[one_half]It is a long way from Golden, British Columbia, to Kangaroo Island, Australia, but Greg Snell made the leap. Thanks in part to his experiences in Golden’s College of the Rockies adventure tourism program, he landed the “Best Job in the World.”

In an international competition put on by Tourism Australia, Snell, 28, originally from Oshawa, Ontario, beat out nearly 120,000 candidates from more than 100 countries when he applied for the “best job in the world” position of wildlife caretaker on Kangaroo Island. It comes with a $100,000 paycheque. No stranger to travel and active in the sustainable adventure-tourism industry, Snell has crossed 45 borders in the last six years. He shoots stills and video, and blogs about his travels, and he agrees this likely gave him an edge. He also credits his five years in Golden as part of his success.

[/one_half][one_half]“The Best Jobs in the World wildlife caretaker position has been an absolute whirlwind,” says Snell of his new gig, on what is called the “Galapagos of Australia.” “Kangaroo Island is a gem, an absolute hidden paradise about the size of P.E.I., with just over 4,000 people. There is endemic wildlife everywhere, including rare echidnas and abundant marine life.” His advice for wannabe wanderers? “Whatever your dream is, tell someone about it and write it down,” he says. “Your dream will quickly become a goal and then a reality. Life is about happiness, passion and purpose, with a healthy mix of spontaneity. Dream it, then do it.” [one_half_last]