Passionate exponents of the little toy blocks have until midnight on Wednesday to apply to become Australia's first Lego master model builder, based at the Legoland Discovery Centre, a giant playground, cinema, ride and workshop space opening at Chadstone shopping centre in April.

Only a few-dozen people globally perform the role, which involves building models and educating children all day, with possible interstate and overseas travel.

Honing his skills at Brickvention – a Lego expo at the Royal Exhibition Building on Sunday – Mr Burdon, of Gawler South, north of Adelaide, said it would be his dream job, combining artistry, architecture and engineering.

Yes, it would involve quitting his job managing security at events, and "uprooting everything".

"But who wouldn't want to do it?" he said.

Mr Burdon will find out next week whether he is among 100 people on a shortlist, who on February 11 and 12 must compete in the Brickfactor event outside Target at Chadstone.

They will have to respond to timed challenges such as "build something that represents you" or "build your favourite holiday destination".

The new discovery centre's marketing manager, Su Lin Howells-Ng, says candidates must be accomplished Lego builders who work quickly, and who are good at teaching children.

Mr Burdon practised on Sunday by building a two-metre-high phone box. It took seven hours, using 32,000 Lego bricks.

It certainly educated the crowd – many children asked: "What is a phone box?"

Mr Burdon, 40, said that as a child he was too outdoorsy to be into Lego, but 15 years ago a workmate reintroduced him to it. It was relaxing and creative, and reminded him of childhood trips to Adelaide to visit Lego displays.

He now makes everything from 10m-long cityscapes to cruise liners and mosaics. He recently took 18 months off work to build up a Lego fan group and run the Brick-a-laide expo in Adelaide.

Applicants for the master model builder job must fill out an application form at www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au.