In a time when the northern hemisphere is being hit by heatwaves, countries in the southern hemisphere, including Australia, are experiencing winter chills. To boost tourism during this off-peak season, the Tasmanian Tourism Authority in Australia is offering a series of unique job opportunities to increase visitor numbers. One of these intriguing positions is the “Wombat Walker,” where individuals get to take wombats for a walk every morning, similar to walking a dog.
Tasmania is an island located in the southeastern part of Australia and is the country’s only island state. The local winter season runs from May to August each year, with temperatures usually ranging between 3 to 11 degrees Celsius. Such low temperatures can deter tourists from visiting.
The Tasmanian Tourism Authority has stated on its official website that they are providing 10 quirky jobs for 10 lucky individuals this winter. The selected applicants were notified before July 15, but others are still welcome to experience these fun activities until August.
These unique job opportunities are only open to adult Australian residents. Although these positions are unpaid, the selected candidates will have their transportation and accommodation expenses covered by the tourism authority.
The 10 positions offered by the tourism authority include: “Cave Conductor,” “Oyster Organiser,” “Paranormal Investigator,” “Puffer Nut,” “Sauna Stoker,” “Soaksmith,” “Star Seeker,” “Truffle Snuffler,” “Wine Whisperer,” and “Wombat Walker.”
For the “Wombat Walker” role, the selected individual will be responsible for walking wombats at the East Coast Natureworld. The ideal candidate should have a love for animals and nature, enjoy walking, and possess patience.
According to the job description provided by the tourism authority for this position, the selected person must wake up the wombats every morning, coax them for a walk, and use encouraging methods and treats to motivate them, thereby maintaining their physical and mental well-being.
Wombats are herbivorous marsupials native to Australia and can grow up to one meter long. Like kangaroos, wombats also belong to the marsupial family, with mother wombats caring for young joeys in their pouches. Many zoos in Australia either breed or showcase these animals.
During winter, wombats tend to be less active and enjoy sleeping in. Even when taken for walks with humans, they may get lost, be distracted by birds or other animals, requiring special attention.
For those who dislike the cold, the role of “Sauna Stoker” is a perfect fit. This job entails adding firewood to the sauna stove to maintain the temperature inside the sauna room. The workplace is located at a luxury campsite with views overlooking the Tasman Sea.
Furthermore, the “Star Seeker” must be a night owl, assisting astronomers in setting up telescopes and observing celestial bodies after having dinner with astronomy experts. The “Paranormal Investigator” is tasked with investigating supernatural phenomena at Willow Court, Australia’s oldest and still-operating asylum with a long history.