Are you ready for the best job in the world?

The Queensland State Government is hiring! And they are offering the best job in the world!

This Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world", or the Islandreef Job, which will be earning a top six figure salary for just "lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months".

According to the Queensland State Government, the lucky applicant will be hired as the "island caretaker" at the Great Barrier Reef. His work includes strolling its white sand, snorkeling the reef and taking care of a few other minor tasks. The salary? A whooping 150,000 Australian dollars (105,000 US dollars) for this short-term employment.

The perks also include free airfares from the winner's home country to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef. The list of qualifications states that the successful applicant, who will stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.

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 offer undoubtedly the best job in the world. Oh, how I love to be hired!

But the reason behind this seemingly unbelievable offer is that the Queensland State Government is campaigning to protect the state's 18 billion dollar a year tourism industry from the harsh impact of the economic crisis. This is a daring innovation from traditional tourism advertising. The hiring process will be televised all over the world and the applicants will report to the global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.

Yes, this is a serious offer! A really genius marketing strategy! Applications are open until February 22. There will be eleven shortlisted candidates who will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process and the six month contract will commence on July 1.So interested? You may apply at: Islandreefjob.com