The Caretaker Gazette January / February 2010

Alabama

house sitter/LANDSCAPER needed in Helena, a suburb of Birmingham, from December 26 to March 28, 2010. In addition to our home, we have beautiful gardens, so we are looking for a house sitter to maintain both our house and gardens while we are away this winter. The climate of Helena is typical of the Deep South, with relatively mild winters. Our private house, including utilities, is offered to stay in for free in exchange for several hours a day of taking care of our gardening needs. Our preference is for a single, non-smoking person, who is financially secure since we are not offering any compensation for this position. Please email your interest and reasons for wanting to take this three month house sitting assignment, let us know your gardening background, and include your references to [Contact info available to subscribers] UPDATE: We received many house sitter responses from our last ad in The Caretaker Gazette, but not from house sitters who are able to do our gardening work. We would appreciate hearing from house sitters who would also enjoy some of our landscaping work out in our beautiful garden area. Thank you.

Alaska

ALASKAN WILDERNESS NANNY/Housekeeper needed. Nanny and housekeeper needed for a wilderness Alaskan residence. Private yurt, along with full room and board provided. This is a remote location; fly-in only, limited email and phone service available, near the base of Denali. Our daughter is two-years-old and needs daytime care only. A full description of duties will be sent on reply. Prefer a single woman but may consider an older couple if qualifications match. No smokers, drugs and social drinkers only. Applicants must pass a background check. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] with full resume.

HAVE THE ADVENTURE of a lifetime in Alaska. Volunteer Opportunities available in [Contact info available to subscribers]. 60 host positions statewide with free campsite, stipend, training and more. Season is May to September with a minimum six week commitment. Please contact the volunteer coordinator by phone at [Contact info available to subscribers], or fax [Contact info available to subscribers], or email [Contact info available to subscribers] or visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

Arizona

A FULL-TIME CARETAKER is needed for a ranch in the Red Rock area, between Phoenix and Tucson. Caretaker will need a valid driver’s license. To apply, please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

MOBILE HOME PARK Manager Team needed in Chandler. This motivated team player will take a hands-on approach in any necessary duties to accomplish objectives; their performance is crucial in maximizing the successful operation of the property. Must be a team (two applicants), live on-site in a management provided home and have computer and maintenance skills! We offer excellent compensation for a motivated team and possible advancement opportunities. Home sales experience a huge plus! Background check required, which includes credit, criminal and eviction history. Benefits include paid holidays and vacation. Responsibilities are but not limited to: reviewing and screening potential applicants, rent collection, preparing monthly reports, maintaining organized resident files, enforcing park rules, promoting positive resident relations through various programs, such as newsletters, activities, or potlucks. Qualified applicants please fax both your resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

PREFER A RETIRED COUPLE with outside income in need of housing assistance to live on our property as security personnel and take care of the grounds and buildings in the Apache Junction area. It would be a plus if he is a handyman and she likes to keep things clean for our boarding stable. There are a lot of people coming and going here, so social skills are a must. To apply, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Australia

house sitter NEEDED from July 6 until July 30, 2010 in the Mindarie area of Perth. We are looking for non-smokers to look after our home and two spoilt cats. For more details please call Roger and Denise in Perth at [Contact info available to subscribers], or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

RESIDENT CARETAKER needed in Rose Bay, Sydney. Applications are invited for the position of resident caretaker to a 9-Unit strata apartment complex. Duties include general building; mechanical; and grounds maintenance; cleaning; and services to the owners. Use of a studio provided. Own car and clean driver’s license required. Applicants need to demonstrate a high level of hands-on building industry and maintenance skills and experience. This position would suit a fit, early retiree. Please email your detailed resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER/HANDYMAN needed in Gilgandra. Would be suitable for a semi-retired person for this farming property. An air-conditioned house will be provided. Please reply to The Manager, [Contact info available to subscribers] Australia.

RESIDENT CARETAKER POSITION available. A couple is required for a 23-story apartment block in Surfers Paradise. Must have experience in reception and maintenance of the building, with good communication skills. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers] Australia.

CARETAKER REQUIRED for the [Contact info available to subscribers]. Would be suitable for a couple, either retired or semi-retired to take care of light duties on our holiday retreat at [Contact info available to subscribers]. Free accommodation provided, furnished or unfurnished. Please mail written applications to: Mr. [Contact info available to subscribers] Australia.

BUILDING CARETAKER/SUPERVISOR needed. An exciting opportunity exists for the right person to become the building caretaker/supervisor in one of the iconic buildings in Surfers Paradise. This property is located opposite the beachfront and has extensive grounds and resort facilities. The property is approximately 50% holiday letting apartments, and these are managed by an onsite management company. The position will be responsible for the day to day management and maintenance of the building, and is both a hands-on and supervisory role. Important parts of this job include the co-ordination of a team of specialist sub-contractors as well as working closely with the letting agent to ensure that these first class facilities are maintained and provided for all owners, residents and guests. The Executive Committee of the body corporate is seeking applications from suitably qualified and experienced people to fill this role. We ideally seek a person with a minimum of five years experience in a similar role, or a person currently working as an assistant to Building Caretaker or similar, and ready for the challenge of stepping up to the next level. Applicants must have, or be willing to obtain a “Blue Card”. This is a permanent position, subject to a probationary period, and an attractive salary paid commensurate with experience and qualifications. Written applications, including references, should be directed to: Caretaker/Supervisor Position, [Contact info available to subscribers] Australia.

Letters to the Editor

Thanks Gary! R. K. here… that guy on Vieques, Puerto Rico. I’ve just been back on Vieques for almost a week now, and I wanted to say THANKS for your help as a source for finding a great house sitting couple (Victoria and Tom). They really did an excellent job… and my transition back into my place here has been smooth and painless. They left the place better than they found it. Nice! I’ll be in touch with you about new house sitters for next year in 2010. Happy Holidays… R. K., Vieques, PR

Hi Richie, thanks for your message. I’m glad that you were able to find an excellent house sitting couple through The Caretaker Gazette for your property on Vieques. Property owners have told us that they have found the best caretakers and house sitters for their properties via the Gazette. I look forward to hearing back from you next year when you’re ready to find new house sitters for your Vieques property.

Thanks for the email update Gary… I have to say that the entire publication is great. I’m really pleased… cheers, C. G., Vancouver BC, Canada

Thanks Chris. I appreciate your taking the time to write and I’m happy to hear that you enjoy The Caretaker Gazette. Many of our subscribers – property owners as well as current and prospective caretakers and house sitters – appreciate the numerous email updates that contain new listings each week.

I would like to take care of private residential properties and learn about marketing strategies to grow my business, fee structure for work I complete or have completed for the homeowner, and software and/or billing/invoice forms that are already available for this type of caretaking business. I would appreciate any direction and advice on running my own local caretaking business. I do quite a few things for the homeowner as extras/favors in my current work which is custom interior painting. How do I take my business to the next step of becoming the Caretaker/Manager of the home of my customers? T. P., Knoxville TN

Thanks for your question Tim. Many of our subscribers have their own local caretaking businesses. I would encourage those subscribers who have their own local caretaking businesses to network with Tim. Please send your replies to Tim’s email address of [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hi Gary, I want to compliment you on the great work that you and your staff did in researching and putting together your Salary and Compensation Survey. It’s really a great service that you provide to the estate management profession. H.M., New York, NY

Thank you Harold! For those of you who have not seen The Caretaker Gazette Estate and Household Employees Compensation Survey, you can view it on our blog: http://caretakergazette.blogspot.com/2009/11/caretaker-gazette-estate-and-household.html

Sorry, but we don’t have it available in print. We will be updating our Survey annually so, if you’d like to participate, please keep an eye out for future messages about it.

Belize

EXPERIENCE TROPICAL SUSTAINABLE Living. No experience necessary. Prefer couple or two adults to caretake [Contact info available to subscribers], a self sufficient integrated homestead. Age not a factor if you are in reasonably good health. A minimum commitment of four weeks or more, anytime of the year. For details, email: [Contact info available to subscribers]

California

TRAILER SPACE available in exchange for caretaking on my 12 acre horse ranch in Gilroy. This will be a rent exchange for work as a caretaker on the ranch (10 hours/week, days and times are flexible). Work will include maintenance of the ranch facilities, ranch projects, some horse care, feeding, and cleaning. Horse, ranch, and maintenance experience preferred. This is suitable for one to two people only. No Dogs. Horse boarding is available. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

EXPERIENCED COUPLE wanted to manage 23 units in Garden Grove. You will need proven experience in like size building management. We are looking for a couple with top skills in leasing, bookkeeping, turnovers, general maintenance, grounds keeping. You will need your own tools and truck. Must live on site. No pets. Looking for a self-starter with attention to detail, good follow through, and being honest and hardworking. To apply, please fax both resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKERS WANTED on a Northern California ranch/hunting/fishing club, located 20 minutes outside of Grass Valley, on 250 beautiful acres with wildlife. Seeking a couple to maintain grounds, lodge, maintain and run equipment (tractors/mowers) etc, and care for horses. Preparation/serve meals will be required at times. Living quarters on private lake plus $1,500 per month, additional for horse care. Please send your resume to S [Contact info available to subscribers] or fax to [Contact info available to subscribers].

LIVE-IN, multi-skilled, manager couple needed for a cabin rental/property management business outside Sequoia Park and King’s Canyon. There is potential for expansion. Please call Nancy at [Contact info available to subscribers] for particulars, etc.

HOUSEKEEPER/CARETAKER Position available. Must like dogs and pets. Looking for a single woman who has experience with living-in and all aspects of maintaining a home. Someone who is seeking a long term position. Must be tidy and well organized. No dogs, no smoking and only moderate drinking. Must supply good references. Salary, living accommodations and utilities provided. Please email to [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] or fax [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER WANTED in Pollock Pines. Looking for a caretaker for our mountain ranch. A one bedroom mobile home will be provided in exchange for help around the ranch. The caretaker will have room for horses, dogs and cats. Knowledge of horses will be a big plus! Please mail a letter and references with your phone number to [Contact info available to subscribers].

