NASA is hiring a new 'planetary protection officer' to defend Earth from alien matter, and the pay is a six-figure salary: as much as $187,000 a year.
When we are not sure whether aliens exist, why are we still hiring staff for protecting Earth? I do understand we have to take precautions. But when we don't have any proof why spend $187,000 a year?
Source: Nasa [sic] hiring new 'planetary protection officer' to defend Earth from alien matter - Times of India, Aug 3, 2017
Last seen on: Aug 3, 2017
I know it's a legit news item. I've just shared my curiosity regarding the huge salary. And if I'm not wrong, there's nothing in the news item explaining the reason behind the six-figure pay. I'd like to know why someone would be paid that much when we don't know the definite existence of aliens.

That being said, in the absence of
As NASA prepares to send robotic and astronaut missions deeper into the solar system and beyond, protecting Earth from potentially disruptive or even invasive extraterrestrial organisms is becoming an ever more pressing concern. The US space agency has just posted a job vacancy which reads: "NASA is seeking qualified applicants for the Planetary Protection Officer position. This position is responsible for leading the planning, implementation and oversight of programs and projects devoted to the protection of