The four UK finalists are amongst 25 people selected from all over the world to go into the second round of Tourism Australia’s Best Jobs in the World campaign.
Four wildlife enthusiasts from the UK have been shortlisted for one of Australia’s Best Jobs in the World, that of Wildlife Caretaker on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
The four UK finalists are amongst 25 people selected from all over the world to go into the second round of Tourism Australia’s Best Jobs in the World campaign. They have been shortlisted from a total of 99,420 Wildlife Caretaker applicants and are now tasked with showing off their creativity and commitment to the role by generating advocacy and media interest, supporting evidence needs to be submitted by 6pm on 8th May 2013.
Swimming with sea lion, eyre peninsula, south australiaThe job of Wildlife Caretaker proved to be the most popular in the UK, receiving more applications than any other.
The successful candidate will look after Kangaroo Island’s kangaroos, swim with dolphins and sea lions, cuddle koalas and sunbathe with seals on the pristine beach at Seal Bay.
The four UK finalists are:
- Alice Callow, a 20 year old water sports instructor and conservationist from Somerset
- Tom Hesketh, a 22 year old biology student and iron man enthusiast from Somerset
- Mat Richards, a 33 year old animal trainer from Wales working at Bristol Zoo
- Scott Tisson, a 29 year old business consultant from Hampshire
Three of the 25 finalists will be chosen on May 15th to fly to Australia to take part in the final interview process.
There are 150 candidates from 35 countries still in contention for the six dream jobs including Wildlife Caretaker in South Australia. Tourism Australia’s Best Jobs in the World competition is part of a major international marketing push to promote tourism opportunities provided by Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) programme. A total of 600,000 people entered the competition as a whole.
The job of Wildlife Caretaker will entail:
Wildlife Caretaker
The wildlife caretaker, based in South Australia, will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our most loved animals and even come face to face with a great white shark. He or she will spend six months exploring South Australia’s regions, including Kangaroo Island – regarded as the best place in Australia to see animals in the wild. As its name suggests, Kangaroo Island is home to thousands of kangaroos, as well as many other species of wildlife.
A key part of the role will be assisting with guided tours and promoting understanding and appreciation of South Australia’s natural environment and wildlife. The successful applicant will work with park rangers and researchers to learn about our animals, document the work they do and share this with the world. They may also be required to assist in education programs, wildlife management and general conservation projects, including surveys and monitoring animals.
What does the job involve?
The job will take one lucky winner across beautiful South Australia, from the rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island and the adventurous Eyre Peninsula, to the heart of Adelaide city and to the real Australian outback. Our wildlife keeper will have the opportunity to experience and explore the very best of South Australia, including but not limited to:
Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions, Eyre Peninsula
Join shark attack survivor Rodney Fox as you explore the beautiful Neptune Islands, a conservation park at the mouth of the Spencer Gulf. The islands are home to large breeding colonies of the protected New Zealand fur seals and a small number of Australian sea lions, while the surrounding waters are visited by great white sharks every year.
Baird Bay, Eyre Peninsula
Baird Bay is a small, remote fishing village on the Eyre Peninsula’s west coast, but its large sea lion colony and wild dolphins means it is becoming a popular destination for visitors. Join Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience and enjoy interacting with sea lions and bottlenose dolphins in the wild.
Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island
Despite its name, Seal Bay is home to the third-largest colony of Australian Sea Lions in the country. Its resident sea lions and stunning coastline makes it one of Kangaroo Island’s most popular destinations with visitors. Seal Bay Conservation Park runs guided tours along Seal Bay beach, where nature lovers can see sea lions up close and observe these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island
The Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its abundant bird and wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, possums and echidnas. The sanctuary’s koala walk is recognised as the best place on Kangaroo Island to see koalas in the wild, while it also offers nocturnal tours and guided walks to allow visitors to experience Australian native marsupials up close and personal.
Marine Adventures, Kangaroo Island
Join Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures and explore the area’s magical underwater world. Gain an insight into the lives of dolphins, coastal birds or even a chance encounter with seals.
Events, South Australia
South Australia is home to many world-class events and festivals. The successful applicant may also attend or help out some of our key events while they are here, including the Santos Tour Down Under, WOMadelaide and the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
