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Could you take care of Cologne Cathedral?

If you happen to be an architecture graduate who also strongly identifies with the Catholic Church, Cologne Cathedral might well be interested in hiring you.

Could you take care of Cologne Cathedral?
Cologne Cathedral is searching for a new master builder. Photo: DPA

Cologne Cathedral is on the lookout for a new master builder, according to an advert put up on the cathedral's website on Wednesday.

The new recruit will be tasked with keeping the medieval building in good condition.

As well as being a qualified architect, hopeful candidates should also have “a conscious awareness of the doctrines of the Catholic Church”.

“The position of master builder is one of the most prominent positions we offer,” Dean Gerd Bachner told Focus on Thursday.

Last recruit was “unfairly dismissed”

The position opened after a legal battle saw the cathedral's previous master builder leave the chapter.

Michael Hauck's contract was abruptly terminated in 2014, the first time a master builder was sacked in the cathedral's 767-year history, reported Express.

Last month, the cathedral announced that a settlement had finally been reached – and that Hauck had left the chapter in a mutual separation.

People skills are a must

Alongside “several years of architectural experience,” new applicants should be interested in “undertaking and documenting scientific research,” the advert states.

As well as technical knowledge, the new recruit should also have good people skills.

“The cathedral workshop commands many highly-qualified employees in the fields of science and mechanics,” the ad states.

Being able to lead these employees in a skilled and personable way is “a crucial part” of the job, it continues.

Applications are open until November 2nd.

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EMPLOYMENT

Hear ye, here ye! This Swiss city is looking for a town crier

Can you carry a tune? Are you a night owl? If so, this job posting in Switzerland may be up right up your (cobblestone) alley. Here’s how you can submit an application for this… very high position.

Hear ye, here ye! This Swiss city is looking for a town crier
The hat and coat are optional for the job. Photo by Lausanne Tourisme

As far as unusual employment opportunities go, this one from Lausanne is — quite literally — tops.

The city, which employs one of Europe’s last remaining town criers, is looking for people to fill this position on part-time basis.

What’s a town crier?

In Lausanne’s case, it is a person who announces the hours every night between 10 pm and 2 am from the bell tower of the city’s imposing Gothic cathedral, a landmark overlooking the roofs of the picturesque Old Town.

The workplace: Lausanne Cathedral. Photo by Lausanne Tourisme

The person who will assume this position will continue a tradition that this city in the canton of Vaud has cherished since 1405.

These are the requirements for the job:

  • To watch over the city each night
  • Announce each hour on the hour between 10pm and 2am in a melodious voice (in French, but knowledge of foreign languages is a plus)
  • Be able to climb 53 stone steps to the cathedral’s bell tower
  • Not have a criminal record
  • No falling asleep on the job
  • Have a business apprenticeship certificate (we are not sure why)

This is 365-days-a-year job, but the new hire will share the position with other criers.

Interested? This is how you can apply.

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