Tasmania has launched an “errand jobs” initiative aimed at boosting tourism during the winter months.
The Australian island nation is offering people the chance to swap their “day job” for an irregular temporary role during the off-season.
Paranormal investigator, walker and astrologer are among the 10 jobs being advertised.
Although these positions are unpaid, successful candidates will have all expenses covered by the Tasmanian tourism board – including travel, meals and hotels.
The paranormal investigation role is voluntary and is for one day only, Travel to Tasmania speak.
It is for those interested in “history and mystery” and involves looking into paranormal activity using the “latest ghost hunting equipment” at Willow Court, one of the long-standing asylums most in Australia.
Another role is that of “oyster organizer”, which involves sorting, cleaning and grading newly harvested oysters from Great Oyster Bay.
Importantly, there will also be the opportunity to “try” the oysters – although according to Tourism Tasmania, this is “purely for quality control”.
Train enthusiasts are invited to apply for the role of “puffer”, another day-long job in which the applicant will join the crew on the Lynchford Express steam train as it travels along Tasmania’s west coast.
Also being sought are astrologers interested in joining the Tasmanian Astronomical Society for a night of sky watching.
There are also jobs for truffle hunters, “wine whisperers” and koala walkers willing to take the possum “for a morning waddle”.
Tourism Tasmania said 1.25 million people visited the island last year – more than the previous year, but still lower than the 1.35 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.
Tourism Tasmania says winter lasts from May to August in Tasmania, where temperatures usually fall around 3-11C.
“As temperatures drop over winter, we know Australians are looking for ways to boost their health and escape the busy daily grind,” Lindene Cleary, the authority’s marketing manager, told local media.
Only adult residents currently living in Australia are eligible to apply for these roles and must explain why they want to swap their day job for one of the “odd jobs” in length less than 50 words.
