Extreme Jobs in Extreme Places

It takes a special person to work in the extreme environment of Antarctica, but many scientists, engineers, doctors, and technicians do. A vivid picture of life in the freezing conditions of the South Pole is painted through the photographs in this book. Readers will learn the many kinds of jobs involved in running a polar research center as well as what Antarctic workers do in their free time.

Aircraft carriers are truly impressive "cities at sea." Their monstrous size alone can fill visitors with awe. However, the people who live on carriers and the jobs they do every day are just as extraordinary. Pilots who land jets with precision, engineers who piece together weapons, and technicians who fuel vehicles in the midst of dangerous situations are just some of the heroes of the navy highlighted in this book.

Few workplaces are more extreme than the International Space Station. Just getting launched into space is a pretty extreme commute. Accessible text explains the fascinating, intense training that astronauts endure to prepare themselves for life in space. Also discussed is life at the station, including the foods they eat, the research they do, and how the team relaxes. Inspiring photographs help readers to understand more about life above Earth.

Few people could imagine living in an enclosed tight space for months at a time-but that's just what those who serve in the navy on submarines do. They travel thousands of miles underwater on missions and become experts on all the systems that make submarines amazing and sometimes dangerous machines. Accessible text describes how submarines work and the many careers available for those interested in this kind of life. It also includes information about submersibles used for undersea exploration.

We couldn't get very far without oil rigs, both on and off shore, and the people who work there. Workers toil long hours, usually far from families and friends, to provide the fuel needed to power cars, planes, trains, and many other types of machines. Life on an offshore oil platform and the many kinds of jobs that keep it running smoothly and safely are explored through accessible text.

A fisherman's life isn't as calm and serene as some might think. In fact, it usually involves backbreaking work, torrential rain, and sometimes even extreme danger. Exciting photographs take readers aboard the freezing, damp conditions of an Alaskan crab boat, one of the deadliest workplaces in the world. Readers will learn about the many obstacles and challenges fishermen face and also why they keep heading back out to sea.