The Caretaker Gazette July / August 2013

Alaska

CARETAKER WANTED. Searching for a responsible couple to maintain a private lodge in the wilderness of southwest Alaska from the end of August – June. Private cabin, phone/internet and TV available, and great fishing. Must be drug and alcohol free, physically fit, flexible and appreciative of a remote life style. Some experience with small motors and cutting firewood is helpful. This salaried position has year round potential. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] for details.

SPEND A YEAR AT A FLY-IN Paradise! Beautiful remote off grid lodge/retreat seeks a compatible couple to caretake. Needed now through September 1st to train and to become familiar with the area and tasks. In September remain solely in charge throughout the winter, especially during April 2014 when yearly fuel is delivered. Must be financially secure, have your own health insurance and be looking for the adventure of a lifetime. Room, board and in-flight from Fairbanks provided. Must be familiar with basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, small engines, off road vehicles and computers. Basic understanding of off-grid systems (generators, inverters, and battery systems) extremely helpful. Must possess wilderness survival skills including first aid and have a good positive mental outlook to endure isolation. Self-motivation is essential, as well as the ability to follow instructions. Applicants must have neat, orderly personal and work habits in caring for this property. Hobbies useful. No health or dietary constraints, non-smoking, without alcohol or drug problems and be in physically fit condition (a background check will be required). Owners to come and go as needed. Recompense for September – May to be discussed depending on skills. Please email a full resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

ALASKAN OPPORTUNITY awaits a high energy couple or two singles. General maintenance and farm projects on an amazing 600 acre [Contact info available to subscribers] family homestead. ‘High tunnel’ garden planting, berry patches, maintain small orchard, lawns, flower beds. Gather wood, coal. Building projects galore; cabins, sheds, shop. Person experienced with farm equipment, chainsaw, and carpentry tools, preferred. You will have a place to live and basic foods. You can learn wild food harvesting, fishing, food preservation (drying, smoking, canning, and freezing). Negotiable wage for over 30 hours/week. Also separate maid service/PR position for vacation rental (sleeps 10) and small on-site museum. Board, basic foods and 10% of bookings. Other jobs also available in the area. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Arizona

LOOKING FOR A HOUSE/CAT-SITTER with references for my Sedona home starting June 15 and lasting for about three months. If interested, please write to me and explain why you would be great for my home, garden, and three cats. If you don’t love cats, please don’t bother responding. Must provide references. Please email your info to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKERS WANTED for an 18 acre “John Wayne” style ranch in southern AZ. “Hacienda Los Pajaros” is nestled amongst gentle rolling hills covered with magnificent mesquite trees near Arivaca, AZ. Duties include gardening, grounds keeping, and general maintenance along with caring for three dogs, one cat, and a talking parrot. The interior of the house must be maintained in pristine condition for realtor showings. Approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week in exchange for free rent in the ranch headquarters main house, approximately 2,000 sq. ft., furnished. Two bedrooms, three baths, office and great room. House has a 7KW solar system which covers 50% of electric bill. Raised bed for growing your own veggies, irrigated water provided by well. Private secluded living yet close to amenities and easy access. Pictures available upon request. The start date will be ASAP. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER NEEDED. I have two homes, one in southern Arizona where I spend the majority of my time, and my other home is in Florida. I have a 40-acre ranch with my main Arizona home, three barns, and one home for the caretaker, and a workshop. Tasks include equipment and grounds maintenance (tractor, golf carts, all vehicles, generators, blowers, fences, lights, fans, etc.). Basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills. Welding skills would also be a plus. Errands, projects, overseeing vendors. Weekly schedule is five days, eight hours per day, and on-call for any emergencies. Compensation includes salary ($35,000 – $40,000 range, negotiable) plus use of the 2,500 sq. ft. caretaker home on site!). You will also need to travel to my Florida home at least twice a year. Please have a minimum of three years experience, and email your resume and provide at least three checkable professional references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Letters to the Editor

Hello, are you the same Caretaker Gazette that used to be in Texas? Please let me know. I’d like to mail in my subscription renewal, but I would like to make sure that you are the same publication which had been publishing from Texas. Thanks, J. L., Albany, NY

Thanks for asking Jim! Yes, we are the same Caretaker Gazette, we recently relocated to Seattle, Washington. Our new mailing address is:

The Caretaker Gazette, 1700 7th Avenue, Suite 116 # 260, Seattle, WA 98101.

Our new phone number is: (206) 462-1818.

Hello Gary and Gazette staff, please keep the incredibly wonderful Caretaker Gazette coming our way! Here is our renewal payment for another three years. We’ve been caretaking for more than five years at what we think is the most beautiful property anyone could ever imagine. It’s a perfect place to raise our children and home school them. Our position is what some might think is a bit isolated. It’s the ideal situation for me but for my wife and teenage daughter, it’s often a frustration (no major stores within 50 miles!). We’ve been learning to live a simpler way of life with only generator power. We stay in touch with the larger world with cell and internet. We’ll keep searching your Gazette to see what’s out there. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find something that’s even more beautiful than this place. Thanks for your fantastic Gazette. Keep up the good work! J. and L. H., O Brien, OR

John and Laura, after five years there, it sounds like you’re ready to make the next move. I’m sure that, through the Gazette, you’ll find another location that will be as nice as what you have there!

