Wrangling python at Cleland National Park for a $100,000 job

WOULD you handle a two-metre long olive python if it could help you win a $100,000 six-month contract as wildlife caretaker in South Australia?

Best Job in SA Challenges

WOULD you handle a two-metre long olive python if it could help you win a $100,000 six-month contract as wildlife caretaker in South Australia?

Well, that's exactly what three brave people did on Saturday.

American blogger Nick Tilley, 33, Canadian adventurer Greg Snell, 27, and Taiwanese social media expert Hsin-Hsuan "CC" Hsieh, 25, are all in the running to win the dream job as part of the Best Jobs in the World competition with Tourism Australia.

But, it's not all easy for them.

They will undertake a series of challenges in order to win the prized job, starting at Cleland Wildlife Park.

The trio was challenged to hold Olivia the olive python at the same time as telling the convoy of Australian and international media about why they deserve the prize.

Nick handled the huge python with ease, winning over the waiting media with his quick thinking and wit.

"I love Australia... if they handed out resident visas at the border, I'd take one," he laughed.

"I also love wildlife... to have the opportunity to preach about Australian wildlife to the rest of the world - it's a tailor made job."

His competitor, Greg, happily chatted about his love for adventure and wildlife.

"She (the python) must be able to smell my cat," he joked.

And like any visiting tourist, CC was completely in awe of Hank, the 13-year-old koala.

"We don't have koalas in Taiwan so it's hard to have a chance to hug one," she said.

"I feel like the luckiest girl ever."

Tomorrow, the group will fly to Port Lincoln where they will swim with sea lions.

Then, on Monday, they head to Kangaroo Island where they will act as tour guides at the region's famous Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park and Hansen Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

The wildlife caretaker will win a salary package worth $100,000 and spend six months caring for South Australia's wildlife, working on Kangaroo Island with sea lions, dolphins and koalas as well as the Eyre Peninsula.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the winner would also act as an ambassador to the state, promoting SA through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and blogs.

"The aim of the challenge is to boost knowledge of South Australia overseas and increase the number of international visitors to Australia," he said.

"Our three finalists have been chosen not only for their passion and experience with wildlife, but for their savvy social media skills and ability to promote our state as an attractive travel destination overseas."

The lucky winner will be announced on Friday, June 21.