Caretaker of the Great Barrier Reef has been billed as “the best job in the world.” Tourism Queensland says “the most important duty is to report back and let us know what’s taking place on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.”
The news media seems to think this is a 6 month vacation in paradise. I wouldn’t argue with the term paradise but I wouldn’t call it a vacation, either. The amount of area you need to report on is absolutely huge.
We are talking about the largest reef system in the world. It covers 133,000 square miles and includes 900 islands and 2,900 individual reefs. How many islands could you cover in 180 days?
Travel is certainly a requirement here. If you don’t like flying in small, single-engine planes and riding in boats, you will have a serious problem with this job. I own 2 boats so I don’t think I’ll have a problem. I’d recommend a suitcase full of Dramamine for those who suffer from motion sickness.
A love of the outdoors would be another requirement. I have an 11-foot camper on the back of my truck and have run a website Utah Fish Finder for many years. You might get the idea I love fishing. Trying out the Great Barrier Reef has been a dream of mine for many years.
The “reporting back” is another issue for this job. Do you like to write? Take pictures? Conduct interviews? Be interviewed? This is another aspect of the job that might not be appealing to some.
So, is this the best job in the world for you? Or would you rather spend your vacation there and just relax?
Perhaps the ideal job for you would be something else. What would it be?