Dear Gary, just wanted to take a moment to thank you for sending out our “situations-wanted” ad in one of your email broadcasts. We have made a few interesting contacts and discussions are ongoing regarding a caretaking position for us. We really appreciate what you do. Thank you so very much! Sincerely, L. and D. S., Ellicott City, MD

Doug and Lisa, glad to hear that your situations wanted ad is producing good results! Our subscriber list of property owners who want to find qualified property caretakers and house sitters continues to grow. This includes quite a few celebrity and well-known property owners who, for privacy reasons, don’t advertise anywhere but prefer to have their staff contact our subscribers directly.

I responded to a Gazette ad and was accepted for a house sitting position for this summer. I would like to thank you so very much. I have been lucky to find such great summer positions every time I responded to an ad in the Gazette. You provide such a needed service to people like me who might be at a loss without it for finding acceptable work. I continue to highly recommend you every chance I get. Both as a subscriber and for help wanted situations. Thanks again. Take care, B. G., Saint Petersburg, FL

Hi Bette, thanks for writing. We have a lot of school teachers and other subscribers who use the Gazette during their vacation time. I’m glad you’ve been able to use the Gazette to find summer situations that fit in with your schedule.

The Caretaker Gazette for landowners, caretakers, and interested readers. It is the only up-to-date publication for property caretaking opportunities in the world. All information is derived from sources believed to be correct and reliable, but for which we assume no responsibility. The Caretaker Gazette does not screen caretakers or landowners, and only provides a medium of information exchange. We assume no liability for arrangements made between parties. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any form or retrieval system without our written permission.

Our Caretaking Philosophy The Caretaker Gazette is dedicated to the property caretaking profession, and to our subscribers who have kept the Gazette going since 1983. We publish the Gazette in order to help property owners and caretakers find one another. We support the caretaking profession; a lifestyle encompassing everything from simple house sitting assignments, where one can live rent-free, to full-time estate management positions that include salary, benefits and housing.

Contact Information If you need to reach us to place an advertisement, or renew your subscription, please contact: The Caretaker Gazette, 1700 7th Avenue, Suite 116 # 260, Seattle, WA 98101. phone: (206) 462-1818 Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. fax: (440) 337-3737 email: caretaker@caretaker.org website: www.caretaker.org Twitter: twitter.com/house sitter Facebook: www.facebook.com/caretaker.gazette

Cast of Characters Gary C. Dunn – Publisher, Filer, Bagger and Mailer, Thea Dunn, Ph.D. – Editor, Writer, Researcher and PC Troubleshooter, and our children: Kira X. Dunn, Envelope Stuffer, Trevor X. Dunn – Envelope Sorter, Vanessa X. Dunn – Mailing Label Placement on Envelope Specialist, and Lincoln (our dog) – Envelope Sealer.

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Argentina

PATAGONIA CALLING! Personal assistant, caregiver and companion needed in the Andes of Northern Patagonia for a 64-year old woman with Multiple Sclerosis. A minimum of a one month commitment required, three months or longer, appreciated. I am an artist and an experienced horsewoman. My ranch is located in a non-tourist part of Patagonia, nestled in the foothills of the Andes, in the heart of the real Gaucho culture. From April 15 until December, I am renting a house in San Martin de Los Andes. This is a volunteer opportunity. In exchange for basic food and housing, you will be my personal assistant. Duties include, but are not limited to: personal care, occasional housekeeping and cooking, helping me get around, administrative work, help with my MS challenges, and when at the horse farm–occasional help with the horses. It is important that we enjoy each other’s company. This is not always an easy position, but it is life changing. Free time to be arranged as needed and wanted, as I have caregivers Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. You should have a mastery of English; Spanish would be a major plus, computer skills with graphic design knowledge, a plus, a driver’s license, and the ability to drive a manual/stick-shift truck. Please visit my website at [Contact info available to subscribers] Please email a description of why you are interested, something about yourself, and a photo to [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you for your interest.

