Job opening offers £24k for a couple to live on remote island and take care of seals
The opportunity is a three-year commitment and only for the 'physically fit'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For a couple interested in pursuing a job away from the fast-paced lifestyle of a big city, a job opening in Wales may be the perfect solution.
The unique opportunity, which is located on the remote Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli) off the coast of Wales, offers a couple the chance to become one with the island’s inhabitants - mainly seals.
The island, two miles off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, is surrounded by the Irish Sea and home to a small community of local residents.
For an annual salary of £16,500 a year for the warden and £8,000 a year for the assistant warden, a couple can stay on the island for free in a two-bedroom home with utilities included.
If that weren’t appealing enough, the job offers the best of both worlds - company for half the year, in the busy summer months when tourists flock to the island, and “isolation for long periods at a time during the winter months.”
However, before sending in your resume, there are a few job requirements that applicants must fulfil before applying.
First, and most importantly, all warden applicants must be bilingual, capable of speaking both Welsh and English. Although English is not required for assistant wardens, it is preferred.
The warden and the warden’s assistant are also expected to greet and ensure the comfort of visitors during the summer months.
With more than 2,000 yearly visitors to the island, hospitality is an important aspect of the job.
Additionally, “candidates must be physically fit,” as the job requires the warden and assistant warden to maintain island infrastructure, including the houses, and other island properties. Example duties include painting, decorating, repairs, and gardening.
Apart from that, applicants will look after the nature reserve’s wildlife and act as important liaisons between the community and the Bardsey Island Trust.
Applicants should also be aware that the job is for a three-year contract - where nature and the sea will be the only other constant companions.
If the job sounds like a dream come true, act fast - the closing date for applications is July 23 and competition will likely be fierce.
Despite the previous warden and warden’s assistant describing the job as “extremely challenging,” the opening usually attracts more than 300 applicants.
To find out how to apply, you can learn more here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments