Now this is a rare offer and a chance of a lifetime .. so everyone who likes taking pictures and/or making videos and has some experience in blogging and would like to be a caretaker of an island should apply here .. http://www.islandreefjob.com .. Applications close on February 22, 2009.


Get the best job in the world

Scores of people have been retrenched worldwide lately, and with the current global financial crisis, any job opening is bound to attract interest.

Something as attractive as not needing any experience, with a salary of A$150,000 (=PHP 4'938'504,00) for a six-month contract would unquestionably attract even more.

Tourism Queensland is offering an extremely lucky individual a chance to get what they say is the best job in the world - to be their Island Caretaker.



Job scope

So what makes them say this is the best job in the world?

Essentially, you will be getting paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and bushwalking, are just some of the activities that you can do on the island.

All you would need to do would be to post a weekly blog, photo diaries, and create video updates to tell the world about the unique experiences available on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

You can even bring a friend or relative to stay with you in your own spacious holiday home complete with plunge pools and stunning island views, fully equipped with modern facilities and exquisite furnishings. Naturally, a state-of-the-art entertainment system as well as complete access to the Internet is available.

You'll also get to explore the different tropical islands along the Great Barrier Reef while staying at luxury resorts.



How to apply

Create and upload a 60-second or less video in English explaining why you're the best person for the job and demonstrating your knowledge of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. You will also need to complete a short application form and upload the video to www.islandreefjob.com.

Ms Lim Mui Khim, Regional Director of Tourism Queensland (Southeast Asia), said, "All applicants will need to submit an application, and if they're shortlisted, they will go through interviews and the employee will be selected based on merit. It is not a competition based on luck or popularity. Being the caretaker of the beautiful Islands of the Great Barrier Reef is truly a dream job. The attractive salary package is the icing on the cake."

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age (as of January 1, 2009) and must be available for a 4-day interview from May 3 to 7, 2009, if selected as one of the final candidates. The employee's six-month contract period will be from July 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010. Applications close on February 22, 2009.



No experience needed?

"Actually, we will be considering a broad range of experience. But what applicants should have are excellent communication skills, a high level of English and good interpersonal skills," explained Ms Lim.

She adds, "Given the nature and location of the role, they should also be adventurous, be willing to try new things, be passionate about the outdoors and enjoy swimming and snorkelling."

Not only is it the Best Job In The World, the timing could not be better.

"With the tighter job market, we think there will be a lot more interest in this job ? from those who may have lost their jobs to fresh graduates who may be unable to find full time employment. After all, this is a real job," said Ms Lim.

So...a real job with fantastic duties and an even more fantastic paycheque while living the fun and laid back Queensland lifestyle - is this really the Best Job In The World?

Send in your video and find out for yourself.

i'll take it.

here's the location of the island... also known as hamilton island.

Goodness. If that was my job, I'd be crying every morning I wake up. The guy who got the job is really, really lucky. The only downside though is that it is contractual. Hahaha !

The lucky person who got the “best job in the world” as a caretaker of an Australian tropical island was Ben Southall, 34, a British charity fundraiser. He was picked from 16 finalists.


The job responsibilities included strolling in the white sands, soaking up the sun, snorkeling the reef, and taking care of the island, and he should report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.


He took home 150,000 Australian dollars (about 134,288 US dollars or 6,183,303 PHP) for relaxing around a beautiful tropical island for six months in Australia.


This program was part of the force to protect the state’s 18 billion Australian dollar a year tourism industry during the tough economic climate caused by the global financial meltdown.