LOOKING FOR A COUPLE who love to garden and keep things in order. Exchange your skills for rent at a private residence in a gated country estate in the Alexander Valley of Northern California, in Sonoma County. Imagine living in a park – beautiful, but lots of work. Work includes tree trimming, wood splitting, stacking, covering the wood in winter, etc. Relocate plants to greenhouse in winter and/or cover. Understand proper: pruning, weeding, irrigation and water systems. Maintain the existing, and installation of new sprinklers and water lines. Basic plumbing, electrical, and “Handyperson” type jobs are ongoing. You are able to work on your own, with little supervision. Proven job history. Honest and trustworthy only please! Clean and sober. No drama. This is a peaceful, quiet, environment. Neighbors are birds and vines. You must like the stars at night, vs. city lights. Reliable transportation is a must, since we are not near public transportation. A mature, retired or semi-retired couple is ideal. A source of income will be necessary to pay your own utilities – separate meter for PGE and cable and high-speed – wireless internet available. No caged animals or cats! Domestic help would also be considered in exchange. Approximately 25 hours/week for a two bedroom/two bath with great views of Mt. St. Helena, and your own gardens and area to expand. There are two wood burning fireplaces – all appliances and it is partially furnished. Some upgrades are in progress. References required and a resume would be helpful. To be considered, please forward information – photo if possible, and tell us why you are the couple for this opening. All serious inquiries will receive a response. This is not a paid position – work is in exchange for rent only. This area is very desirable – upscale and beautiful. This is the chance of a lifetime for the right couple. Looking for long-term applicants only. Other opportunities are also available, depending on skills. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

SINGLE NATUROPATH WANTS TO SHARE RANCH. Hello, my name is [Contact info available to subscribers] and I own a beautiful, historic piece of land in the California Sierras with stone outcroppings, access to wilderness trails, local wineries and wonderful sandy soil to grow just about anything organic. I’m a student of Bowen Therapy and herbology with an interest in horses and animal health. Help with training my Spanish Mustangs, i.e., could do a carriage tour business through the local wineries or start a handicapped riding program; bucking hay, and firewood along with assistance in natural healing therapies and physical transfers for my handicapped son would be very welcome. I’m looking to connect with other people who appreciate a positive lifestyle involving live foods and natural healing. It would be wonderful to even meet a partner who brings experience and knowledge to the table. Participate in a healing miracle… Exuberantly!! I do have a county permitted trailer space with full hookups and/or a bedroom or two as my home is very large with an ozonated hot tub on the deck with a cold plunge right next to it. Want to help build a lap pool? There’s a National Champion black walnut tree, winter creek, organic garden, old barn, pastures and the Cosumnes Rivers nearby. Possibly trade ranches with someone in the Appalachians? If anyone is interested or knows of someone who may want to share an existence in this magical area, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

LOOKING FOR A LIVE-IN MANAGER or couple who knows how to do some basic plumbing and general fixing and maintenance of a 17 unit apartment building in Glendale. Owner will provide a rent free two bedroom apartment. The building is located in a quiet neighborhood. To apply, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Canada

LIVE-IN MANAGER needed for a small motel in mid-Vancouver Island. We are looking for a reliable, mature couple. No experience necessary, but handyman skills would be an asset. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

SUPERINTENDENT COUPLE needed in North York, within walking distance to the Don Mills subway station. We are currently looking for a couple to fill a Superintendent position for a residential building of 290 apartments. Experience is required. You will receive a two or three bedroom apartment, competitive salary, benefits, etc. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, cleaning, maintenance, garbage removal, unit inspections, showing apartments and assisting tenants. Please fax your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

NOVA SCOTIA – Environmental community now forming, offering three to five acre home sites on a 250 acre private wildlife preserve (deer/bear/forest/river), only 15 minutes to charming coastal town and Atlantic Ocean. Garden Zone 6 – commercial peach orchards one hour north! Along the beautiful Lighthouse Route, one hour to Maine ferry, two hours to Halifax International Airport. Financing available. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER WANTED for a small house in rural Manitoba. We need a handyman/woman to maintain our lovely, treed corner lot in small hamlet (10 houses, store, and post office), 20 miles in both directions to a large town and beautiful free swimming park/lake. Large organic garden space, flower gardens. Caretaker could live in own RV or could live in the house. Caretaker to live rent free, pay for own electricity and water. Couples may apply good for pets, or one child, pretty small for more than that. Quiet time to write that novel? Please email your requests to owner at [Contact info available to subscribers]

BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT needed for a central, midsize building in Ottawa. Take pride in offering a clean, quiet and safe environment. Duties include preparing and showing units for occupancy, cleaning common areas and good interaction with tenants. Work closely with a property manager. A couple is preferred. One partner can retain an outside day job if desired. We offer a spacious apartment and salary of $25,000 to start plus an annual increase. Must have basic computer skills. A security check will be required. To apply, please send your resume by email to [Contact info available to subscribers] or fax to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Colorado

COUPLE DESIRED for part-time, on-site management of an apartment project. Experience preferred, but not required. Duties to include apartment showings, building maintenance (cleaning/picking up grounds/small repair jobs), Tenant management, some paperwork. Must have good employer and personal references. Must be presentable, organized and have great people skills. Please mail resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

[Contact info available to subscribers] located on beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir near [Contact info available to subscribers] has RV openings for the 2010 season (mid-May through mid-September). Duties would include: reservations and convenience store, cleaning cabins and restrooms, light maintenance, and gardening. Full RV hookup space, plus salary and other perks available. You can learn more at [Contact info available to subscribers] and then to apply, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Costa Rica

I NEED A PERSON who loves animals and nature to help out in my B&B located on three acres of a heavenly fruit farm, 10 minutes from the lovely town of Heredia, and 20 minutes from the not so lovely San Jose. I’m looking for a friendly, mature person or couple who would be able to help out where necessary. You must sleep on the property. Free accommodation, including electric, water, trash pick-up, and high-speed Internet in return for help with the animals, and some light morning housework, three times per week. I am not able to provide a US type salary, I can only pay $200 per month for food, etc. Free time is negotiable, but I do not want tourists who are off traveling and leaving the property for extended periods of time. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES available at [Contact info available to subscribers], on the South Pacific Coast Costa Ballena of Costa Rica. [Contact info available to subscribers] is a holistic retreat and guest house surrounded by Permaculture-inspired gardens and tropical fruit orchards offering a natural setting for healing, cleansing, and learning. Our farm is surrounded by rugged mountains of virgin old growth forest that rise above the lonely coconut fringed beaches below. Several crystalline creeks and rivers carve through the mountains creating an abundance of mystical waterfalls, translucent swimming pools, and healing spring water. Diverse species of native plants and wildlife abound. Tropical birds are especially abundant. Biting insects are fortunately nearly non-existent. We are a not-for-profit organization promoting sustainable solutions and a simple symbiotic lifestyle. We are open to volunteers who are wholeheartedly committing to this project and the purely natural style of life. Experience is not necessary, but very helpful. What is necessary is a desire to learn and work hard, a sense of curiosity and an ability to observe. Volunteers must have their own outside income. Work includes all kinds of gardening tasks, attending guests, house maintenance, construction of new buildings, etc. We are looking for calm and conscious, heart-centered people who prefer to live in paradise without chemical substances, noise, pollution, intoxicants etc. Please email P [Contact info available to subscribers] or visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Cyprus

house sitter NEEDED in Girne, North Cyprus from December 25th 2009 to January 8th 2010. Situated on the north coast of Cyprus, Girne is an idyllic Mediterranean town with miles of natural beaches, a calm sea, and a mild climate. We live in a flat in Girne with two cats which will need to be looked after. We are close to the city and bus station, and to the sea. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Dominican Republic

HELP NEEDED. Do you have some time available? Do you like the Tropics? Do you want to improve the life of others in the world? If you answered Yes to any of these questions, we need you. You may just discover what will lead to a rewarding and fulfilling experience. We have a project to help the impoverished community of Muñoz. [Contact info available to subscribers] is located within this community, so if we improve the life of these people, we improve our own neighborhood. We need volunteers of all ages and there are no specific qualifications required. You will be greatly appreciated here among the Dominican and Haitian community. Your schedule will be flexible and there are many different ways to help. Teaching languages is the most popular service we can bring to these people. Once the communication barrier is lifted, then there is no limit to the progress that volunteers can achieve. Volunteers will also be able to find work in tourism. Playa Dorada (14 hotels) and Costa Dorada (two hotels) are just across the street from [Contact info available to subscribers] with golf course, shopping centers, tour operators, etc. Here is the link to our website for more information: [Contact info available to subscribers]

England

TWO FULL-TIME live-in caretakers sought to help look after a very elderly couple (101 and 93) in own home in the Kent countryside. Should be willing to care, cook, drive, clean and work with others. 10-hour day, preferably six days a week. Timeframe indefinite. Nursing skills or previous caring experience useful. Pay in parity with care-agency rates. Start early or mid-January. To apply, please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

GARDENER AND CARETAKER COUPLE required in rural Shropshire. Help with the big garden (lawns/vegetables/borders and greenhouse) plus help with animals, security etc. Also weekly and occasional help needed with housekeeping. Total reliability and honesty are essential. A three bedroom, centrally heated cottage will be included. Please write to: [Contact info available to subscribers] UK.

A PRIVATE FAMILY’S HOME in South Oxfordshire needs help. We are looking for a hardworking, active, reliable and enthusiastic couple with relevant experience for full-time/handyperson/driver and cook/housekeeper roles in private family’s eight bedroom house. A three bedroom cottage will be available for the couple. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. Good references essential. For more details contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or email: [Contact info available to subscribers]

ESTATE MANAGER required to maintain established, mature gardens and the daily upkeep of a mansion in Hampshire. A clean driving license will be an advantage. Please apply with resume, references and self-addresses, stamped envelope to [Contact info available to subscribers] UK.

Florida

MATURE, RESPONSIBLE, BONDABLE COUPLE WANTED to take care of a large Miami Beach home. Year-round, live-in accommodation provided. Owners will be there 70, 90 days per year. Duties include: 1) Maintenance of house and grounds, 2) Housekeeping, laundry, cooking and driving when owners and family are there, 3) Maintain a presence in the house during owner’s absence. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN COMPANION/CARETAKER needed in Christina Park Lakeland for my mother. She has Alzheimer’s, and her health is excellent. Responsibilities would be to bath her, cook, and keep house. My mother has a beautiful four bedroom Christina home with pool. I have been caring for her and working full time and it is just too much for me now. I prefer a retired lady with her own driver’s license who has an income of her own and is tired of living alone and paying all the bills. This would be perfect for you. This will include room and board and $100/week. I am not looking to put all the responsibilities on you. Days off or time out can be arranged. I need an honest, dependable person. A background check will be done. I might even consider a college student. My main concern right now is to find someone who will give my mother the proper care she needs, as I no longer can do it all alone. Honesty, trustworthiness, and caring are the most important things to me. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] with a little info about yourself.