Australia

CARETAKER/MANAGER needed. This opportunity is available for a couple. We are located 90kms east of Cloncurry, in Gulf Country, Queensland. Duties include all facets of cattle work with mostly bikes and general maintenance on two properties. Grader and Loader experience would be an advantage. There is no local school available. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

FARMSITTERS WANTED in the Inverell/Moree area. Just seeing what is available at this stage. Looking for a couple with some rural experience who reside in the Northern Tablelands or North West Slopes and Plains to housesit a farm from time to time, maybe for a week or maybe for two weeks or so in order that we can get away. Our house is on a farm 20 kilometers from two medium sized town and 80 kilometers from Inverell. Obviously, this would only be suitable for persons living in the above mentioned areas but all queries replied to. This will start until July/September 2013. The only duties would be looking after dogs and keeping an eye on cattle and also a little garden watering. The times we would want to get away would be negotiable to fit in with what other arrangements you may have. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

A CARETAKER is required to support staff on two cattle properties (Longreach and Winton) for approximately six months. Duties will include checking water points and mustering on bikes. A wage plus accommodation will be supplied. For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER NEEDED for [Contact info available to subscribers]. We are run by a committee of volunteers to service a facility for the rural community. We are seeking expressions of interest for this caretaker position. The caretaker will be responsible for the grounds and building maintenance cleaning and other general duties. Residence in lieu of 20 hours per week, available with commencement. Would be suitable for a semi or retired couple. A short order cook would be an advantage. References, criminal history check and Ochre card required. For further info and position descriptions please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]. Thank you.

RESORT CARETAKER needed in Maleny, Queensland. You will be required to manage the day-to-day operations of a 138-site manufactured over-50’s home park. Key responsibilities include: Undertaking and supervising: all landscaping and garden maintenance duties (lawn mowing, weeding, etc.), cleaning and maintaining all common areas in a first class state of repair, assisting with the sales of new and established homes to our target market, maintaining the front office and performing all administrative tasks associated with operating the park. The successful candidates will present well, have excellent communication skills and be able to undertake physical work. Experience in real estate or manufactured home sales is desirable. The opportunity is tailor-made for a hardworking couple. Remuneration includes a competitive salary plus onsite accommodation. Mail applications to The Director, [Contact info available to subscribers] Australia.

CARETAKER NEEDED for light duties including cleaning in exchange for a one bedroom fully air-conditioned unit, plus small remuneration. We are located in the Canberra area. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER REQUIRED from August 22 until October 2, 2013 for our 300 acre property at Gooram, 15 minutes from Euroa, Victoria (approximately 160 km north of Melbourne). We have some cattle, sheep, alpaca and two dogs, along with a comfortable four bedroom, centrally heated house with a large garden. For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Belize

house sitters WANTED. Experience a tropical lifestyle in southern Belize. The property is bordered by rainforests in the center of Maya culture. Caretake a self-sufficient owner built homestead. Electricity from the sun. Biogas is from organic materials. Enjoy cosmically charged rainwater and unpolluted, energy packed rainforest air. Taste a different tropical fruit each week. Stuff yourself with organically grown veggies. Make natural perfume from ylang-ylang petals. Prefer a mature, responsible, drug-free, non-smoking couple or two adults. A minimum commitment of five weeks anytime from April through November. Your primary responsibility is having a presence on the property. Duties, as of this date, will be the care and feeding of one cat, six dogs, fish tanks, vermiculture, watering young plants and minor maintenance. For additional information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] For photos, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

California

LIVE IN COUPLE NEEDED for a hands-on capable handyman/gardener and housekeeper/cook position in sunny San Diego, California. Separate one-bedroom, one bath, ocean view cottage, plus board and salary included. This position has a five day work week. No butlers, Managers, smokers, pets, children, or excessive booze. If interested, please send your resume and salary requirements to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include “San Diego Position” in the Subject Line. Thanks.

BEAUTIFUL KLAMATH RIVER property in northern California seeks a caretaker or business partner. Carpentry, plumbing, permaculture and/or orchard skills a plus. Riverfront, fruit orchard, garden/farm space, rafting, swimming, telephone, DSL. You can see photos at [Contact info available to subscribers]. For more info, please send a blank email to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A LARGE ESTATE IN SANTA BARBARA is in need of a qualified Household Manager. You must know how to take care of fine furnishings, proper serving techniques, hand laundry techniques, supervising a large staff of nine housecleaners, four laundry staff, two chefs, etc. Would prefer a graduate of Professional Domestic Institute. Must have previous household experience on a large estate. Must have a kind nature with staff. A furnished cottage plus great salary offered. Must be able to travel with employer when needed. Must have an excellent work history, no smoking, no drugs, honest and dependable. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration along with a recent photo and a copy of your driver’s license to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A HIGH MOJAVE DESERT HISTORIC MINING CAMP needs part-time caretakers. References required. You will have flexible hours, and a motor home, water and propane will be provided with a small stipend. Prefer a retired person; couples are OK. Flexible schedules are possible. You will need a high clearance vehicle and love of roughing it! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Canada

HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED in Oakville, Ontario. Job responsibilities include: responsible for the daily cleaning and maintaining the general appearance of the whole residence, care of fine furnishings, finishes, delicate surfaces, washing, ironing, steaming and linen care, including washing delicate fabrics, making beds and ironing sheets, organizing and managing household inventories and closets, menu-planning, meal preparation and service, general errand running, including grocery shopping and dry cleaning, transportation of children to and from school and activities, assistance with private and social events, walking the dog, and handling of special requests and related duties as needed. Applicants must have a minimum of two years experience working full-time in a private service. Salary from $35,000 to $40,000 per year (in Canadian dollar, gross), depending on experience. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Southern Alberta is looking for two teams of friends and/or couples to join us for our 2013 summer season. Must be available to work mid-June to mid-October. Duties include light food preparation, housekeeping and guest services. Typical shifts are 10 days on – 10 days off but this can be flexible. The daily wage is $100 plus gratuities per day which includes room and board while on shift. Love of the great outdoors, a sense of humor and a willingness to learn are an asset. Non-smokers preferred. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED in Beaconsfield, Quebec. You will be responsible for the daily cleaning and maintaining the general appearance of the whole residence, care for fine furnishings, finishes and delicate surfaces, washing, ironing, steaming and linen care, including washing delicate fabrics, making beds and ironing sheets, organizing and managing household inventories, dinner menu-planning, preparation and service, fridge and pantry supply management, scheduling and supervision of household installations, trades and vendors for interior and exterior and seasonal projects, plant watering. General errand running, including grocery shopping and dry cleaning, and handling of special requests and related duties as needed. The job requirements are a minimum of two years experience working full-time in a private household, good English communication skills (mandatory), experience in hands-on household work and knowledge of all areas of property cleaning and organizing, good culinary skills, able to prepare simple healthy meal, and have the flexibility to work outside of strict job description parameters. Must like children and have a valid driver’s license with a clean record. Need to have a current legal working status in Canada. Must be honest and self-starter. The salary is $30,000 per year (in Canadian dollar, gross). Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

house sitter WANTED at a remote ranch in the interior of British Columbia starting in June 2013 for three to six months. I am looking for a house/pet-sitter to care for our Purebred Siberian Huskies. They all live outside, are very friendly and lovable. The house plants will need to be watered from time to time. We live on a 350 acre remote ranch. We do however have every modern feature to the home. We offer a private self contained modern apartment for the house sitter. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for more info.

Colombia

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at [Contact info available to subscribers] in the village of Paluato. This small Dutch-Colombian foundation is always looking for volunteers who want to help in our little kindergarten or who want to organize activities with the children of this little village (such as English, computer or art classes or all different kinds of sports or cultural activities). The local football and volleyball teams can always use some support. We are currently increasing our range of activities and have started a program for childcare and teaching in the neighboring village of Quamaral. The local teacher has requested English lessons, so she can give better classes herself in the future. All ages are welcome; the costs for accommodation (including water, gas and electricity) and meals are 203,000 Col peso or $112 dollars per week. You will work and stay in a very poor village called Paluato. Only some houses are connected to the water network and electricity is unreliable. The locals are welcoming, lovely and have positive Colombian families. Only one of the hosts speaks English. In the village, the only useful language is Spanish. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

Colorado

CURRENT OPENINGS AVAILABLE for a full-time farm intern to work with animals and the land in a conscious environment in Loveland, Colorado. Includes on-the-job training, experiential learning and opportunities for leadership. This internship is a great work/trade with accommodations, daily gourmet meals, monthly stipend and many amenities in a conscious community, wellness resort and conference center. For more information please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] is looking to fill a housekeeping/cook position for our Colorado Guest Ranch/Outfitting Lodge. Must have valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check. The job is available now until mid-November. Duties include cabin cleaning, food prep, laundry and light maintenance. No couples or pets. Must live on site. Salary is $1,000 per month, plus bonus and tips, and Room & Board. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

LIVE-IN SECURITY GUARD wanted. You will get free rent just for living here. No salary, so you must have your own income. Please write: [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN HELP NEEDED for an older lady with a Chihuahua, who is located in Nunn, CO, a small, rural agricultural town, north of Greeley. Need someone for four 24-hour days to seven 24-hour days. A car, cash, food and housing will be provided. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

ASSISTANT CARETAKER/FORESTRY WORKER able-bodied, hard working, honest, reliable, non-smoking, person needed for a permanent position as assistant caretaker/forestry worker for a Mountain Retreat in the Colorado Rockies. A farm background is highly preferred. Forestry – Experience with forestry work including cutting/slashing with a chainsaw and grubbing. Forestry degree desirable, but not required. Structures – Responsibility for operating and maintaining residential structures (plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation, carpentry, painting, etc.). Equipment/Vehicles, Experience with/aptitude for operating, servicing, and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and small engines (dump truck, backhoe, dozer, motor grader, track skid steer, automobiles, etc.). Horses – Prior experience with horses and their care/exercise desirable. On site housing provided, plus salary and bonus. Please email resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers]

I AM LOOKING FOR A HANDY SINGLE person or a couple who can prepare and then manage an artist’s hermitage in the country near Dolores, Colorado. Needs at the outset will include packing up and cleaning the house and grounds, digging pipe into a septic system for a caretaker’s residence, and landscaping. After that, basic maintenance and cleaning between guests plus possible cooking for those who want it will be needed. The first part will be an exchange of labor for a place to live. Thereafter remuneration will be based on net profits from the hermitage. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Connecticut

