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The best job in the world comes with an island and a $100,000 salary
If the current economic climate is starting to make you feel a little down, how about taking a job as a caretaker at the Great Barrier Reef?You'll work very hard (for several hours a week), posting to a blog, picking up the mail and feeding the fish.
And for all that hard work, you will be paid about $8400 every 2 weeks (or $100,000 for the 6 month duration of your contract).
When your contract starts, you'll be flown from anywhere in the world to Hamilton Island and you'll live in a 3 bedroom house, all for free.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's all part of a job hunt/pr stunt by Queensland Tourism to find their next caretaker and promote the area.
Of course, this isn't as simple as sending in an application and packing your bags. You'll be competing with thousands of others who think they are better suited for this job than you. That said, it is a real job, and the offer is most certainly legitimate.
If you feel up to the challenge, and think you have what it takes to send in an interesting application, head on over to their "apply now" page and keep your fingers crossed.
The final selection process for candidates takes place on Hamilton Island, and if you make the final cut, you'll be flown there, all expenses paid!
The PR part of the job means you'll sit on your island telling the world what a fantastic place the Great Barrier Reef islands are. To help you with your job, the tourist agency even provides you with Internet access, a computer and some video equipment.
You have until February 22nd to submit your application!
UPDATE: Please don't contact Gadling with applications or questions about this job. Gadling is NOT sponsoring this job. If you have questions, please visit IslandReefJob.com to learn more.
UPDATE 2: If IslandReefJob.com does not load, it's because their server is getting crushed from visits. Please be patient and try again soon.












Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
ED Jan 12th 2009 7:03PM
Is the 6 months a trail period or if you do well can it result in a more permanent position?
Amber Jan 12th 2009 7:02PM
Wowzer Sophie! You've just sold me on applying! After residing in Montana with 30 below zero (not including the wind chill) weather, encountering deer, elk, wolves, mountain lions and rattlers at my back door I'm ready for the change. I'd rather take a break and dance on a warm beach dodging jelly fish than keep looking over my shoulder for the next berry-rootin' bear. I'll dream of this adventure all winter - THANKS!
charlotte Jan 12th 2009 7:24PM
im no stranger to hard work.it all sounds great but looking more toward doing a great job while learning new things.i wont be a let down but i know the odds of me being picked are slim but good luck searching.
Don Fisher Jan 12th 2009 11:25PM
Just wondering what skills and knowledge may be required. Any room for active seniors? I doubt if your looking for the disenchanted and disinfranchised living on the fringe. If your Looking for an active, outgoing, and independent senior of indefigable energy and can-do-ism spirit.., count me in. Being A Michigander by birth, a Califiornian by necessity, and a Floridian by choice.., the quest for island castaway with a focus on worthy endeavors combining nature and solitude sounds too wondrous to ignore.
liz Jan 12th 2009 8:49PM
Thanks Sophie. Now I know for sure that this is for me!
TerriEast Jan 13th 2009 9:27AM
Anyone with any info getting an app for this tough job?
Carol Jan 13th 2009 9:27AM
Yes, this sounds like hard work, but a working vacation is something I can handle, particularly in an
atmostphere like this.
charles Jan 13th 2009 10:15AM
has anyone been able to log onto this site no luck here but would love a try at this job,good and bad in every job
Ross Jan 13th 2009 11:53AM
Site down :-(
Hamilton Tourism - You can send the acceptance direct to my address ;-)
Cynthia Jan 13th 2009 5:03PM
I read the unique position requirements AND the Bryson sunburnt country book about the dangers of Australia.....in fact, I think he says it's the most dangerous place in the world! Well, I would like to find out "up close & personal".....and take my retired pilot boyfriend with me to explore, and write, and photograph, and draw and paint, dodge stingers in the sand and dance in the moonlight.......when do we leave........?!
J. High Jan 13th 2009 7:58PM
I have a son who lives in Dallas that would be just perfect for this job. However none of the links given in article seems to work as regarding an application.
Can anybody tell me how to contact anybody involved in this application process. Bet a million people will apply but my son is one in a million so he might just fit the job.
Kellie Jan 13th 2009 10:49PM
Well, being that my home is in foreclosure, my ex husband is dodging child support and makes excuses in order not to see our 6 yr. old daughter. The temperature in WI is -3 degrees below 0, not including the wind chill. I was laid off right before Christmas from a very popular Motorcycle Co. I think, no, I know this would be the perfect opportunity for me to start over again.
Not to mention, I have a sincere love for travel, animals, water and I am a definate people person with a certain wit about myself which would institute a waiting list of action/relaxation seekers to come visit this beautiful Island from all around the world!
My bags are packed. I'll be beach/home schooling my daughter (after blogging, snorkling and feeding the fish...) so much more than any classroom could ever teach her and build an awesome resume for future endeavors such as this or come back home (maybe not), build or find a new home with my hard earned salary and schedule my time for interviews with the Discovery channel, Barbara Walters and such.
BTW, I'll take lots of pictures for all who can't make it to take several peeks at.
Wish me Luck!!
Jess Jan 15th 2009 5:17AM
Ok let face it, you and me not going to
get that job offer by http://www.islandreefjob.com and $150,000 cash price
So I decided to move to Great Barrier Reef permanently by
raising my own money and with your help and donation
You can find out more about me at http://thebestjobintheworldaustralia.wordpress.com/
Your help we can make it happen
Jess
Jonathan Feb 11th 2009 3:33AM
We're so excited to be a part of this event. It's really cool to get so many amazing people together in one place to compete for such a unique prize.
We think the caretaker will actually be working pretty hard in their role on the island, but we don't mind.
If you go to the site and watch the videos, look at the high quality and broad depth of many of the people applying. It's a great example of "If you build it (and market it in the right ways), they will come."
Well done Tourism Queensland!
Jonathan
http://www.IslandReefWork.com
carlos zepeda fernandez Mar 4th 2009 11:50AM
igood morning im interisting about job 100000 please
i need more information thanks