LIVE-IN COUPLE needed for housekeeping/general maintenance/ dog care of a large household and able to handle our busy family schedule in Jupiter, FL. Must have experience and references. Compensation includes salary, and separate living quarters with all living expenses paid. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and have your own vehicle. Please fax your resume with references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A PALM BEACH FAMILY seeks a professionally trained hands-on Household Manager for their 6,500 sq ft home. They seek someone who can see what needs to be accomplished and do it without supervision. Responsibilities include housecleaning, preparing meals, shopping, running errands, light entertaining, etc. Salary to $70,000 (commensurate with training/abilities) plus benefits and a private apartment. To apply, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

France

WANTED: A couple to live at our beautiful Chateau in Normandy. Need experience with mowing and tractors. Security and keeping our park tidy is a priority. We have a dog and 10 chickens to feed also. We need someone for three to four months from January to May. References are essential. There will be an opportunity to discuss a longer term position if the fit is right. If you are looking for a beautiful environment to stay we think you will love our chateau. The chateau is not isolated but has its own privacy. There is a village only 2km away with all facilities. We are 25km from the city of Rouen. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at our organic farm in the Bretagne area of France. We are passionate about organic agriculture. We eat mostly vegetarian food and we don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Our organic farm needs help with gardening, fruit and vegetable picking, making of goat’s cheese and bread, fending animals (sheep, goats and hens), and improving the buildings. You don’t have to be experts in those fields. You’ll be taught as you go along. An individual room in a calm and revitalizing environment will be provided. Come and practice your French too! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details.

Hawaii

PROPERTY CARETAKER needed in Ocean View, Hawaii. The caretaker will get to live in a small cottage with no expenses in exchange for yurt vacation property maintenance. The property owner is based in California. The property owner will pay for electric, satellite TV, water, and the internet. Looking for a capable single or couple without children to maintain the property, and handle vacationers coming and going. Duties will be mostly watering the plants when it is not raining, possibly trimming trees, and adding flowerbeds. People come and go here for vacations, so the caretaker should have a computer so you can book vacationers. Will also need to clean the yurts, launder linens, and fill water jugs. Should also have a vehicle. Our website is [Contact info available to subscribers] to learn more. Please email us at [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details, and we will get back to you.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS for our organic farm in exchange for stay on a Kulanakii farm. Stay in magical Ninole on a five acre, organic Awa farm in exchange for five hours work per day, with weekends off if staying one week or more. Must provide your own transportation (we will provide you with food). You can hitchhike to the road and walk up. If driving, a four wheel drive is best for the road here. You will need camping equipment (tent, bedding and cooking gear.) A tool shed, with cold water shower, is available for shelter. Must be a vegetarian on our property – no meat, fish, chicken or eggs. The farm is situated on 100 acres of virgin land, 2½ miles from the highway, at the end of an old cane road which is paved at the beginning and then gravel. It has panoramic views of the ocean and the peaks of Mauna Kea. There are forests, fresh water drinking springs, streams, and waterfalls. The land borders a bird sanctuary and if you hike you will find ancient Koa trees and campsites from the 1800’s with 100 foot waterfalls. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details.

HAWAII ECO-RESORT CAMP HOST/CARETAKER needed at [Contact info available to subscribers], in Ocean View on the Big Island. This is a barter position. In exchange for you living on our property and being our ‘eyes and ears’ while we are away, we will provide free lodging and all the other amenities that guests enjoy (wi-fi, communal kitchen, a large private spot, and much more). If you are interested in this position, please review our website at: [Contact info available to subscribers] to make sure you would enjoy the experience. Please contact us through the website [Contact info available to subscribers] for a more detailed position description and application. Looking to fill the next position for 2010. Don’t delay as it’s a special and wonderful opportunity for the right person or couple. Responsible, mature, and honest applicants only – we will screen applicants and ask for references. This will be a great experience for a green resume and we are also open to restructuring it to fit into a green internship program!

WORK EXCHANGE available on a private organic permaculture farm on the north shore of Kauai for approximately two months. Currently looking for a helper who can begin immediately. If you babysit, that’s a big plus! I ask for 12 hours per week work for a glorified camping set up, with hot shower, gas cooker, sink, outdoor bath, composting toilet, covered 20′ x 30′ with wooden floor and two walls plus electric and Wi-fi. I prefer 22 – 35 year-olds. Seeking a private person. Kauai is awe-striking in beauty! The magic cannot be described! Please check out [Contact info available to subscribers] for alluring videos. Please email with questions to [Contact info available to subscribers]

BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI’I. Looking for conscious caretakers, preferably a couple. Must have a car. Ideal space for those drawn to elegant simplicity, for whom self inquiry, beauty, mindfulness and integrity are important. Work-trade for couples and individuals available throughout the year. Visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE NEED ONE PERSON OR A COUPLE to maintain, repair and garden on our property in [Contact info available to subscribers] in exchange for housing. It is over an acre consisting of six lots, two houses, and three water tanks. My husband and I are sometimes there in the front house but travel a lot. It is less than one mile from the Kehena beach and has beautiful ocean views. The gardens are organic. We have farmed pineapples and vegetables in the past. We have many fruit, nut and flower trees and areas for gardening. Tools and equipment will be supplied. The housing arrangement will be either the cabin which needs some work or sharing the back house with our office/storage space. You will have your own cooking and bathing facility in either one, but must be strictly lactose vegetarian on premises. We will share any crop produced here. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Iceland

VOLUNTEERS needed in Reykjavík, the Icelandic capital. The projects goal is to establish platforms for recreational use of the local surroundings in a suburban area in Reykjavik. Also to increase the outdoor use and improve the healthy lifestyle of the inhabitants. The construction and establishments is made through participation of local people and of volunteers. There is a strong aspect of learning during the working process and of the social importance of the work. The concept is to use Icelandic, natural and local material for the landscaping and the interior, i.e. turf, soil, rocks and wood. The work will bring together the locals, the young and grown-ups with the participating groups for a cultural exchange and learning. Volunteers will receive lessons in turf cutting and turf-walling, which is a traditional Icelandic craft and then produce turf material and at one point build a turf wall. Another task will be to prepare landscape work as well as doing some of the landscape work with the local materials, ideas will be put forth but volunteers will have some say in how the constructions will look in the future. Preparing the soil and laying a recreational path in a forest area. Volunteers will also spend some time with local youngsters in making a sculpture from the forest wood. Volunteers will stay at local house located in the heart of Reykjavík and will be sleeping in bunk beds in the house. Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, volunteers will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals. For more details and up to date information please visit us at [Contact info available to subscribers] or contact us via email at [Contact info available to subscribers] or call us in Iceland at [Contact info available to subscribers].

Idaho

SEARCHING FOR an active retired couple to live on our property near Parma. Good fishing, in a very private setting. Duties will include lawn care, light irrigation, etc. A small home with power, water, heat and a large garden space will be provided. Please write, including your phone number to “Caretaker Position”, [Contact info available to subscribers].

Illinois

A CHICAGO FAMILY seeks a live-in Housekeeper for their 10,000 sq. ft. home. They need a meticulous, self-motivated individual who never needs to be told twice to do anything for their household of three children and two dogs. Experience and knowledge in caring for fine items (marble, antiques, silver, etc.) required. The salary is up to $50,000 plus benefits and private room and bath. To apply, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE needed for a campground caretaker/ maintenance position live-in situation. This position would be ideal for a couple. Residence will be provided with utilities, plus salary. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Indiana

WE ARE LOOKING FOR a friendly couple to help us manage our 89 lot family park on the west side of Indianapolis. These positions consist of office and maintenance help on a part time basis at this time. Pay for these part-time positions is in the form of free living in our two bedroom, one bath cottage (not a mobile home). We also have a full time maintenance staff. All utilities and Comcast cable provided. Later next year these positions will become full time with salary for the right couple. For the office position, computer, phone, and people skills are a must. For the maintenance position, plumbing, electrical, sewer, and general handy-man skills are a must, with the desire to fix things right. Applicants must be drug free. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Iowa

PART-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE for a Resident Manager Couple to manage 50 one bedroom apartments in Knoxville, IA. Maintenance and bookkeeping skills required. Excellent salary and benefits provided, plus a one bedroom apartment. Please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Ireland

HOUSE SWAP our three bedroom bungalow for your place. We are near busy Galway city in the beautiful west of Ireland, overlooking fields on one side, just three minutes drive into the action of the city or sit in my large garden relaxing in a quiet suburb. We can do a pet swap too – my little two-year-old rescue dog is adorable, loves company, loves walks. He may want to sleep in a bedroom with you or if you have children as he adores them, but, there is no need to feel obliged as he does have a bed in my kitchen. We have one five-year-old cat, which sleeps a lot. We can have animals boarded if you prefer. Oil heating is available for cooler days. My husband and I work from home, so we are flexible on the house swap dates. Let’s talk, as they say. We can email pictures of our home to you. Please email Suzy and Mike at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Italy

I NEED A house sitter long-term for my home in Tuscany. I discovered two months ago that next year I will have two beautiful babies. I have been alone most of the time and I need help in the house and with my pets and/or my babies. I know that is not easy, that’s the reason I’m looking for someone who has experience with babies, and or with the pet care (dogs and cats) and would like to seriously help me. I have an old house, remodeled, up a sweet hill in Tuscany, between Montecatini Terme and Lucca, in the Montecarlo area, between olive trees and a vineyard. We have some pets, which live outside. The house is actually composed of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large lounge, and a fully equipped kitchen. Another side of the house will be restored soon, and will be a complete part of the garden. There are beautiful views here with a wonderful view terrace in the front and a garden with fruits trees. Please let me know if you could be interested and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any other question or if you need any other details. I will offer hospitality, and I will be grateful to everybody who would like to do it with love, enjoying the Tuscan lifestyle. I look forward to hearing from you. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Japan

JAPAN SKI HOUSE! Large house needs handyperson to assist in renovations wallpaper/painting/flooring, etc. Stay for free in a small village with many hot springs. You can possibly stay through the ski season at a major resort. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Kentucky

APARTMENT MANAGER needed, on or off-site, for a nice 50-unit property in the Brownsboro/Zorn area. We need a stable single, or couple for this position. Pay is $1,000 – $1,500/month. Please mail your resume to Apartment Manager Position, [Contact info available to subscribers].

