Golden graduate wins best job in the world contest

Snell is a graduate of the Adventure Tourism Business Operations course at the College of the Rockies

1 of 3Greg Snell is fascinated by wildlife. — Greg Snell photo

2 of 3Greg Snell. — Greg Snell photo

3 of 3Greg Snell. — Greg Snell photo

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Greg Snell is the next wildlife caretaker for Tourism Australia's global competition Best Jobs in the World. The competition chose a select few from an abundance of contestants around the world to come to Australia to vie for six positions: an outback adventurer in the Northern Territory, a park ranger in Queensland, a wildlife caretaker in South Australia, a “lifestyle photographer” in Melbourne; a “taste master” in Western Australia and a “chief funster” in New South Wales.

Snell, a graduate of Golden's Adventure Tourism Business Operations course at the College of the Rockies, said that his time spent in Golden shaped both his personality and professional career. He completed the two-year diploma program with honours and an internship in Costa Rica.

“At the College of the Rockies I studied courses on wilderness ethics, advanced natural interpretation, environmental stewardship and education, and sustainable tourism development,” said Snell.

“The experience not only studying in British Columbia, but living in the interior has helped mold the person I am today,” said Snell, “with a deep appreciation for the diversity and fragility of our natural ecosystems and environments.”
Snell said that the Kootenays is one of his favourite places to be.

“I would say that it (the Kootenays) is, and always will be, a top ten destination for me within Canada,” said Snell. “I think my favourite part of living in the Kootenays was the access to backcountry terrain.”

He explored the national park systems, trekking and hiking trails, logging roads, mountain biking cross country and single track lines and ski touring routes and went sledding in backcountry bowls. The endless stretch of peak after peak, valley after valley, offers a new and unique nature experience for the intrepid traveller.

“The Kootenays are special and I believe that once everything is said and done, it is the sense of community that helps tie this beauty together,” said Snell. “You go anywhere, it is the people who you share your experiences with that really matter.”
Snell said that he had always seen himself on a working holiday to Australia, so this opportunity is a dream come true.

“Australia is a beautiful country and at the top of my destinations to explore,” said Snell. “I will bring my passion for life, travel, conservation and storytelling to South Australia and the position of Wildlife Caretaker.”

Snell said the position involves diving with great white sharks, cuddling koalas, swimming with sea lions and waking up kangaroos on Kangaroo Island. 

To his fellow Kootenay-ites, Snell said:

I am a traveller who lives for the moment and dreams of the future. I am one who relishes in the experience. I smile and laugh, cry and bleed. The greatest parts of life are the people you meet, the places you see, and the friendships you create. The world is in constant motion, and I will never get caught standing still. I was raised to take full advantage of every opportunity that crosses my path. I love life, and live in a way that embraces patience, compromise, and acceptance of another’s culture, habits, needs, and addictions.

Snell encourages readers to follow his story: Facebook and on Twitter.