SEEKING AN EXPERIENCED RESPONSIBLE caretaking couple with great work ethics, good attitude and flexibility for long-term caretaker/housekeeper for multiple homes on lakeside property in mid-state Connecticut town. Applicants will need a background in grounds care, flower gardening, landscaping, bush trimming, home and equipment maintenance and housekeeping. Must be nonsmoking with no pets, dependable and able to work unsupervised. Five day work week required. 40 plus acre Estate. We will supply a large, beautiful lakeside home (off site) free of charge. We pay all utilities (electrical, water, sewer, and internet). We provide a car with gas, maintenance and insurance and all tools necessary to perform the job. Modest salary along with food allowance. The housekeeper will clean main house of 8,000 square feet plus a second home of 6,000 square feet and guest house of 1,000 square feet. Food shopping, occasional driving of children to school. Nine grandsons off and on the property. Must take pride and pleasure in tending to a beautiful home and property. This is a long-term position. Married couple with or without children (two) encouraged to apply. Background investigation will be done. Driver’s license required. Expected to be treated more like family than servants. References required. Please submit your application to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKING POSITION FOR A MATURE COUPLE in Sharon, Connecticut in the beautiful Berkshire Hills. Seeking a mature couple with excellent references to live in a one bedroom apartment with separate entrance in return for grounds maintenance and housekeeping. Our house is a beautiful six bedroom 1790 colonial on 26 acres. It has recently been magnificently restored after a fire in December 2011. We have grown children and grandchildren who visit. This has been our country home for over 30 years. The job requires a minimum of twenty hours of work per week (10 hours per person) for basic chores in exchange for the apartment with heat and all utilities. Additional work will be compensated accordingly. Candidates should be debt free and have some financial security such as pensions and investments. Candidates for the job must have good health, be energetic and meticulous in maintaining the house and property. Candidates should love animals and may have a well-behaved pet of their own. Enthusiastic vegetable gardeners are particularly welcome, as there is plenty of room for your own garden. Additional desirable skills include cooking and hospitality skills, horticultural knowledge, carpentry and mechanics. Assistance with an elderly man with Alzheimer’s also needed. Other part-time employment off-premises is possible. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers] giving your experience and references.

Costa Rica

VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS needed at [Contact info available to subscribers]. You can mingle daily with the beautiful Campesino people, make lifelong friends and participate in a style of living that changes them forever. Volunteering and interning at [Contact info available to subscribers] offers you the unique opportunity to feel and become a part of the magic and beauty of this infrequently visited area of Costa Rica. [Contact info available to subscribers] is an environmental learning and sustainable living center, rural sanctuary and lodge located in and on the edge of the last remaining virgin rainforest of Costa Rica’s beautiful Puriscal County. To learn more and to apply, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

FARM VOLUNTEERS needed. With stunning views of El Valle de General and Costa Rica’s tallest mountains, including Mount Chirripo, our agricultural ecological farm is well named. It is situated in the county of Perez Zeledon, three hours south of San Jose. The farm is run by a family of five: [Contact info available to subscribers]. Our farm is twelve acres in extent, and accommodates horses, chickens, ducks, medicinal plants, fruit trees, grass for forage, several crop species, spring-water wells, an area of rainforest, red worm composting for soil regeneration, a biogas digester and a pond. As a volunteer on the farm we provide lodging and three meals a day in exchange for roughly five to six hours of work. You can stay in one of four cabins on the second floor with two bunk beds each; and there is also space available for tents. The work will include construction, feeding the animals, planting seeds, soil conservation, and maintenance of medical plants, using and producing organic fertilizer, maintaining the spring-water wells, and harvesting crops. The work is at times challenging, but volunteers have invariably found it stimulating and rewarding. You will need to be reasonably fit for some of the work. Volunteers will not have to work very early in the morning nor late at night. The working schedule, though intense, is intended to be exhilarating, not exhausting. For more information please view our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Ecuador

[Contact info available to subscribers] always welcomes volunteers who wish to join the community and help out! We are an organic farming community located on a beautiful mountainside overlooking the town of Vilcabamba, in Loja Ecuador. We aim to regenerate a small (10 hectares) piece of degraded land into a self-sufficient farm using permaculture design principles. We provide opportunities for learning about permaculture and living off the land as well as a beautiful space for meeting new people, reading, yoga, and meditation. The farm is always growing and we are open to collaborating with volunteers to create and implement new projects. We’ve built a community kitchen, a dormitory that sleeps as many as six, three bedroom cabins, a yurt bedroom, a water tank, composting toilet, greenhouses, and orchard and agro-forestry gardens. There is a $50 per week fee and covers all food, laundry, tool and material expenses at the Camp. We work five days per week, for five hours per day. Private rooms available for couples. Telephone service, but no internet access (however, there is internet access in town). If you have any other questions, or wish to confirm that you will be coming, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] from outside of Ecuador). Note that we do have phones, but no internet at the farm. For frequently asked questions, go to [Contact info available to subscribers]