Louisiana

RESIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM needed. We are a growing self-storage company looking for a resident management couple with a proven success record. Compensation includes quality living quarters, paid utilities, a 401k plan, top salary, bonus incentives and more! To apply, please mail your resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Maine

PRIVATE ESTATE PROPERTY AND BUILDING MANAGER POSITION available immediately. This is a unique and rewarding full time, year round career position. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a unique blend of building experience of custom homes and extensive renovation work, solid knowledge of the coastal Maine landscape and a strong hospitality background. The position would be in support of one family’s summer residential needs which include the expansion and addition of structures on the large estate. This management role would include significant, on premises, construction oversight as well as a liaison function with the head office real estate group. The head office group would provide direction and support in the execution of the building and in the care of the estate. Clear, concise communication skills, both verbal and written, are required as the role also includes the management of a professional crew of five members. The proper maintenance and pristine care of the residential buildings, structures and expansive grounds will require this manager to make independent and sound recommendations while maintaining the highest degree of quality standards. The qualified applicant will possess 8 – 10 years of direct building and estate management experience on high end properties. Strong leadership and organizational skills are mandatory with a consistent problem solving approach to projects, issues and management challenges. Hospitality or personal assistant experience with a genuine customer oriented approach would be needed in this position. Familiarity with the Mount Desert Island area, its climate, the community and subcontractor network would be highly preferred. The workplace is a respectful and productive environment offering many opportunities to broaden your base of knowledge and skills. Excellent pay and a generous benefits package are available and commensurate with experience. Please fax a letter of relevant qualifications with salary requirements and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

MAINE SPORTING CAMP ON THE RIVER. Help needed to join the staff at our remote rustic, year round hunting and fishing lodge, eight miles from the paved road and off the grid. A love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors is a must. This position may be filled by one energetic person or a couple. We offer hunting, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling, (real wilderness experiences!) and we need your help. The camp has eight wood heated log cabins with indoor plumbing, a lodge with radio phone, satellite internet, DirecTV, kitchen and dining room that seats 30 people. He: Must have good mechanics experience and must be able to maintain power generators and all camp equipment. Must be competent with construction tools, chainsaw, (30 cords of firewood a year), maintenance and use of tractors, mowers, and snowplows. Must be competent at painting, basic woodworking, electrical and plumbing. Will perform various overall repairs and maintenance of lodge and cabins. Will assist head guide with hunt preparations and will be willing to obtain a Maine guide’s license (sponsored by camp). She: Must have a working knowledge of bookkeeping, be proficient with a computer, internet correspondence, Microsoft Office, record keeping and client correspondence. Will assist with booking, scheduling of hunts, vacations and phone work. Will assist office manager and head cook and help with housekeeping of cabins and lodge. Both: Must be comfortable living remotely. Will have good communication skills and the ability to work well with people. Must be willing to help out in all areas when needed. Will have a solid loyalty to the camp and its successful operation, with possibilities for advancement. All meals, housing, salary and paid vacations provided. Security check and references. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Caretaker Profile

“Leaving the Suburbs for the Ranch – Melissa Christoff” Date of Birth: 1/9/58 Address: [Contact info available to subscribers] Interests: Hiking, holistic wellness, motorcycle riding, reading, and yoga. Quote: “Happiness is freedom. Freedom takes courage.”

Melissa Christoff

A love of nature and animals and what she describes as “the desire to get out of mainstream America” led Melissa Christoff to subscribe to The Caretaker Gazette. Melissa recalls, “After subscribing to the Gazette for a couple of years, I decided to be more pro-active in my search for a position as a professional animal caretaker so I ran a Situations-Wanted ad in the Gazette.” Melissa continues, “After more than two decades working mostly for either radio stations as a news reporter or in the airline industry, I wanted a simpler, more peaceful, purpose driven life working with animals away from traffic, cell phones, pollution and the chaos of contemporary life.” As a way of working toward that goal, in 2003 Melissa first volunteered at and then was employed at the Arizona Humane Society. Melissa explains, “That led me to becoming a professional pet sitter for two local companies and then eventually starting my own pet sitting business. After acquiring experience caring for everything from rats, rabbits, cats, canines to equines, I felt I was ready to make the transition from the suburbs to rural living.” Within a week or two after placing her Caretaker Gazette ad seeking a position as a professional animal caretaker, Melissa received an email from a couple, Chuck and Sandy, who own Zenpony, a private animal rescue ranch in Marana, Arizona. The owners of the ranch, who were looking for a Ranch-hand/Animal Caretaker for Zenpony, are long-time subscribers to The Caretaker Gazette. After a phone conversation, two visits to Zenpony, and a few more weeks to carefully think things over, Melissa accepted an offer to live and work there. Melissa recalls, “After turning over my beloved furry clientele to another trustworthy professional pet sitting company and consigning or donating over half of my furnishings and personal belongings, I moved to the ranch in mid-July.” Zenpony is nestled between beautiful mountain peaks in the thick desert terrain northwest of Tucson, in Marana. The town was named for the Spanish word maraña ( thicket) by 19th century railroad workers who had to clear a line through the area. Melisa says, “Although the last seven miles to the ranch are un- paved, the roads are periodically groomed and, unless the washes are flooded, the roads are drivable without a four wheel vehicle.” The ranch recently took on another name, Zendonkey Rescue, when it became certified as a satellite adoption center for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) – the nation’s largest donkey rescue organization. PVDR rescues distressed donkeys and works with the Bureau of Land Management to round up and relocate displaced donkeys on federal lands in lieu of the donkeys being shot. Melissa explains, “As a satellite adoption center, Zendonkey Rescue will help educate the public about the plight of the American donkey, a much misunderstood and maligned animal – and help find suitable homes in the Marana and Tucson vicinities for distressed donkeys.” The ranch’s current inhabitants include four donkeys, three horses, a mule, 15 dogs, an alpaca, two pot-bellied pigs, and two dozen chickens, turkeys and roosters. Except for the fowl, all the animals were abandoned, neglected or both. Melissa says, “Two of the latest arrivals are Jake and Elwood, German Shepherd/Great Dane mixes who were found near death in the desert by area ranchers. Some of the animals require hospice care or have special needs, such as Baby Donkey who has contracted front tendons and wears leg braces. Aside from the donkeys available for adoption, all of the animals who come here are given a home for the remainder of their lives.” The transition from the suburbs to the ranch meant going “off-the-grid”, but that doesn’t mean going without electricity. There are numerous solar panels and a back-up generator that kicks in as needed. The ranch has its own well with water supplied by a river that is located 350 feet underground. Melissa explains, “Conservation is very important here. To conserve energy, all electrical appliances and lights are used mindfully.” Home for Melissa is now a single-wide tow-able trailer that she shares with Apollo, a very sweet, affectionate pit pull mix who she rescued since coming to the ranch. Describing her routine on the ranch, Melissa says, “Days begin with being on the grounds by sunrise to feed the animals, rinse and refill water buckets and troughs followed by a lot of mucking. Getting up while it is dark took a little getting used to.” Melissa also takes a pack of dogs for a morning run. As a part Mescalero Apache, Melissa jokingly says her Indian name is “Runs with Dogs”. There are also chores to done on an as-needed basis, including grooming and bathing dogs or cleaning the chicken coop, the pigs’ play pools, the feed or hay barn. In-between morning and evening rounds, there is time for relaxation; this can include a nap, computer time, reading, studying Spanish or watching PBS World. There is the weekly trip into Tucson for groceries or a movie at the historic Loft Cinema. Melissa’s future plans include learning natural horsemanship and planting an organic vegetable garden. According to Melissa, “The hours and the days fly by. The animals make my day every day! There are moments of pure exuberance and moments of complete physical exhaustion. I am definitely living in the moment more than I ever have before,” Moving from the suburbs to an isolated ranch with limited human interaction has also had its challenges. Melissa says, “For starters – you need to really enjoy your own company but I think I’ve made the right decision.” Ultimately, Melissa’s gypsy soul has its sights set on the Costa Rican countryside, but in the meantime, she says, “I’m taking one day at a time and embracing each sunrise – which happen to be quite striking in the Arizona desert.”

Melissa on the ranch with the horses

Maryland

ESTATE CARETAKER needed in Annapolis, MD. An experienced and responsible individual is needed for full-time, caretaking of an executive waterfront estate. Maintain estate, grounds, boat and dock, vendor relations, etc. Clean driving record required. Non-smokers only, please. Full suite of benefits offered. Qualified candidate should email their resume with references and salary requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL-TIME PROPERTY MANAGER or management couple wanted for a self-storage facility. Qualified candidates will possess customer service, management, and computer skills. One person will have previous general maintenance skills, and the physical ability to climb ladders and lift up to 50lbs. Benefits include: paid vacations, health insurance, sick leave, performance bonuses, and housing if necessary. All candidates must have a valid driver’s license and at least one vehicle. Previous storage management or property management experience required. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Massachusetts

CARETAKER WANTED in the Berkshires. Hands on skills needed. For more details. Please mail resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Mexico

A COUPLE IS NEEDED to live at the storage facility in Los Cabos and manage the property. What works well is where the wife spends more time in the office, greeting people and helping them rent, tracking inventory and general administration. She should have customer service skills and a bit of a sales talent, along with basic computer skills for reporting and learning software. The husband usually has some handyman skills to fix minor repairs and keep the place looking nice, as well as being in the office, too. It’s important that you can both work well together in such close proximity day after day. Free rent and utilities as part of the salary. Does this fit you? If you are up for this adventure, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] with a resume and cover letter explaining why you would like this job and your ability to come to Mazatlan.

Michigan

RESIDENT MANAGER, either an individual or a couple, needed for a small Bay City apartment building. Candidates must have proven and verifiable renting/administrative experience and can provide facilities maintenance. Bi-weekly salary including apartment, negotiable. Please mail your resume to Hiring Manager, [Contact info available to subscribers].

A BIRMINGHAM, MI ADULT COUPLE seeks a high-level expert Housekeeper. They require someone with extensive experience and/or professional training, especially in caring for fine furnishings. A dedicated, professional, meticulous housecleaner will find this to be a very rewarding position. Salary commensurate with skills and abilities and includes benefits. To apply, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Minnesota

CARETAKERS NEEDED. An experienced, mature, part-time Caretaker Team is needed for a well-managed and maintained apartment property in Hopkins. One must be home days. Duties include daily cleaning of common areas, turnover cleaning, and grounds work. Compensation includes full rent credit for a two bedroom apartment. Caretakers must live on-site. Please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

FULL-TIME CARETAKER NEEDED for a large apartment complex in Burnsville. Previous experience as a Caretaker or Building Manager in an apartment building is required. The Caretaker must live on-site. Please apply in person to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Missouri

FARM CARETAKER NEEDED. We bought a 40 acre Amish Farm a few years ago, and we are looking for a couple to help and caretake it so we can get away once in a while, in exchange for rent and utilities in our 30 foot motor home. It could be a small step into the area. Sorry, but absolutely no smoking or drugs. References required. If anyone out there is interested please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email me at [Contact info available to subscribers]

I’M MOVING FROM FLORIDA to my Ozark rural home, and need a long-term person having handyman skills in exchange for rent free quarters with shared utilities. Must be honest, clean, peaceful, drug-free, and a non-smoker, willing to work when needed. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details.

