In these days of high unemployment jobs you might not ordinarily consider are being taken more seriously. So here’s one in Svalbard, Norway where your key duty would be looking out for the Polar Bears, while scientists carry out important work.

It has become necessary to hire someone to spot the animals as their numbers have increased in the area, with an estimated 3,000 bears compared to 2,400 humans on the islands.

Researchers operating at the location have unsurprisingly become concerned for their safety, which has led Svalbard’s governor Odd Olsen Ingerø to come up with the new vacancy.

Sadly, having firearm skills would be a bonus when applying for the job but the only requirement is you have a loud voice so you can scare off the polar bears.

If you do get the job then you can expect freezing temperatures and poor phone reception – just the conditions you would want when facing a massive bear. Some applicants on the other hand might find this a cool position.