Best job in the world

PR stunt is also a real job An Australian island is offering  the ‘best job in the world’ as caretaker – with a salary of nearly £1,000 per HOUR.

The position on Hamilton Island requires ‘minimum effort’ and involves ‘relaxed’ duties such as feeding turtles, watching whales, and picking up the island’s post. Applicants require no academic qualifications, but must possess good swimming skills and a love of snorkelling, scuba diving and other water sports.

A passion for the great outdoors and the ability to speak English are also an advantage. Candidates will also have to demonstrate an ‘adventurous attitude’ and a ‘willingness to try new things’.

The successful applicant will live rent-free in the lap of luxury on Hamilton Island, dubbed the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland coast.

They will receive a three-bedroom house with ‘unbeatable’  views of a crystal-clear lagoon lined with palm trees and ringed by white sandy beaches.

The six-month contract comes with a salary package of Australian $150,000 (US$105,000, £70,000), including free return flights, transfers, expenses and transport around the island. It equates to a staggering $1400 per hour based on a ‘flexi-time’ schedule of a 12-hour working month.

The offer might sound too good to be true, but the Queensland Tourist Board insists there is no catch.

It says the role is an ideal opportunity for Americans or Britons to swap the ‘rat race’ and for a more relaxed life.

Jonathan Sloan, who works on behalf of Tourism Queensland in the UK, said: ‘This is the best job in the world, there’s no question about it.

Hamilton Island ‘ has everything most people dream of – white sandy beaches, blue skies, warm seas and friendly people.

‘It also boasts a very generous salary package and requires only a few hours of relaxed work with minimum effort per week.’

Advertised as a ”once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’, the unique role of ‘Island Caretaker’ is now being advertised in 18 countries across the world.

Beginning on July 1, the successful applicant will have few responsibilities and can decide how best to fill their days.

But they will be required to produce a weekly online blog, photo diary and video updates of their time on the island.

They will also have to give regular media interviews and send reports via email to chiefs at Tourism Queensland at the organisation’s headquarters in Brisbane.

Requirements for candidates include: ‘Excellent communication skills, good written and verbal English skills, an adventurous attitude, willingness to try new things, a passion for the outdoors, and good swimming skills and enthusiasm for snorkelling and/or diving.’

Anthony Hayes, the chief executive of Tourism Queensland, said the offer was being made to promote the island to a ‘global market’.
The successful applicant will start work here on July 1 He said: ‘The cooperative marketing campaign aims to highlight the islands of the Great Barrier Reef and showcase Australia’s own unique Island experience, to the global market.’

Interested parties can apply by submitting a 60-second video outlining the reasons they deserve to be picked. Applications are now open and close on February 22.

Tourism Queensland will select 11 potential candidates who will be whisked away to Hamilton Island for a selection process. The lucky applicant will be named on May 6