COUPLE CARETAKER needed to work in St Louis, Missouri. Duties will include home/yard maintenance, light gardening/trimming hedges/trees, cleaning the swimming pool, general housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, making beds, etc.), meal preparations, childcare/feeding, and carpooling the child to events. The working hours are 7am – 7pm Monday to Friday-Saturday, partial Sunday off. Separate quarters, and vehicle for your use, and medical benefits included. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nevada

FULL-TIME CARETAKER/ESTATE MANGER needed. This would be ideal for an energetic mature couple or single person who is a handyman/jack of all trades. The property is located on the edge of Las Vegas in a rural/suburban area. The job encompasses overall estate management focusing on the maintenance of a 3.5 acre property consisting of an owner’s residence, a four horse barn, caretaker’s apartment, two pastures, an arena, gardens and small orchard. Some management of third parties (gardener, housecleaner, etc.) but the majority of the work is do-it-yourself items. Knowledge of residential electrical, plumbing, irrigation systems and gardening is a plus for use in basic exterior, interior household and yard maintenance. Knowledge of horses is nice, but not required. However, you must be comfortable around dogs, cats and horses. You may bring with you your own (reasonable) animals. Must have a driver’s license and a good driving record as a portion of the responsibilities will be running basic errands for the household as well as occasionally picking up or delivering our children (ages 13 and 15) to school or their activities. Finally, a good knowledge of computers and basic bookkeeping would be helpful for household administrative items as well as personal assistance to the owner. The caretaker’s apartment is a new, furnished one bedroom and bath with full kitchen separate from the main residence. Utilities, cable and internet are included. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Hampshire

ROOM MATES NEEDED for a single family home in Portsmouth, NH. This is a unique opportunity for a mature couple to share life in a lovely three-bedroom home with a 25-year-old young man who has special needs. Free rent, a $900 monthly stipend, and shared expenses are offered in exchange for support, companionship, and mentoring in daily life routines. This position is part of a whole-life, family-managed, and community-based program and offers many rewards. Please send your inquiries or application to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Jersey

MAINTENANCE/SUPERINTENDENT COUPLE needed in Ewing Township. [Contact info available to subscribers] is a Property Management Company with several commercial and residential complexes located throughout the tri-state area. This is a perfect opportunity for a husband and wife or couple team! This position is hands on and requires physical labor. Position requirements are as follows: basic carpentry skills including plumbing and tiling, valid driver’s license, ability to problem solve when tenant issues arise, knowledge of electric and appliance repair a plus, strong ability to multi-task, maintain a positive attitude when working with tenants, and have strong organizational skills. The benefits package includes: an excellent salary commensurate with experience, medical benefits, 401(k) plan, and an apartment. Please fax all resumes with salary requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers].

New Mexico

CARETAKER NEEDED in the Portales NM area. Rural, safe, secure, and quiet. No smoking, drugs, pets, children, heavy scents, parties, or problematic alcohol. Rent-free living opportunity, with moderate duties, long-term. No salary. Must have an outside income and a vehicle. We also maintain a list of candidates. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN CARETAKER needed for my mother in a very quiet neighborhood in the North Four Hills area of Albuquerque. The individual must be easy going, and have the ability to do light cleaning, laundry, light cooking as-needed, and tend to day-to-day needs. Overall we want to have someone there just in case, but the individual must have a positive can-do attitude relative to the care of our mother. The individual will have their own bedroom, free room and board, and be paid $275 – $300 per week. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] to talk with Moe about this position.

New York

CARETAKER/HANDYMAN position available on the North Shore of Long Island in Brookville, within 45 minutes of New York City and near all transportation and beaches. Free rent offered in exchange for caretaker/handyman duties on an estate near CW Post College. Our property adjoins a large nature preserve which we have owned for approximately 37 years. There is also a cottage on the estate. We are searching for a non smoker; all ages considered. Must have assorted abilities in repairs and groundskeeping. A private, large apartment will be provided, adjoining many acres with a beautiful scenic view. Please email a brief resume of your abilities and background to [Contact info available to subscribers]

INNKEEPER PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY available. [Contact info available to subscribers] is tucked into the foothills of the Berkshires, in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. It is a gorgeous 11-room country Inn, sleeping 26 guests at max capacity. Tastefully decorated, with the simple comforts of a first class retreat, [Contact info available to subscribers] enjoys its reputation as the finest accommodations in the area; known for gourmet breakfasts, delicious baked goods, beautiful guest quarters, and our friendly and gracious hosts and innkeepers. Our beloved owners, [Contact info available to subscribers], have recently passed away. In the wake of this tragic loss, we are looking for a partner to step in and lead us in a new direction. If you are passionate about hospitality, then this could be the opportunity you have been looking for. [Contact info available to subscribers] is accepting applications for partnership. If you have a strong work ethic, you love to cook, you do not shy away from getting your hands dirty, and you have an inspired dream for a property like ours, then we welcome your interest. Our partnership agreement requires the signing of a 3-year contract. Feel free to visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] to see pictures of our beautiful property. Please remit your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]. We ask that you include a cover letter, detailing your experience in hospitality, and your vision of what could be at [Contact info available to subscribers] under your leadership.

LIVE-IN CARETAKER needed in Albany for a non-profit organization. We are searching for a building and grounds caretaker. Keep your full-time day job! This is a part-time job in the evenings and weekends, including lawn care, building security and light repairs. Paid in-house catering and a one bedroom apartment with all utilities will be provided. Must have a clean record, and be courteous and reliable. To apply, please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]. No phone calls please.

HANDYMAN/CARETAKER needed in Amenia, NY. We are searching for a full-time maintenance worker/caretaker with mechanical, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and landscaping skills. Knowledge of farm operations (hay/cattle/equipment) would be a plus. Housing is available. Must have a clean driver’s license. Background and credit checks are required. To apply, please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] and please include your salary requirements.

New Zealand

VOLUNTEERS needed for about four hours every day in exchange for food and accommodation at [Contact info available to subscribers]. Volunteers need to be flexible. Depending on the time of year and your particular skills you could be helping with track maintenance, farm work, painting or repair work on buildings, cleaning, kitchen work, gathering of seafood or helping guests to enjoy the various activities such as, hiking, snorkeling and horse riding. Normally you will join in with us on whatever we happen to be working on at the time. Some days you might work a lot some days not at all, depending on what we are doing. We like to think that we live, not work so where living stops and work begins can sometimes be hard to determine. Your daily life will bring you into close contact with our paying guests. It is paying guests who allow us to carry on our work to enhance the natural values of our Park. Most are only here for a short time and it is up to us to make sure that they get to do what they want and enjoy themselves. You should enjoy meeting and talking to people from all over the world who will probably want to know a lot about you. It’s not that hard because they will be mostly fun loving nature lovers who will have a high standard of basic values, just like you in fact, if you are the sort of person who will enjoy being here. We have no road access and trips to town are infrequent. Your leisure time will be spent doing the things you can do at the Park. This means you must enjoy the simple pleasures that nature has to offer. Experiencing our lifestyle should be the most important reason for coming here. Stay length is negotiable but long stays are preferable. A week would be a minimum, a month would be average and some have stayed for a year. Having said that we acknowledge that it is hard to commit to something like this without having experienced it so a trial period for newcomers is always assumed both, for your sakes and ours. We have enjoyed having our helpers and they have enjoyed being here. That is the whole point of it all. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] or please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

NEW ZEALAND home available to visit and stay in. It is hugs not drugs when you stay with me, a retired Kiwi with three spoiled cats. We now live in the village of Katikati, My organic garden, always has some work to do with a sustainable way in mind. Come with an open mind and be willing to try anything, it can be fun. [Contact info available to subscribers] that I organize is the second Saturday of each month, in the town; it will be a full day for us. Accommodation is a big caravan; there is a hot shower and toilet in the chalet nearby. We share cooking and the usual household chores. Free time can be spent at the beach, hot thermal pools, tramping, or the pubs. Plan to stay six to seven days or longer by invite. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] or visit my website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nicaragua

WE ARE LOOKING FOR MANAGERS for our surf eco-lodge. We offer soul surfing and an ecological experience of Nicaragua. We host 15 guests in our bungalows and seat 50 in our restaurant. This is your chance to experience the Nicaraguan lifestyle on the beach in a preserved environment. Share your love of the ocean and help the local community with like-minded guests. Job description: Care for 100% satisfaction of our guests. Run the lodge in all aspects: customer service, operations, reservations, maintenance, cash flows, supervision of 17 persons on staff, kitchen. One of the managers is the chef in our restaurant. Requirements: Experience in management. Experience as a chef. Both managers must be fluent in Spanish and English. Please send email, resume, photos and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

North Carolina

CARETAKER NEEDED for security and continuing restoration and maintenance of a historic log lodge and property. Remote property – three miles from a hard surface road in the mountains of western NC with streams and near beautiful Lake Nantahala. Need various handyman, gardening, and mechanical skills. (Prefer Norm Abrams over Bob Vilas – who want to do it rather than talk about it!). Must be sober, responsible and have a full complement of common sense. Live on premises year round. Living quarters, utilities, small salary provided. This is an ideal situation for an energetic retired couple who love the outdoors. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for details.

Ohio

house sitter WANTED in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, for various times throughout 2009 and 2010. I need someone to stay in my lovely condo with a cat! The condo is quite large, over 1,800 square feet. There are three bedrooms, the master with large bath on main floor. Two other nice bedrooms upstairs with a full bath. Hardwood floors on the first level. Just steps away from bike trails and city pool. Easy access to shopping. Dublin is an upscale community with its claim to fame being the Memorial Golf Tournament held in June. My condo is just a short drive, bike, and doable walk to the Muirfield Golf course where the event is held. Ohio State University is in Columbus. Many cultural and athletic events are offered all year. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

RESIDENT MANAGER TEAM needed for a medium size apartment community in Mid-Ohio. The position includes salary, a two bedroom apartment with washer and dryer and all utilities paid, plus a paid three week vacation and holidays. This is a pleasant working environment. Duties include apartment renting and light maintenance. This is an excellent position for retires of any age, Please send both resumes and include code [Contact info available to subscribers] by fax to [Contact info available to subscribers].

