Caretaker job advertised for Australian tropical island in Great Barrier Reef

A new job has just become available in a remote Australian island on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority wants a caretaker to live full-time on Low Isles, about ten miles from the town of Port Douglas.

The caretaker will maintain Low Isles as a tourist destination, including protecting and managing local wildlife.

The job may sound enticing, especially in a time of social distancing and low work security, but authorities have warned the position is not for everyone.

Dr Mark Read, Marine Park Authority assistant director for reef conservation, said: “The caretakers live in paradise on a tropical island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef — but maintaining an island is hard work and remote island living means limiting electricity and water use which may not suit everyone,” he said.

“The caretakers are involved in everything from maintaining buildings and infrastructure including the solar power system and sewerage treatment system, liaising with tourist operators, cleaning toilets, managing weeds and grounds works, and counting bird populations like the pied imperial pigeons.

“We’re seeking people with a passion for sustainability and natural heritage, experience in maintaining infrastructure and who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and live remotely.”

Low Isles is a pair of islands off north-east Australia. They are a popular tourist destination, with people coming from Port Douglas on the coast to snorkel and watch birds.

To apply for the job, click here.

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