England

DOG/house sitting position available in South Bucks. A regular dog/house sitter three times a year for a five-year-old lab and nine-year-old peke. There is easy access to the woods and a compact house. References required. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

LIVE IN GARDENER needed in rural Essex, part-time (18 hours per week) for £6.000 per annum plus a private, self-contained cottage inclusive of all utility bills. Working and living in this beautiful setting our client requires an experienced gardener to maintain an established garden (five acres) and a substantial wood and land site. Ideally suited to semi-retired person seeking a rural living. Duties will include: grass mowing, raking, and weed control. Maintaining herbaceous plants. Tree and timber maintenance (there is a large woodland site on premises). Pruning, and wildlife maintenance required. Maintenance of allotments and flowers (all produce shared between you and the proprietors). During periods of proprietor’s absence ensure all security systems are in good working order – regularly check and test alarms. Care of the family’s pet dogs during periods of absence. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

COUPLE REQUIRED in southwest Dorset. A large, beautiful Estate on the Jurassic coast requires an energetic and organized couple who are looking for long-term employment. Duties include Housekeeper for the Manor, and managing, cleaning and maintaining three holiday rentals and organizing snack baskets for approx 16 shooting days. Cleaning the Manor and school runs for our children, aged 17, 15 and 12. Occasional gardening and work with the Estate maintenance staff. This is a relaxed environment, with charming and cozy furnished three-bedroom cottage. Generous pay and holidays. Impeccable references and clean driving licenses required. Starting ASAP. To apply, please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

MODERN ONE BEDROOM flat available in Hertfordshire village. This is a self contained unit with all services supplied. We require housework, gardening, driving, etc. This would be suitable for a recently retired/semi-retired couple. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

A PRIVATE HOUSE in Chelsea seeks a live-in under butler. The main duties will vary from on-site security, driving, car valeting, outside maintenance, service and ideally some catering. This would be a perfect opportunity for someone to get their foot on the ladder in private service. The position is working under a house manager and alongside a team of four in a formal house. Previous experience in the hospitality industry is important. Salary will be dependent on experience. Candidates must have an-up-to-date CRB check and at least two contactable referees. All nationalities considered. Please mail your resume and references to Emma (PA), [Contact info available to subscribers]

Florida

CARETAKER/COUPLE wanted in Lake County, FL. Looking for a husband/wife team to work at our property. The ideal couple would have experience in general building maintenance, mowing, cleaning/housekeeping, etc. also including care of animals. Accommodations are available for a live-in position. Please send your complete resume and any pertinent information to [Contact info available to subscribers] or mail to [Contact info available to subscribers]. Be sure to list relevant experience, salary requirements and references as we are presently accepting applications.

WE HAVE AN IMMEDIATE OPENING for a worker with their own RV at [Contact info available to subscribers], a county park. We offer an RV site, internet, and basic television provided in exchange for approximately 20 hours a week of park duties. Duties include the opening and closing the park gate, cleaning the restrooms, and emptying the trash containers, with minimal park rules enforcement. The park is a beautiful county owned park, with over 900 acres, walking trails, fishing, and boat ramp, playground, and picnic pavilions. The county employees maintain the mowing and general maintenance of the park. A minimum stay of three months is required. Please contact me for more information: [Contact info available to subscribers].

LIVE RENT-FREE in the southwest Florida Everglades. This is a secluded, quiet area inside a forest of large cypress trees. I have two dogs and five cats. I need a companion having the qualities of honesty, peacefulness, self-motivation, animal loving, being a good cook, and assist in daily living. If interested, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

France

A SINGLE OR COUPLE with their own transportation is needed for a Super Bed & Breakfast in Basse, Normandy in exchange for five mornings gardening. Can be a short stay or long stay, through July. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A house sitter for six to twelve months in the beautiful South of France, located 30 km from Nice, and 40 km to Cannes. Need the house sitter to start in mid-August 2013. Please email Ulrike for further information at [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you.

Georgia

WANT A QUIET LIFE ON A HORSE FARM? We are looking for a (semi) retired couple who would work approximately 3.5 hours per day. You can live for free in a 1,000 sq. ft., two bedroom, two bathroom, plus, cabin mostly furnished with all modern equipment in return for feeding horses and maintaining the grounds. We have eight horses, mostly in pastures and come up for feeding and grooming in the AM plus PM. You should be self-sufficient with income plus insurance. Extra work will be compensated. We have a 60 acre farm with walking and riding trails, a fish pond, and the pool will be available. We are located 25 minutes west of Augusta, GA. Must be able to take charge – as independent contractor (Cash stipend). Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Guatemala

