Tourism Queensland calls it the Best Job in the World, and since January this year they were taking applications for one lucky finalist to become their island’s caretaker for six months starting July (here’s the job description).

In exchange for becoming Queensland’s answer to the late Steve Irwin (a.k.a. Crocodile Hunter) benefits include a resort-style villa called the Blue Pearl which overlooks the Coral Sea and a salary of AUD$150,000. Oh, and then there are lots of stress-inducing perks like snorkeling, frolicking with sea turtles, and endless white sand beaches.

Earlier this month 16 finalists for the island caretaker position attended the final round of interviews at a lush resort on Hamilton Island, Australia.

One of the finalists was local Arirang Radio newsman Juweon Jonathan Kim, whom we were generally rooting for considering the guy looked like he really needed a vacation. But then again, after listening to his pitch a lot of us fell on the side of schadenfreude or tsk-tsk’ing, “That’s not how you apply for a job!” Check out Juweon’s blog for a play by play leading up to the final decision, and watch the application video that got him to the final round but no further (below):

The island caretaker was announced immediately after the final round of interviews, and the winner selected from a pool of 34,000 applicants is an energetic Brit by the name of Ben Southall. (Watch the announcement video). After watching his application video and clips of him so far, it looks like they found someone who can fill the role perfectly.

Queensland Tourism is hoping Ben’s blog posts, video clips, and communication with the outside world will generate more interest in the area, especially with what’s going on at the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Area.

If at this point, you’re shaking your head wondering why you couldn’t land the Best Job this year, there is always the next time they do this. Or, you can check out Tourism Queensland’s job page and land some Equally Good Jobs. Before you know it, you might be able to get out of Seoul and house-sit the Blue Pearl while Ben’s off snorkeling!

more at [BBC]

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