APARTMENT MANAGER COUPLE needed immediately to co-manage a subsidized two and three bedroom townhouse apartment community located in Columbus. Rent-free three bedroom town house with basic utilities paid is provided along with a competitive salary. Basic clerical skills needed for the administrative position and prior experience with HUD recertification processing would be extremely helpful but not mandatory. General maintenance and punch-out/apartment rehab skills are desired for the maintenance position. Excellent opportunity for couples just beginning their careers together in property management or for semi-retired couples. If interested, please send resumes with salary/employment history to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Oklahoma

INNKEEPERS needed to run a bed & breakfast in southeastern Oklahoma. We prefer a mature couple, with no children or pets. Duties will include grounds care and light maintenance. Must be excellent housekeepers and good in dealing with the public. Please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Oregon

NORTH OREGON COAST, housemate/internship/partner needed. [Contact info available to subscribers] await a new intern/partner to find us. Our motto “fresh food prepared simply with style.” To qualify, he/she/they must share our vision of community, love of food and art. Internship includes monthly stipend, as well as room and board. Together we will grow, build and co-exist sustainably in a skewed business world. Internships awarded based upon: personality, compatibility, work ethic, experience, creativity, interest in sustainable presence, love and knowledge of food and art. Should an intern miraculously grasp and share our business concept and vision, for the right fit, we would consider partnership/profit-sharing in the future. Presently we expect a five day work week, with an average shift of no more than six hours. We are conscientious, flexible, knowledgeable people and expect the same. If this sounds like you and you are tobacco free and in good health this is a beautiful place to live and grow. We welcome your response. Please write to [Contact info available to subscribers]

AN OREGON SHEEP RANCH is looking for a caretaker (can be a couple or single) in exchange for light help on the ranch. We are located close to Salem. For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Pennsylvania

A PHILADELPHIA ADULT COUPLE seeks an Estate Manager to oversee staff of 15 for a beautiful luxury home. Requirements include many years’ experience in private home, familiarity with care of 17th-century artwork, knowledge in creating fine dining vignettes for billionaires, etc. Must be honest, hard-working, and a team player. Weekend required. Salary commensurate with skills and experience, plus benefits. To apply, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER NEEDED: Full time position available at a beautiful camp in northeast Pennsylvania (Pocono Mountains). Applicant must be experienced in overall maintenance of children’s camp. Should have knowledge of carpentry, lawn equipment maintenance, plumbing, electrical, grounds and pool care. Additional support staff provided during late spring and summer. Housing and utilities provided. Salary dependent upon experience. Excellent opportunity for couples and retirees. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] or fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

RETIRE in the beautiful Western Snyder County Mountains. Caretaking and handyman duties required at a private vacation /hunting lodge. Live in a 1,500 sq. ft., three year old ranch style home with porch, two car garage, all appliances, central A/C, water, sewer, and satellite TV in exchange for caretaker and handyman duties. If interested, please mail a personal resume and references to Caretaker/Handyman, [Contact info available to subscribers].

Rhode Island

MOTEL MANAGER COUPLE needed in South County, RI. We are looking for an ambitious mature couple to manage all phases of a small local motel. Housing, salary, plus performance bonuses provided. To apply, please mail your resume to Motel Manager Position, [Contact info available to subscribers].

South Africa

PRETORIA house sitters needed. Our four bedroom home will be empty while we are on holiday in Italy from December 17 to January 4, 2010. We have a lovely, spacious home with pool. We have two dogs, two cats and some koi fish that will need care during this time. We are close to the parliament buildings, and one hour from Sun City. No transport is available. Anyone in the mood for a hot African summer? Don’t forget, it’s summertime during the Christmas season here! Please email me at [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details.

LOOKING FOR PEOPLE who love to work with wood and can help build a deck with my husband at our beach house called [Contact info available to subscribers], West Coast, South Africa. We are conveniently situated on the beach in the idyllic ocean side town of Yzerfontein; it’s less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town. This dreamy six bedroom retreat boasts magnificent ocean views throughout the house. The Lighthouse can’t be beaten either as a film location or luxurious seaside accommodation. The Lighthouse is set in the Yzerfontein nature reserve and offers a tranquil and undisturbed environment to relax and absorb the exquisite scenery. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers] Photos are available at [Contact info available to subscribers]

South Dakota

PROPERTY MANAGER needed for on-site management. smoke-free, pet-free, mid-sized apartment complex on Westside of Rapid City. Couple preferred. Should possess a professional attitude, excellent customer service and time management skills. Computer skills a must. Experience preferred but not required. Please submit your resume to Apartment Management Couple Position, [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER COUPLE needed to clean, paint, shampoo, and shovel snow in the winter for a 42 unit building. Must live on site. Apply in person at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Spain

A SMALL ECO HOLIDAY RESORT in Cádiz needs help. We are looking for helpers during the winter months. The work consists in helping in the maintenance of our resort, housework, ironing, gardening and some painting. We have a nice small room for you with kitchen and bath. You can learn more about our resort at [Contact info available to subscribers] We are used to working with volunteers five days a week for five hours. In return, we provide food and accommodations for free. Breakfast and supper are taken in your room, dinner we have together. Our environment is great. We are only 8km from the beach. For more details, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers], via email at [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Texas

WE ARE LOOKING for a retired couple to manage a self-storage facility in the North Dallas area. Some bookkeeping experience required. No pets. Competitive salary and health insurance provided. Immediate opening. Please mail your resume to Personnel Department, [Contact info available to subscribers]

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES to join our ministry team. [Contact info available to subscribers] on 114-acre riverfront ranch in Seguin, TX. Community includes a K-12 Christian academy, raw dairy, vegetable gardens, grass-fed beef/chicken/pork, horses, and a farm-to-table restaurant open Saturdays. We provide furnished homes, the best healing food; and a small, home school-style Christian academy with hands-on academically oriented Christian sustainable living curriculum. We provide training and living-it experience in sustainable/ministry. We’re non-smoking, non-drinking, sexually moral, biblically based, authentic (not contrived) worshippers. We welcome brothers/sisters/families in Christ from all places and walks of life. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

MANAGE THIS “customer service intense” remote west Texas resort that caters to both individuals who like the beauty and quiet of being Out There and the Who’s Who of Hollywood when they want to get away from it all. Staff needs training and direction, and the ability to plan ahead and an eye for detail a must, for a very caring remote owner. A small but adequate home will be provided. This is a very hands-on position for individuals who love to provide great service. The job requirements: a true caring and training ability that will enable you to build a staff of hospitality pros from the local area. The resort is one of the top employers in the region. The resort has 30 – 40 rooms, full spa, and trail riding. You must have the ability to schedule, an eye for detail and a love of remote areas. You will also need a track record of successful marketing and sales. Drug and background checks will be required. Please mail your resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

NEED HANDYMAN, GARDENER, ETC. TYPE HELP in exchange for housing on newly purchased ranch near Rocksprings, TX. Single or couple, pets welcomed. Will consider children. For more info, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers].

NEED A CARETAKER or couple to help on a two acre, wooded estate in Bartonville, TX. This is a beautiful area and close to great shopping and Dallas/Fort Worth. Very flexible for Holiday time off. Have just purchased property and need help getting it into shape. Job includes handyman and landscaper type work. Will exchange guest cottage, including paid utilities, for 20 hours/week work. Caretaker can have a separate job. No pets or smokers or children. Limited guests allowed. Negotiable term, between 3 – 6+ months. Can start immediately. For more information and pictures, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Alpine, Texas, is seeking couples with an RV at our quiet, clean, friendly RV park during the spring/summer of 2010. Our 4,500 foot elevation rewards us with cool summer nights and usually pleasant days. We are near scenic drives and area attractions. As a couple, you work the same 8-hour shifts and enjoy our two days on – six days off scheduling. One of you will need to work in the office/gift shop; the other will need to do grounds upkeep/light maintenance and bathhouse clean up. Prefer a minimum three month commitment in exchange for a full hook-up and utilities RV site, cable TV, laundry, pool privileges, and a 20% discount at the gift shop. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers]. You can also visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

A SMALL NORTH DALLAS APARTMENT COMPLEX is seeking an onsite manager in exchange for free rent and utilities. The primary responsibilities will be to contact corporate regarding marketing and maintenance issues. This is a great opportunity for a retired couple. Please fax your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Utah

MOTEL MANAGER COUPLE needed for a 37 room motel in Tremonton City for the 3pm – 12 midnight shift. We are looking for a married couple (one or no children preferred). Must be non-smoking, with no pets. We are a 30 minute drive to campus. Compensation is $1,600/month salary plus free rent. To apply, please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]. We will you call for interviews.

Virginia

[Contact info available to subscribers] seeks an individual or couple interested in serving as a residential retreat center coordinator and event manager. Preferred candidates will reside on the 170-acre wooded property in Jarrett, Virginia (about two hours and 15 minutes from Fairfax, VA) providing oversight for the retreat center operations, fund raising, guest/client relations, outreach and marketing, general facilities cleaning, asset and inventory management, reservations management, bookkeeping and accounting and facilitation of spiritual activities and events for a new non-denominational Christian church. Spiritual activities include Sunday morning prayer service and Wednesday evening Bible Study weekly. A college degree is required, in addition to excellent communication skills, event marketing and management and computer skills. Experience in event coordination, hospitality and ministry are preferred. Benefits include a one-bedroom furnished house with modern amenities, selected utilities and expenses paid, in addition to a small stipend. No smoking, drinking, or pets allowed. Please mail your resume and salary history to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN CARETAKER needed. We are searching for an individual to care for a few farm animals and maintain the grounds (approximately 80 hours month) at a non-profit animal sanctuary located near Richmond, in exchange for an efficiency apartment in a historic cabin, onsite. The position includes all utilities (heat/AC, lights, telephone, wireless internet) and the house, entrance and barn are all protected by 24/7 web cam surveillance. While possible (and acceptable) to maintain another job while filling this position, the successful candidate must be available to feed animals every day, both morning and evening. It will be necessary to interact with volunteers and the advisory board regarding schedules, backup coverage, etc. and occasionally assist with preparation, parking, set up and clean up for our fundraising events and other private functions held onsite. Monetary compensation is provided for hours worked over twenty per week. Must be a non smoker with a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle. Excellent references and a background check will be required. Please respond with a brief paragraph detailing your situation and experience (no attachments please). Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER COUPLE needed to help long-term with our 500-acre farm estate in Madison, Virginia. Must be self-starters, motivated, conscientious, honest with high integrity, good communication skills, good credit history, and healthy. You would help care for our herd of Texas Longhorns, pleasure horses, and other small barn animals. Must have experience on farm equipment, general maintenance, fencing, and pastures; which includes landscaping and gardens. Housekeeping duties include cleaning main home, two guesthouses and other domestic responsibilities. We provide a home with utilities and salary. Please email resume, references, and photos to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Washington

SEEKING APPLICANTS for an assistant management couple position for our Glendale location, [Contact info available to subscribers]. We believe patience, loyalty, understanding, and hard work are the core components of rewarding lives and careers. If this interests you, come join our team! At [Contact info available to subscribers] our residents always come first! We are seeking compassionate couples to serve as live-in management teams working with active seniors. We need people-focused professionals with at least three years management or supervisory experience. [Contact info available to subscribers] encourages individual development of employees and we are seeking people with the desire and willingness to learn, embrace, and continue our philosophies. We offer a competitive salary, vacation, benefits like medical/dental/life, housing, meals, utilities, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of our residents. If you are interested, please mail a cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

HUNTING LODGE CARETAKER COUPLE needed in Central WA. We are looking for a caretaker couple for a 16,000 sq. ft lodge. Duties will include, but not limited to, light cooking, cleaning, plumbing and electrical, miscellaneous maintenance, and grounds keeping. There are great views here, and housing is included. Pay will depend on experience. Please mail your resume(s) to [Contact info available to subscribers].

