What unusual job listing have you seen?

[propita]

I was looking at my local college, which has a large agricultural program. They're looking for an Assistant Professor, in the Plant Sciences Department--who knows about Pistachio Physiology & Pomology.

From the listing:

"The faculty member will teach introductory and advanced courses in tree fruit and nut production. The teaching assignment may also include other undergraduate and graduate courses depending on the candidate's background and department needs. The faculty member will develop a research program exploring the physiological aspects of optimal field production that serves the needs of the California pistachio industry. The individual will work closely with the California Pistachio Research Board (CPRB) to prioritize research needs and conduct research that addresses those needs."

Now, considering everything, I can see the usefulness, but it reads kinda strange at first glance.

Anybody else come across unusual jobs?

 

[scotpens]

I remember an employment listing placed by an advertising agency from a few years ago. The jobs themselves weren't unusual, but the language was colorful. The ad read: "We're looking for two wackos, an anal-retentive and a suit."

(Translation: Two creatives, a business manager and an account executive.)

"The faculty member will teach introductory and advanced courses in tree fruit and nut production."

And I thought all the fruits and nuts were in L.A.!

 

[thestrangequark]

When I was job hunting I came across a Personal Assistant/Secretary ad for a professional couple. It started off fairly mundane, "applicant must be proficient in this computer program and that computer program, must be well-organized, etc, etc, work in home office and some domestic errands may be required, etc, etc." Then I got to the end of the ad which explained that one thing that must be noted was that the couple were nudists and the applicant must be comfortable with partial or complete nudity in the workplace. They ended the add with an invitation to join in if you were comfortable, but assurance that nudity was not a requirement!

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I don't know if they count as "unusual" but I've seen job listings with impossible requirements, stuff like "20+ years of Java experience," when Java's only been around since 1995. Pick any random language, and I've seen a job listing that expects you to have been proficient in it from the day it first came out or even longer.

 

[Silvercrest]

Transcribed from an actual posting which I printed out in 2005 and have kept ever since.

Bookkeeper, Solar Sales, Solar Installer Job Opportunity
with <omitted> Healing & Spiritual Center

Job Description:
The above title may sound like we need three different people for three different positions, and at some point we might, but right now we need only one person who has bookkeeping experience using Quick Books Pro, and who also has at least some knowledge and strong interest in solar electric... At first this position will likely be part time with a minimum of twenty hours per week.

Experience, Education and Values Needed for this Position:
<omitted reiterateration of above items in more detail>

Since the applicant will be living at the <omitted> Healing & Spiritual Center, it is important that the applicant have spiritual interests, values and goals consistent with that of the <omitted> Healing & Spiritual Center, which is focused primarily on direct experiences of the Divine, spreading love, the Sacredness of all life, respect for Mother Earth, the universality of Divine experience, helping others, many healing modalities including herbs, massage, fasting and a vegan diet consisting of whole minimally processed mostly organic foods with some emphasis on raw foods. No junk food, cancer sticks or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises.

Compensation
Payment depends on the level of experience and skill, and is likely to be $10.00 - $15.00 per hour. Sales work may include an additional commission. Installation of systems and related work may pay more depending on the skill level of the applicant. There may be some piece work available manufacturing solar air collectors. A free room is provided. The living space is shared. The housing, however, is under construction and at this point consists mainly of two mobile homes, wood heat, trucked in water, and no washer or drier. So the lifestyle is currently very rural and rather rough with lots of opportunities to hike literally outside our doorsteps and in every direction.

<omitted the rest>


Any takers?

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Sounds like a cult! Creepy.

 

[Silvercrest]

They might be a cult. But I get the impression they're just a bunch of hippies who are a little out of touch with reality but still trying to run a business.

I dealt with one of them professionally a few times (which is how I found the ad). That was how he struck me. A gentleman named Lotus.

I kept the ad because I thought was funny. Although if you don't know Lotus, I can see why you might find it creepy.

 

[propita]

Yikes! I read that name as "Locutus"! Now THAT would be a cult! lol

 

[Silvercrest]

 

[RoJoHen]

I ran across an ad a few months ago where a guy was looking to hire someone to come to his home twice a week to do his manscaping.

 

[propita]

Ew. Just...ew.

 

[RoJoHen]

Somebody's got to be able to get to those hard-to-reach areas!

 

[Theodore Jay Miller]

I once saw a job listing ad for a public relations person for Three Mile Island.

 

[Velocity]

there was a job listing for a scientist to work with armadillos. It was for leprosy research.

Armadillos seem to be the only animals besides humans who actually are susceptible to leprosy.