Nice work if you can get it.

It's the 'Best Job in the World' but someone has to do it, and Karen Jones is hoping it will be her.

The 26-year-old Bermudian is among more than 29,000 people who have applied for the position of caretaker of Hamilton Island, Australia.

If successful, Miss Jones faces a hard toil working only a few hours each week (the BBC website claims it is 12 hours of work per month), scuba diving, snorkelling, feeding fish and collecting the mail.

While relaxing at her rent-free villa, complete with pool, she will also have to pen a weekly Internet blog about her life on the paradise island to attract potential tourists.

The words 'coal mine', 'sweat shop' and 'hard graft' do not seem to apply here.

Miss Jones, from Spanish Point, said: "It's an incredible opportunity. But I know I am up against the competition.

"Up to 29,500 people have applied, including Olympic athletes, celebrities, and the winner of (reality television show) 'The Amazing Race'. I'm more your girl next door.

"But I just thought everyone has an equal opportunity, so why not give it a whirl?

"I also come from a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic and they want someone to work on a tiny island in the Pacific, so I think we would be perfectly suited.

"The job vacancy was created by tourism bosses in Queensland as part of an advertising campaign, and applicants have just under a minute to tell their potential future employer why they think they are the best person for the job.

In a video directed by her friend Rick Hawke of 3264 Production, Miss Jones lists her top five reasons why she thinks she is the most suited."It's hard to know what they are looking for but among my reasons I say I speak five different languages," she said."I also spent seven summers teaching people about coral reefs as I used to work on (local catamaran) Restless Native.

We would take people out snorkelling every day and I really enjoyed telling them how important coral reefs are in the world."She added: "I also figured out you have to be physically fit, so another of my reasons is that I compete in running races and play on a volleyball team."I also say that I have travelled to many different countries but my favourite is Australia I loved it. To be able to live there, work there and promote it as a destination would be an incredible opportunity."

Miss Jones, a marketing assistant at Fourways Inn, says her fifth reason is more of a "joke"."My mum (Louise) is originally from Hamilton, Ontario, and I was born in Hamilton, Bermuda, so it would be a natural progression to work on Hamilton Island," she said.

"If I got selected it would be like winning the lottery."The 'Best Job in the World' has been advertised worldwide on the Internet. In May, ten short-listed candidates and one wildcard, voted for by visitors to the Tourism Queensland website, will be invited to Australia for a four-day final interview process.

The successful candidate will then start 'work' on July 1.

People can vote for Miss Jones and watch her video and those of the other applicants on www.islandreefjob.com/applicants/watch/TQF0FDIQ2q4 The more five-star ratings Miss Jones receives, the more chance she has of being picked among the finalists. The video voting closes on Monday.

What the job entails. . .oh, and the salary is $103,000 for six months

Tourism Queensland is advertising for what it describes as the 'Best Job in the World' a six-month contract for the role of island caretaker, based on luxurious Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef.

The position is live-in with flexible working hours and key responsibilities of the position include exploring the islands of the Great Barrier Reef to discover and promote, to a global audience, what the destination has to offer.

The island caretaker will need to post a weekly blog, photo diaries and create video updates to let the world know about the unique experiences available on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. There will also be some interviews with members of the media. The island caretaker will also enjoy activities such as sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, picnics, bushwalking and more.

No formal qualifications are required but he or she must be able to swim, dive, snorkel and sail. The salary is $150,000 Australian the equivalent of US $103,000 for six months.

According to Tourism Queensland's website: "In between travelling to various islands of the Great Barrier Reef, the island caretaker will live at Blue Pearl, a beautiful three-bedroom home on Hamilton Island featuring stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands, modern facilities and exquisite furnishings.

"The bright, airy interior features three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, state-of-the-art entertainment system, ceiling fans, air-conditioning and laundry facilities.

"The island caretaker will enjoy Blue Pearl's outdoor areas including a private plunge pool/spa with exceptional views, sun lounges, large balconies and the traditional Aussie barbeque. A golf buggy is also included with the house, so you can explore the island with ease."

A question and answer posting on the website says:

Is this a real job?

Absolutely. This is a genuine position with Tourism Queensland. There'll be a thorough recruitment process this isn't a competition based on luck.

It sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

There is no catch. This is a rare opportunity to help Tourism Queensland promote the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. So, we're looking for someone to experience Queensland's unique islands and report back to us (and the world) about the adventures they are having.

Hamilton Island at a glance

Hamilton Island is one of 74 islands in the Coral Sea, which is situated between the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland coast. It is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays.

On the same latitude as Honolulu and Mauritius, it has a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27.4 degrees Centigrade).

Tourist accommodation ranges from hotels to private bungalows to self-catering properties. Activities range from watersports and game fishing to golf, tennis and bushwalking.

Shopping includes boutiques and art, available at the Marina Village or Resort Centre. There are direct flights to mainland Australia daily.

Golf buggies are the main mode of transport.