BOISE - Horizontal work can be hard, but somebody's gotta do it.

Three thousand somebodies, in fact.

In a stunning development Monday, Idaho Economic Development czar Westminster Bunk announced that Coeur d'Alene has been selected as the global testing center for a consortium of mattress makers. The group, called We Zzz, purchased 1,000 acres between the Spokane River and Seltice Way just west of town and will begin construction of a 550,000-square-foot, super-luxurious facility April 15.

According to Bunk, the facility will include corporate offices and 3,000 separate bedrooms, all with scenic views of the river, lake and woodlands beyond.

"In both construction investment and massive, highly paid employment, this enterprise will have the most profound economic impact in North Idaho's history," Bunk told The Press in an exclusive interview on the eve of April Fools' Day. "I can disclose that Coeur d'Alene was chosen from more than 15,000 prospective locations, based primarily upon the region's work ethic."

Sue Snohr, We Zzz president, said hiring will begin immediately for 3,000 individuals who "would rather sleep than work. For those who like to sleep on the job," she added, "this could be a match made in mattress heaven."

Employees will each be given a private bedroom, Snohr said, and be required to sleep at least six hours there five times a week. Day or night shifts are OK, she added. New mattresses will be brought in weekly. At the end of each week, every employee will need to rate the quality of sleep on that particular mattress on a scale of 1 to 10.

"That's the job, and while we know it's demanding, compensation will reflect the commitment these 3,000 associates make," Snohr said.

All employees will be paid $2,500 weekly in cash, she said, and benefits include free health insurance, 24-hour access to a free on-site health spa, and a daily continental breakfast.

Snohr said the first 3,000 qualified people to sign up will be hired. There are only two qualifications for the job, she said, but they're non-negotiable: A strong interest in sleep and the ability to make a legible checkmark on a rating form.

To secure one of these guaranteed jobs, We Zzz will host a job fair tomorrow at