I AM LOOKING FOR DOG/house sitter in Jaibalito, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala starting early September, 2013 for seven weeks. The village is only accessible by boat so this requires a certain degree of agility/mobility. You pay about $20 a month for electric, $20 a month Internet and $15 for gas (two months) as well as walk Zita a minimum of two times a day for 20 minutes. More/longer are welcome! You have to dote on her, bathe her, and spend nights at home. Because of boat only access, this means you’re in the pueblo after 5:30pm. The property does better with some care. A gardener comes 10 hours a week and he knows how to keep busy on his gardening opportunities, which are boundless. A housecleaner comes on Wednesday mornings. There is a rental cottage next door. Currently, it is occupied and causes you no work and September/October is the slow season. If it was to become available, I’d ask you to help out in terms of meeting new tenants with key and calling the housecleaner. I’ve had 8-year-olds and their moms, 65-year-old retired men, a couple in their late 30’s, single women, and an array of people stay here. Again, this somewhat remote location with boat access only is not to all tastes. Life here is somewhat physical with the boat passage, walking, etc. It’s not for everyone. The most important criteria are a dog lover who has respect for the house and dog and the awareness of the responsibility that comes with them. The house is a two bedroom/one bath, kitchen, hot water shower, washing machine and is approximately 900 sq. ft. The property is fenced. Zita has the run of the yard and house. It is a five minute walk from the public boat dock. Basic groceries can be bought in Jaibalito. More specialized items must be bought in Pana, a 30 minute boat ride away. I’m also looking for someone from mid April through early July 2014. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] if you are interested. Thanks.

Hawaii

AN ECOVILLAGE on East Maui is looking for caretakers. Three month minimum. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

MAUI – Caretaker wanted for an isolated property in the Hana District of Maui. This is a breathtakingly beautiful wilderness location far from power lines, crowds and stores. Light farming, mowing, clearing, infrastructure maintenance in exchange for simple but peaceful living accommodations and a small salary. A single or couple is OK. Must enjoy animals, gardening and apiary, and have experience operating and maintaining a tractor and independent power and water systems. Looking for a happy, energetic self-starter who appreciates solitude and loves natural life, and will find happiness in the challenge of producing natural food in a rain forest. References and resume required. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] is looking for a permanent caretaker. This person will live in the middle of the large orchard area of about seven acres. The work will be caretaking three orchards, some building and the maintenance of two buildings, one greenhouse and some smaller buildings, sauna and land-bathrooms. We are looking for someone who wants to live off grid and likes to live simply with nature. You will need to be in good health and able to lift 40lb and know how to work focused. This person should be knowledgeable in forest maintenance, weedwacking, gardening, building, maintenance, small motors, and just generally handy and interested in a simple life, close to nature and four miles from the nearest village of Pahoa on the big island of Hawaii. You can grow your own vegetables and dakini gardens maintains winter citrus fruits orchards, some bananas, avocados etc. This is a long-term position, which after the first initial three months will evolve in a low key quiet life within nature. Please don’t apply if you need loud music, lots of parties, lots of people, and endless trips to town. This is for the person who enjoys hearing the birds, the rain, and the wind, who likes making a campfire and likes looking at the night skies with all the stars. Who truly wants to come back to a simpler life. I hope to hear from you, as I know you are out there. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A HARD-WORKING, RETIRED COUPLE, with a green thumb with experience in landscaping, gardening, tree planting, vegetable growing, construction, housekeeping, guest services and event planning. No drinkers, smokers, or meat eaters. Live/work trade opportunity in Hawaii. No stipend but awesome opportunity for revenue share depending on productivity and resourcefulness. Serious inquiries only. Please respond with a cover letter, resume or your work experience and references via email. Prefer animal lovers, but no animals are allowed in the house, so please keep this in mind if you have pets. We currently have one outside cat on the property. Must have Interest in alternative medicine and holistic health. Must be available ASAP. This position is for two people. Please no solo inquiries. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER WANTED in Remote Waipio Valley, Hawaii. We are looking for a couple for our riverfront three acre property, in exchange for weekly hours of outdoor physical labor in landscaping and building. You will live in separate caretaker’s quarters. The owners don’t live on the property and you are on your own. 4WD car and references required. Cell phone/internet hookup on site. No smokers. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Iceland

