"We'll contact you if you're in the top million"--Australia

Even with all of the uncertainty brought on by the current economy, you probably didn’t think you’d be competing with the rest of the world during your job search. However, in the case of “the best job in the world,” it really couldn’t hurt to throw your hat into the ring.

An Australian state claims to be offering such a job internationally, as the government of Queensland has announced that one winning candidate will be appointed “Island Caretaker” to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef. The job pays roughly $105,000 for six months, during which time the employee will be expected to lazily stroll the white sand beaches, snorkel the world-renowned reef, tend to “a few minor tasks,” and brag report all about it to a worldwide audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates. Airfare to the island and rent for the “Island Caretaker’s” three-bedroom beach house are free, natch (this is “the best job in the world” after all).

That sound you just heard? Half a million recently “upgraded” (see Phil’s post below) job-seekers fainting at their desks.

We have absolutely no idea how Tourism Queensland expects to narrow down their worldwide applicant pool, but Tourism Minister Desley Boyle can at the very least reassure us that “This is a legitimate job which is open to anyone and everyone.”  The position is being offered as part of a campaign to protect Australia’s substantial tourism industry through the currently tough economic climate. The winner will go from unknown member of the seething, jobless masses to internationally broadcasted de-facto Queensland spokesperson.

While we can offer you all kinds of tips to stay focused and rebound from the layoff blues, not even we are sure how you’re supposed to make yourself stand out among a worldwide applicant pool. We do know that successful candidates will be good swimmers, excellent communicators and able to speak and write English.

"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas. "The fact that they will be paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this undoubtedly the best job in the world."

Really, Paul? Because we can’t imagine anyone has ever dreamed of quitting their job to go farm mangoes in a beach paradise, spending their days lazing about in a hammock, drinking in the sweet, warm ocean breeze surrounded by miles of pristine, untouched nature. We’re just fine blogging away from our cube, overlooking the picturesque vistas of warm, inviting New York City in January.

Aspiring Island Caretakers should head over to islandreefjob.com for more details. At the time of this posting, the site is responding slowly, due to what we can only assume is insanely high traffic. This should be corrected soon enough, so make sure to check back and get your application in. That is, if a six-figure paycheck for six months of total relaxation in paradise sounds like something you might be interested in.

--Posted by Steven Schiff, Vault News & Commentary