Ben Miller, a life-long Edgerton resident and Public Works employee, is leaving Kansas for an opportunity of a lifetime. He’s going to become a Supply Technician in Antarctica for the next four to six months.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” he said. “I’ve never ridden in a plane before and now my first flight will be to a base in Antarctica.”
Ben says he initially applied to become an equipment operator with a contractor to the United States Antarctic Program after learning the skills here in Edgerton’s Public Works Department. He was offered a position helping to supply the various departments on the 1,100-person base.
“Without the skills I learned here, I would never have applied for a job in Antarctica. I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had here,” he said.
The Edgerton Public Works team is responsible for maintaining the City’s infrastructure. They handle everything from grading gravel roads to repairing concrete curbs to installing new street signs and helping with City events. Ben enjoyed operating the City’s streetsweeper.
Asked what he’s most nervous about? “Being that far away from home,” he says with a smile.
Ben says he’s taking wool clothes and a laptop that he’ll download movies and music on before he leaves. All of the extreme cold gear and equipment will be supplied for him.
He’ll be working in Antarctica for the next four to six months, during the southernmost continent’s summer season. He leaves in mid-August.
