Your nose can become, in this precise case, your best asset to land this atypical job abroad. Indeed! In Finland, the organization Visit Turku Archipelago is seeking a person with sufficiently clear nostrils to sniff out the pleasant scents of the Turku archipelago, which still comprises 20,000 islands. On the Saaristo site, literally “archipelago” in Finnish, the Nordic country explains being convinced that this region offers “the best smells in the world”.
“We now need a ‘Nose’ to snif f them and formalize this observation”, one can read in the press release, which shares a detailed job description and a promotional video presented by actor Lambert Wilson. “This is a genuine job, with a real contract and real pay. The only thing you need to bring is your nose”, it is stated. Jokesters, please refrain!
What missions?
The most serious and open-minded “noses” can apply for this five-to-seven-day mission scheduled for spring 2027, in May or June. It will be paid 2,000 euros gross, plus the statutory paid vacation allowance. Travel and accommodation will be covered by the local authorities. The work consists of traversing the islands guided solely by one’s sense of smell, exploring their natural scents: sea air, pine forests, damp rocks, wild herbs, bread fresh from the oven, blueberries from Pargas, or steam from the saunas of Rymättylä. Everything must be olfactively scrutinized.
The candidate will be required to document their experiences using photos and videos to first prove that the Turku Archipelago is the destination “that smells the best in the world”, but also to entice travelers to explore it. These contents will be used by Visit Turku Archipelago on social networks and other communication channels.
What profile are they seeking?
No degree from a perfumery school is required to apply. The ideal profile should be curious enough to “put their nose where others haven’t put theirs”, a lover of the finer things in life and comfortable discussing them on camera. The advertisement states that candidates must be at least 18 years old, authorized to work in Finland at the time of application and in May-June of the following year, and equipped with suitable gear for taking photos and videos, such as a smartphone.
Their presence on social media will also be taken into account in the selection.
To try your luck, you must publish a short video on a social network, Instagram or TikTok. The candidate should begin by introducing themselves, then pick an object, smell it, and explain what they perceive. “Show us your technique, because it matters. Tag @saaristo_finland, use the hashtag #SaaristoNoseJob and make sure your account is public so that we can see your video”, the announcement asks. Applications must be submitted before October 25, 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time or 22:59 French time. The name of the chosen “Nose” will be announced on November 17.