FULL-TIME ESTATE GROUNDSKEEPER needed. Maintenance and landscaping experience required for responsible, energetic person or couple to live on premises. References required. Salary will depend on experience. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

[Contact info available to subscribers], on Orcas Island, is seeking the services of a full time Couple/Manager to provide onsite management support, 24/7. A manager’s unit is included for this purpose, along with a generous compensation package. Applicants must have a proven record of effectively dealing with the public. Desirable skills include basic PC computing; and basic handyman experience. Applicants must submit a summary of work experience with contact information to [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER COUPLE needed for a non-profit organization in Elma. Must be bondable and a criminal and credit check will be required. Requires handyman, carpentry and mechanical skills, and being in good physical shape with a current driver’s license. The hours during summer may be 60 per week and in winter as little as 20 per week. Will need to mow and maintain three properties, clean clubhouse bathrooms and showers daily, repair and paint when needed, clean gutters, replace light bulbs, fill pot holes, maintain culverts, and trim limbs. Must have a great attitude and be self-motivated, and work well with others. Computer skills would be nice and some bookkeeping skills. This position includes a two bedroom house, garage, light, water and garbage, plus a $1,200/month salary to start. Please mail your resume to Caretaker Position, [Contact info available to subscribers] with all your contact info.

West Virginia

CARETAKER NEEDED for my cottage in the mountains of West Virginia, one mile from the Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County. The place, which sits on five acres, consists of a cottage, a well, a spring, two streams, and several outbuildings. It has sat vacant for almost ten years. I’d like to have it lived in, as well as 10 – 12 hours per week of handyperson efforts. If interested, please mail a letter (do not email or fax, the property owner will only be answering mailed letters) to Attn: “West Virginia Cottage Caretaker”, The Caretaker Gazette, 3 Estancia Lane, Boerne, TX 78006 so we can then forward your letter to the property owner.

CAMPGROUND HOST needed mid-May through September. East Lynn Lake in East Lynn has available RV Campground Host positions which require the volunteer(s) to live in the recreation area and perform the duties to operate a campground or day use recreation area. It is our goal to provide a family oriented camping experience by personally greeting East Lynn Lake visitors in a friendly and courteous manner, and, to promote the safe, responsible use of project facilities and resources, while providing high quality customer service and information. The Campground Host Volunteers will be provided with a designated, electric and water, RV hook-up campsite for the entire season May through September. To apply, please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Wisconsin

APARTMENT CARETAKERS needed to manage a 130 unit apartment community. Must be a couple or two person team and must live on-site. The compensation package begins with a two bedroom apartment, two parking spaces, and a large weekly salary for both people, and multiple opportunities for additional income! Only serious applicants will be considered. Prior property management experience is a must. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

A MATURE COUPLE is needed to work on at a beautiful lakefront resort on Lake Nokomis in Tomahawk. Help needed includes light landscaping, plumbing, and electrical work; housekeeping responsibilities; and hospitality duties, in exchange for free use of one of our cottages or mobile home site. If interested, please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wyoming

house sitter AND RANCH HELP needed. We have a small ranch in Riverton in central Wyoming. We can provide free housing for approximately fifteen hours of work a week on the ranch. Duties include yard up keep, horse and pet care as well as house sitting when we are away. Some occasional child care for a ten-year-old boy will be needed. A fit, non-smoking, single person or couple would work out fine here. Taking an outside job is no problem. Must have a driver’s license and have your own vehicle. Must provide references. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Situations-wanted Ads

Mature Couple looking for a caretaking position starting in January through March 2010 in the W. Palm Beach, FL area. Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Property manager on East side of Tucson, AZ has time to help you on weekends. Excellent references. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Midcoast Maine, Professional Estate Manager, Right Hand Man, relocating from Boston’s Northshore in 2010. Mature gentleman, 50, trustworthy, bright, capable, communicative, responsible, conscientious, healthy, proactive, results-oriented, organized, self-starter, discrete, handy, reliable, flexible, and friendly. I solve problems, handle issues, and manage property, projects, and personal needs. Seeking full or part-time, non-residential, collaborative arrangement, within one hour of Camden. Strong references, excellent credit, effectively serving the affluent since 1984. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Experienced property/estate manager seeks long term employment with a friendly CT/NY area family. Can act as hands on grounds manager/administrative assistant/house manager for one or multiple residences. Extensive managerial experience that includes establishing, implementing, and maintaining property budgets, maintenance programs and housekeeping tasks. Energetic, personable man of discretion with integrity, intelligence, a positive attitude, an intuitive nature, an eye for details and style with great personal skills, computer knowledge, and organizational abilities. Will work with property personnel and vendors to make sure the home is run fluidly. Willing to travel if necessary. Over 15 years experience in the field of estate management. Excellent references available upon request. Please email me at [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Locations of interest: Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, USA. I am seeking a house sitter or caretaker position for home, estate or hotel in the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico or USA. I have extensive experience as a certified property manager with luxury residential communities and resorts in the USA, Micronesia, Caribbean, and Mexico. I am responsible, mature, self-sufficient, flexible, clean, organized, and a highly creative problem solver who can care for animals, plants, and do light housekeeping, cooking, errands, oversee staff and contractors. What I don’t have is: pets, dependents or bad habits like smoking, drugs or partying. I do have an independent income. Open to a variety of situations; prefer assignments that are 3 + months in length. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Woman in her mid-thirties seeking a house sitting caretaking position for this winter. I am a talented gardener with my own business in the Hamptons in NY. I am looking to relocate for the winters – ideally would like to be somewhat near the coast in Florida, South Carolina or California. I also am very experienced with livestock, especially horses. I have managed a ranch out here in the winters the last two years I was in charge of 120 horses, cows, sheep, goats and dogs. Ideally would love a situation to incorporate the care of horses and or gardening. I do have two very well behaved dogs that would be with me. Can provide references. Please contact Dee email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hawaii. Non-smoking-non-drinker retired design build architect on Oahu seeks salaried live in estate manager position-available to relocate-reliable-excellent references. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Experienced property maintenance handyman available. Honest and trustworthy. Good References. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Creative person seeks house sitting in quiet setting – Midwest/Southwest/E. Coast. Simpatico with people/pets/plant world. Non-smoker, non-drinker. Please contact Joan at [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Grand Cayman: Looking for a house-sit from December 18 – January 4. Single Canadian professional going to Grand Cayman to visit family. References available. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Summer 2010 house sit wanted in a cool climate (above 4,000′ elevation) in western US or Canada for one to three months. Fourteen years experience, great references. Please contact me at [Contact info available to subscribers] with your phone number. Thank you.

Licensed/bonded mechanical/electrical engineer, handyman, with tools, and RV. Please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Mature, professional educator and Certified Life Coach

seeking a house sitting position in London during the Holiday season: December 25, 2009 through January 2, 2010. Loves caring for plants and pets. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

We are seeking employment as a couple to manage the operations, habitat, and grounds of fishing, hunting, or game preserve, club, or private estate. Our combined experience includes business ownership, management, construction, event planning, caretaking, and executive, administrative, and personal assistance. These skills coupled with our experience and passion for hunting, fishing and shooting sports, uniquely qualifies us to make a significant contribution to the efficiency, security, and management of any property. We demonstrate effective communication skills, work well independently, and are self-starters. Additionally we have experience in training and managing other workers as well as working well with the public. Our careers, personal lives, and interests have taught us the proper balance of respect and efficiency necessary for operating and managing wildlife and hunting properties. We would enjoy discussing how we could assist you in meeting your needs. We are available by phone at the numbers below and look forward to meeting you in person to learn more about how we can put our range of skills, experience, and passion to work for you. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] or contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mature, professional female seeking house sitting/animal care/plant care opportunities in the Cambridge, Easton and Salisbury, Maryland areas. Very responsible, considerate, and versatile. Please email Joy at [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] and leave message.

Mature couple looking for short term warm weather house sitting, petsitting, maintenance opportunity. Experienced handyman, retired law enforcement officer, boating and small engine experience. “Jack of all trades, master of none”. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers], or call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Couple available, semi-retired rancher seeking year round, long term position as manager/caretaker. Experience includes but not limited to horses, cattle, barns, pastures, mountain living. Salary negotiable, excellent references available, non-smoking/drinking/drugs. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hawaii (Big Island) North and South Kohala, North Hamakua. Licensed Contractor 25 years experience looking to augment business. I provide services to several Property Managers for Resort Homes. Excellent Owner and Management references. Open to On or Offsite arrangements. New Construction, Remodel, Restoration and Maintenance. Small Equipment operation. Insured. Large Vendor List. Live a Healthy Lifestyle, No Drink, Smoke or Drugs. Excellent Credit. Wife and 12-year-old son able to share responsibilities. Love animals. Consider other Islands for win/win opportunity. Mahalo, Contact info: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wanted: cottage on a North Shore, Long Island, New York. Property in exchange for caring for home/pets. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Excellent, experienced caretaking team seeks paid position

in the Pacific Northwest. Please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] for resume, photos and complete information.

Professional, computer-based, medical researchers

currently seeking a house sitting position in a quiet setting within a 30-mile radius of Menlo Park. If you have pets, they will have the best of care, love, and attention. Having previously owned and maintained beautiful, upscale homes in gated communities, we have meticulous standards regarding property upkeep. We are seeking a (minimum) 2bd/2ba, and high-speed internet (WIFI preferred), non-smoking environment. We are bonded and insured, certified in animal CPR, members of: National Concierge Association, and Professional United Pet-Sitters Association References available upon request. Michael and Barbara [Contact info available to subscribers]

Kauai-East to North Shore. Owners of Da Kine Wine in Kapaa seek caretaking situation. Experience in five star hospitality management, security, landscaping, and food and beverage. I am a certified sommelier and my business partner is a CIA trained chef. Compensation is flexible depending on responsibilities. Please contact Daniel at [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers], Aloha begins with me.

