Great Barrier Reef Job: frequently asked questions

A Great Barrier Reef job conjures an idyllic picture of serene landscapes and interesting work. Here we answer typical questions about this type of job.

What jobs are available?
There is no single Great Barrier Reef job; they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are directly linked to the reef itself – dive instructors, tour guides, watersports attendants and boat hands.

Other jobs involve working in the hospitality sector. There are a host of hotels and guesthouses in the area that cater for the 1.6 million visitors the reef attracts every year. These all require kitchen staff, cleaners, pool attendants and porters. The fact that certain times of year are peak periods for Great Barrier Reef tourism means that hotels will take on additional staff for short-term contracts. This makes these jobs ideal for backpackers wishing to make some money, while sampling Australia’s natural beauty.

Requirements
Requirements will depend on the nature of the job. Certain roles, such as a diving instructor, will require relevant qualifications, such as diving certification and knowledge of resuscitation techniques. Others, such as boat hands or general hospitality work, will require no formal training, only lots of enthusiasm and an ability to communicate with a wide cross-section of customers.

Where to find jobs?
A search under ‘Great Barrier Reef jobs’ will pull up a host of websites advertising vacancies. Another option would be to sign on with an employment agency, stating that you are strongly interested in working on the reef.