Few tempted to apply for ‘the best job in the world’

ONLY 39 people from Ireland have applied for the post of an island caretaker in the Great Barrier Reef, billed as the “best job in the world.”

Despite the dire economic forecast, soaring unemployment and seemingly endless winter, Australian tourism chiefs revealed there is relatively little interest in their dream vacancy from the Irish. They have opened a worldwide search for their new island caretaker, willing to spend six months exploring the land and waters around the Great Barrier Reef for €76,000.

The post would involve moving to a rent-free three-bedroom villa, complete with pool, on Hamilton Island in Australia’s tropical Whitsunday Islands.

The island caretaker would have to write a weekly blog, photo diary and video updates to attract visitors to the reef’s 900 islands.

A spokeswoman for the recruiters said the job has already attracted 8,000 applicants, with the US, Britain and Canada ranking as the top three most interested countries.

Ireland, by comparison, with less than 40 applications received by employers Tourism Queensland to date, is 38th on the list, next to Ecuador at 39.

Candidates have until February 22 to submit a video application explaining why they would be the best person for the job and demonstrating their knowledge of the islands.

Applicants will need a year’s “relevant” experience, excellent communication skills and a willingness to try new things.

The job includes travel expenses and a 150,000 Australian dollar (€76,000) salary.

Below the water, the Great Barrier Reef stretches for 2,600km, across 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.

It is the world’s largest coral reef system with an abundance of wildlife, a spokesman for Tourism Queensland said.

Hamilton Island, where the temperature is warm all year round, is the largest inhabited island in the region and is located just off Queensland’s coast.

Blue skies, crystal water and pure sands form “the backdrop to an ideal island life”.

In May, 10 lucky candidates – and one wildcard voted for by visitors to the website www.islandreefjob.com – will be invited to the islands for the four-day final interview process.