Dream Job Alert: UK Government Posts, Removes Fake 007 Job Opening

Good work can be difficult to come by, especially in a tough economy, but for a brief time last week, your dream job may have been a simple application away. The UK government’s very official jobs database posted a very unofficial opening for a “Target Elimination Specialist,” with a position description reminding many of a familiar 007. Hit the jump to see if you’d qualify.

The “Target Elimination Specialist” opening within the British Secret Intelligence Service was posted to Gov.UK last Thursday, and amazingly, wasn’t taken down for over 24-hours. During that time, job seekers visiting the site learned the position largely centers on “removing” individuals from all corners of the globe in the name of “public order.” While the desired qualifications includes the expert use of sniper rifles, the benefits are solid, with performance bonuses offered upon the completion of missions, and the promise to be outfitted with all “necessary equipment” for each job.

Sarcasm aside, the British government really loves Bond (remember his Olympic Opening Ceremony skit with Queen Elizabeth?), but I doubt the government would demean its own standing by making this fictitious post intentionally. Whoever is responsible is likely a very clever hacker or a government employee with computer skills that doesn’t care much for their future (think a disgruntled Q).  Fortunately, The Verge grabbed a screenshot of the job posting, which you can click to see in full below.