55,000 to $70,000 annual salary range, which will be pro-rated to be paid on a monthly basis for the length of time the employee is on assignment.

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .