Photo by Paul Carroll
About us
About our stunning location
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is one of the most remarkable and remote places on Earth. A British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, it is famed for its dramatic, snow-covered mountains, blue glaciers and emerald bays, and for hosting extraordinary concentrations of wildlife including penguins, seals, and whales. The territory leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.
Working for SGSSI offers a rare opportunity to combine meaningful public service with global environmental impact. The islands support major populations of seabirds and marine mammals, including globally threatened species such as the wandering albatross, and sit within one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, sustained by vast krill biomass.
Working for SGSSI is defined by purpose, collaboration and challenge. There is no permanent resident population; instead, a small, highly skilled community of government officers, scientists and support staff live and work together in an exceptional environment. Roles are demanding but deeply rewarding, offering unparalleled professional experience, personal growth and the chance to contribute to world‑leading conservation, science and governance.
About the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands
The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is responsible for the governance, protection and sustainable management of the Territory. Administered on behalf of the UK by a Commissioner based in the Falkland Islands, GSGSSI operates a self‑sufficient model, with income primarily derived from fishing licences, visitor landing fees and philatelic sales.
This revenue is reinvested directly into fisheries management and protection, scientific research, environmental stewardship, staffing and essential operational capability. The Government works closely with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), which operates two research stations on South Georgia, supporting internationally significant long‑term monitoring of seabirds and marine mammals.
Photo by Tracy Cooper
Strategic Challenges and Priorities for the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands
Key strategic priorities include modernising data collection and visitor management, improving the visitor experience sustainably, and strengthening the Territory’s scientific evidence base. Major transformation programmes are underway, including the replacement of the long‑serving fisheries patrol vessel, Pharos SG, critical to compliance, logistics and access across the islands, and the future development of King Edward Point as a long‑term hub serving UK foreign policy, scientific and territorial objectives.
Alongside these operational challenges, GSGSSI is continuing to modernise its working practices, leadership structures and organisational culture to ensure it remains resilient, inclusive and fit for the future. For the right candidates, this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the world’s most extraordinary territories.
Organisational Chart
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is a UK Overseas Territory, situated 800 miles SE of the Falkland Islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Location
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is a UK Overseas Territory, situated 800 miles SE of the Falkland Islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Size
The main island of South Georgia is approximately 170 km long and between 2 and 40 km wide and occupies an area of 3,755 km2, more than half of which is permanently ice covered. The South Sandwich Islands are a chain of eleven small volcanic islands stretching from 56-60oS, 350-500 miles SE of South Georgia. The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Maritime Zone (200 nm from baselines) occupies in excess of 1,000,000 km2 of the Southern Ocean.
Climate
The climate is classified as polar, and the weather is highly variable. Summer highs reach about 8°C (46.4°F), while winter lows are around -5°C (23°F), rarely dropping below -10°C (14°F). South Georgia is milder than the South Sandwich Islands due to its more northerly position.
Accessibility
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are only accessible by sea via expedition cruise ships or private yachts, there are no airports or roads, requiring polar-ready vessels.
History
South Georgia was first sighted by London merchant Antoine de la Roche in 1675 and was claimed for Great Britain by James Cook in 1775, with government arrangements established by Letter Patent in 1843. Cook also discovered the South Sandwich Islands (1775) and the islands were subsequently annexed by Great Britain through the 1908 Letters Patent.
A Norwegian, Carl Anton Larsen, established the first land-based whaling station and first permanent habitation at Grytviken in 1904. Throughout the 20th century, South Georgia was a base for whaling and sealing industries. Operations ceased in the 1960s and the whaling stations were abandoned.
The Territories have been under UK administration since 1908, but were briefly occupied by Argentinean forces in 1982. Until 1985, SGSSI were part of the Falkland Island Dependencies, after which they became a separate UK Overseas Territory. Argentina has maintained a claim to the sovereignty of South Georgia since 1927 and to the South Sandwich Islands since 1948.
Photo by Connor Bamford