Celebrating Its Dark Sky Reserve Designation, Visit Sunshine Coast Is Hiring a Chief Star Counter to Audit the Constellations
Australia has a brand-new stargazing reserve — and you might be hired to help count the night sky from a plush getaway spot.
If you love gazing up at the night sky, you're probably aware that many of the world's best stargazing locations have been officially recognised as Dark Sky Reserves. And in recent news, Australia's just received its second ever, with the Sunshine Coast hinterland awarded with the designation after years of consultation.
For those who can't wait to discover the region's 2000-plus stars visible to the naked eye, Visit Sunshine Coast is hiring for a one-of-a-kind role — Chief Star Counter. Having just launched a nationwide search, Australians aged seven and up are welcome to apply for this tongue-in-cheek gig, which comes with an abundance of stargazing perks.
To name a few, the successful candidate will enjoy a two-night stay, valued at $4000, amid the Sunshine Coast hinterland at Narrows Escape — a boutique rainforest retreat in Montville. From here, you'll be perfectly positioned to commence your duties, which kick off with a private stargazing session with a local astronomer.
Wrapped in blankets and with a hot chocolate in hand, you'll soon begin your star-counting process. Yet as you cross all the Ts on the Southern Cross and find your way through the Milky Way, you'll probably start to feel a little sleepy. That's okay — no one said you had to keep your eyes open for your entire shift.
"Looking up at a sky filled with stars inspires a childlike awe, so who better to audit our night skies?" says Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli. "Now, with the designation of the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve, we're working together in the Sunshine Coast hinterland to make sure our younger generation, as well as the young at heart, can experience the magic of starlight."
Supported by return flights to and from the Sunshine Coast, rental car hire and the chance to bring along your best stargazing colleague, sending in an application, no matter your qualifications, is well worth your time. Ready to experience this dream role (or getaway)? Just tell the Sunshine Coast team in one sentence why you're the best fit for the job — applications close Tuesday, June 30.
Applications are now open for Visit Sunshine Coast's Chief Star Counter role, closing Tuesday, June 30. Head to the website for more information.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Images: Supplied.