Born Caretaker – Active female 50 seeks full-time position Western States. Experienced in House, Garden, Child and Pet care. Excellent Cook. Honest, responsible, meticulous, hard-working, friendly, 3X homeowner, non-smoker. Exceptional references. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

NYC / Hamptons / Long Island Professional male House Manager / Chef / Assistant seeking a long-term position. I am a formally trained chef who has worked as a house manager, chef, chauffeur, handyman, nanny and butler for the last 12 years. I am married with two young daughters and live on Long Island. Motivated, personable domestic professional with years of solid experience and a successful track record of satisfied clients. Talent for quickly solving problems and resolving conflict. Diplomatic and tactful with staff and professionals at all levels. Accustomed to handling sensitive, confidential records. Demonstrated history of honest, loyal and professional household service. Flexible and versatile, able to maintain a sense of humor under pressure. Poised and competent with demonstrated ability to easily maintain a five star household environment. Thrive in deadline-driven environments. I have many excellent references, clean driving record and good credit. I am a handyman with knowledge of plumbing, electrical and carpentry. I am extremely proficient with computers and technology. I am able to program and network computers, blackberry devices and audio/video systems. I am able to drive various types of vehicles. My ideal situation would be on Long Island or in NYC live-in or live-out but I am open to CT and PA. For details, please contact Danny at [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Handyman seeks a well-paid caretaker position. Reliable, efficient, and loyal. I use checklists so you don’t. Ex-military officer, and teacher. Friendly. I speak Spanish and Japanese. Also seeking temporary house-sitting in the Miami area for me and my Mom for two to four weeks. Thanks! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Professional Dog Caretaker/Sitter, 25+ years experience. Outstanding references. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Want to eat organic veggies, honey, milk and eggs grown on your land? Professional caretaking couple with organic farming background seeks long-term caretaking position with room for mini-farm/garden possibilities. Skilled in ranch upkeep, basic carpentry/plumbing, auto/tractor maintenance, welding, tractor and chainsaw work, landscape maintenance, native plant restoration, irrigation systems, organic vegetable production, beekeeping, fruit tree and poultry care. Writing/editing, hospice/elder/childcare help also possible. Currently in California, we are in our mid-30’s with infant son; responsible, fun, no drugs. Looking for opportunities on the West Coast, but are open to all offers. Housing/salary required. Excellent references available. Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Experienced property caretaker/manager with own housing (RV) looking for suitable long term opportunity with full hookup plus modest monthly stipend of $600 for agreeable work responsibilities. Have managed estate, ranch and upscale development. Excellent livestock and pet care skills. Currently managing property in Texas. Available 1/1/10 for moderate year round weather location preferably in the South or West. Excellent references available. Please contact me at: [Contact info available to subscribers] or by phone at [Contact info available to subscribers].

51-year-old man with diverse experience in maintenance, construction, farming, gardening, water resource management, wildlife habitat development, hospitality, fishing and hunting with guests, security, pond and wetland management, etc. Large or small property. See my website at [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details. Please contact me at [Contact info available to subscribers] or [Contact info available to subscribers]

Energetic, fit, experienced, hardworking couple, seeks long-term placement as lodge, small hotel or private property managers in a tropical location, in early 2010. For the past thirteen years, they have owned and operated a restaurant, [Contact info available to subscribers] She, a talented chef and gardener, holds a Hotel Management degree from FIU, he, the general manager and sommelier, has also owned a fly-fishing and light-tackle guide service for 21 years. Computers, carpentry, plumbing, masonry and electrical are all in his skillset. This dynamic duo’s “make it work” and “get it done” work ethic would be a plus for any property. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Position Desired: Experienced former business owner and property manager seeks long term employment along the west Florida coast. Can be hands on grounds manager, administrative assistant, or house manager for one or multiple properties. Extensive managerial experience (along with a Master of Science in Management Degree) includes establishing, implementing, and maintaining property budgets, maintenance programs, housekeeping, staff management. Especially knowledgeable about household systems, regular and seasonal upkeep, landscaping, gardening, car and boat servicing. Able to converse intelligently with service personnel. I am a healthy, energetic, intelligent, pleasant man of discretion with uncompromising integrity, an eye for details and style, and have a broad business skill set, Further, I’m tech-savvy, with highly developed organizational abilities. I have the confidence and knowledge to work independently and address issues as they arise. I’ll work with existing personnel and vendors (or begin fresh) to assure your home is run quietly and efficiently. Willing to travel if necessary. Impeccable references; will gladly submit to background check and drug test. Please ask for Joseph: Home: [Contact info available to subscribers]; Cell: [Contact info available to subscribers]; Fax [Contact info available to subscribers]; or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mature (50’s) homeowner looking for caretaking/house sitting opportunities in Vermont or New Hampshire (remote/country is preferred). Skills include: household management, property management, secretarial skills (30+ years) animal care, cooking, cleaning, housekeeping, driving, bookkeeping, personnel hiring, training, supervision, special events management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll. Do not smoke, drink or drugs. Do have pets. Great health. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] and leave a message.

Engineer looking to housesit in southern CA, AZ or anywhere with no snow! Avid dog walker and cat lover. Handywoman too; I built my home in Alaska. I enjoy organic gardening and permaculture. Please email Karin at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Physician-In-Training relocating to Washington DC. Looking for house sitting opportunity in DC/VA (preferably near GWU/Georgetown U) for one year/portion thereof starting June/July 2010. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Couple looking to re-locate in the Anchorage area of Alaska. We are currently working on a non-profit in northern California that provides respite/retreat for people with disabilities. We are interested in a house sitting position while looking for a permanent place. We will be available in spring 2010 for 2-3 months. Please contact Marilyn at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Small Family Looking For Home and Land to Care For. No drugs, alcohol or smoking. Experience taking care of farm animals and using light and heavy machinery. Experience with electrical, plumbing, general carpentry, painting and tile work. We can provide personal references. Please email Lincoln at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Financially independent, physically fit, stable single mature male will provide live in caretaker/security services on residential waterfront property for absentee owner. Will provide numerous credible references. I’m a professional sales engineer; work alone from home and flexible regarding location. I’m self disciplined a non smoker and require no supervision. Prefer ocean front in Southern California, but would consider anywhere on the coast. I’m currently providing caretaker service in Arizona on a multimillion dollar property that is for sale. Visit my website [Contact info available to subscribers] for professional info. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Dependable young woman who loves to travel seeks a place to get some writing done. I have no specific destination in mind. Have excellent job references. Please contact: [Contact info available to subscribers].

Estate, Resort, Manager, Caretaker available. Responsible, honest, integrity, ethical and accountable are my qualities. I am seeking a position with a lovely family or person that needs loving care in Scottsdale area. I love to cook, run errands, plan events, pay bills, and open to office assistant duties. Mature, educated, long-term management experience in corporate. Resident in Scottsdale since 1950. Horse experience. Excellent references. Please call L. Johnson at [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

New York/Connecticut: Responsible, non-smoking couple with property management and veterinary experience available for long-term caretaking position. Impeccable references! Resumes available. Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers] or at [Contact info available to subscribers]

SPECIAL OFFER: The newsletter, Dwelling Portably, published since 1980, has a special offer for GAZETTE subscribers. For only $19.95, you will receive 20 issues of this publication; the current issue plus 19 back issues. Dwelling Portably is a newsletter that provides information about how to live comfortably without high rent/mortgage and taxes, in tents, tipis, vans, etc. Readers tell what works or doesn’t. It provides practical advice about living on a low-budget by choice – camping on the edges, living simply, getting by on the road and loving it. With concise typing and line drawings, Dwelling Portably crams many tips into each issue! It’s for modern nomads choosing alternative lifestyles to the 9-5 rat race. This is really an incredible publication written by the editors and letter contributions sent in by the people experiencing it. Send in only $19.95 for 20 issues of Dwelling Portably to THE CARETAKER GAZETTE, 3 Estancia Lane, Boerne, TX 78006 (please write your check or money order for $19.95 out to THE CARETAKER GAZETTE) or use your debit/credit card for payment.

CLASSIFIED ADS cost only 65¢ per word per issue. DISPLAY ADS start at $65 each issue. Details are on Page 2.

Professional Hotel, Tourism Property And Marketing Consultant is seeking assignments beginning January 2010, preferably in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America where my diverse 20+ year career in tourism and hospitality included work with upscale resorts, residential developments, retreat centers and eco-lodges as an operations (all divisions), training, human resources/recruitment, marketing and QA senior level manager. In addition, I have extensive experience in the development, pre-opening and opening of small eco-properties, spas and retreat centers and served on the management preopening/opening team of major mixed-resort projects. Some other consulting work has included leading major national and regional training programs and serving as a senior level national tourism dep. director. I’m a very hands-on manager who is accustomed to working in remote locales, in developing nations and within a multi-cultural environment. Top references. I am open to trade outs and creative compensation exchange, so let’s talk! Please respond to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Find jobs with horses and the people to fill them! Since 1986, Equimax has been the place where jobs and horse people find each other. Trainers, Farm Managers, Grooms, Stable Help, Instructors, and many more. Job seekers subscribe to our List of Jobs and have a summarized resume distributed for six months, $45-$60. Employers find help by subscribing to our List of Candidates and by listing positions on our List of Jobs for three months, $70-$85. Nationwide. All breeds and riding disciplines. To order, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

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For Sale: Unique property with ocean view in Costa Rica. If your dream is to live in the tropics, run your own bed-and breakfast, or eco/green mini-resort or simply own your own piece of paradise you will not find a better place to do it, or a better opportunity than this one. Please email caretaker@caretaker.org with COSTA RICA PROPERTY FOR SALE in the Subject Line.

Hampton Domestics

Household Managers Couples*Chefs/Cooks*Butlers Housekeepers*Nannies Estate Managers*Groundskeepers Personal Assistants Senior Companions and much more

Great Opportunities are available for Experienced and high quality applicants! Top salary and good benefits!

Call Today or Visit our Website!

[Contact info available to subscribers]

BackHome Magazine has been delivering do-it-yourself information on sustainable, self-reliant living for more than eighteen years. BackHome is a valued reference for people seeking to take control of their own lives in a proven, practical manner. The bi-monthly issues are packed with information and resources on rural land and property, solar and renewable energy, green and mortgage-free building, organic gardening, wholesome cooking, home business, home schooling, small livestock, and craft and workshop projects. On newsstands throughout the U.S. and Canada. One Year subscription, $21.97. BackHome Magazine, PO Box 70, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Please call 1-800-992-2546 or go to www.BackHomeMagazine.com

Mahler Enterprises

Are you the best of the best? Our premier search firm specializes in nationwide placement of top-level domestic professionals. Offices in New York, LA, Chicago and Milwaukee. No applicant fee. We cater to candidates and employers. Visit our website [Contact info available to subscribers] for terrific job opportunities, or fax your resume to: [Contact info available to subscribers]