SEEDS VOLUNTEERS will have the unique opportunity to work in the hot spring capital of the world, Hveragerði; where we will work with the municipality from August 4, 18, 2013. Hveragerði is built above a hot-spring field, and derives its name from the Icelandic word for hot spring, hver. The work will mainly be making and maintaining hiking paths that lead up to the Reykjadalur and Ölfusdalur valleys. Other tasks may be cleaning up and light maintenance in the area. The work is physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Volunteers should be prepared for cold or rainy weather since the work takes place outdoors. SEEDS volunteers will be staying in a local house/school; volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor and need to bring their own sleeping bag. We will be provided with food and be in charge as sharing the duties of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening. SEEDS volunteers will be having their daily bath at the swimming pool Laugaskarð which was for many years the country’s largest pool. It is renowned for its lovely setting as well as excellent facilities, including hot pots, whirlpool pot, sunlamps, and a natural steam bath. The pool is heated with steam coming directly from the ground and many consider it to be good for your health. Hveragerði is located 45 Km from Reykjavik, and may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Throughout the years, pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is truly a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland in and around Hveragerði expand, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town. A new hot spring area broke through the ground in the earthquake that shook Iceland´s south on the 29th of May 2008. It is situated in the hillside above the town. Several very active hot springs can be seen that throw colourful mud and clear water in the air, which is a spectacular sight. The Hveragerði surroundings are a paradise for outdoors people. There are good hiking trails within the town that link up with a network of trails on the land belonging to the Agricultural University of Iceland at the foot of Reykjafjall Mountain and in Ölfusborgir. There are also hiking trails in the recreational area of Hamar Mountain. From the mountain there are excellent views of land and out to sea. To the north of town is one of the country’s largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen for miles. Hiking and riding trails stretch from town through the Ölfusdalur Valley, into the Hengill volcanic area, all the way to Nesjavellir and Þingvellir National Park. Along the way are warm springs where bathing is possible. SEEDS organises the ‘minibus option’, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites. SEEDS volunteers will be able to explore the surroundings in their free time. To learn more, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] Thanks.

Idaho

WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING FULL-TIME CARETAKER position available at our secluded 320 acre Ranch located in the Central Idaho Mountains alongside a year-round creek and near the Salmon River which is famous for white water rafting as well as Steelhead and Salmon fishing. A couple is preferred but we will consider a single person. A two bedroom creek side Ranch house is provided for the caretaker’s use along with a compensatory stipend. Caretaker responsibilities would include but not be limited to the following: caring for animals, (horses, dogs, cats, peafowl, chickens), handyman work, woodcutting/splitting/stacking, gardening, weed eating, painting, land stewardship, basic carpentry, housekeeping, cleaning of horse stables and grounds, (horse savvy a major plus). Zero tolerance for drug users or heavy drinkers! Non-smokers preferred. Animal lovers a prerequisite, pets negotiable, honesty and trustworthiness a must, references and background checks required. If this sounds like a position that you would love, please email your resume with contact information to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Illinois

house sitter WANTED in Chicago, from June 15 through July 31. Must like cats. I have two cats who need to be fed and cared for, and some plants that will need watering. I live in the Andersonville area of Chicago, one block from cafes, restaurants, bookstores and bars. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Caretaker Profile

“Caretaking Adventure in a Spanish Cave House” Dates of Birth: Sally Alexander: 8/7/55, Keith Halsey: 9/19/48 Address: [Contact info available to subscribers] Interests: Sally: pottery, gardening, animal care, antiques, travel. Keith: travel, classic cars, DIY, problem solving. Quote: “Don’t put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today, because tomorrow may bring new opportunities.”

Sally and Keith on the property in Baza, Spain

My partner Keith and I had recently taken early retirement from a further education college in Cornwall, United Kingdom. We were keen to travel, and to seek out new adventures and activities. In September 2012 we responded to an advertisement in The Caretaker Gazette for a couple to look after a cave house in southern Spain. We had an interview via Skype and were fortunate enough to be chosen from many other applicants. The only duties would be to look after the security of the cave and to do the weeding. I was slightly worried when I was told that the cave house was on 40 acres of land, but the owner assured me that it was only the immediate garden that needed tending. The owner lived in northern Europe and we agreed to meet her at the cave at the beginning of October. We planned to get the ferry from Plymouth on the south coast of England to Santander in northern Spain, but the very weekend we were due to sail the ferry company went on strike. We therefore had to drive all the way to Dover and then 600 miles through France and then another 580 miles to the cave house, 1,720 miles in total. We came in our motorhome so it made it easier to camp and have a few stops on our journey down. When we arrived we were met by the owner who showed us around the cave. We were told that it was dug out of the arcilla (clay) hillside about 100 years ago. The cave house has been refurbished to provide luxury accommodation. The kitchen is a huge room traditionally built with a large log burner at one end. The rest of the cave consists of three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a sitting room with French doors and a log burner, so the whole cave is very well appointed and in the warm months cool, as it stays at a temperature of 18 – 20° C (around 65-68° F) all year round. There is a storage area for tools and garden equipment where you can see a thick layer of seashells going right around the perimeter of the wall indicating that millions of years ago the whole area was under the sea. The kitchen window overlooks a field and woodland with a mountain in the distance called the Sierra de Baza. If you can remember the Spaghetti Westerns they were filmed nearby so the landscape looked familiar. The weather in October was still really warm and we often had our lunches and evening meals out in the garden. I enjoyed the challenge of removing the weeds as some of them were taller than I was. By the end of our two-month stay, the garden looked a lot more tidy and presentable. Keith, who is more of a handyman rather than a gardener, concentrated on doing some jobs around the cave house. He identified that the log burners tended to smoke inside when lit, so he sorted the chimneys out. He did some painting and repairs on the cave interior, he built a log store and some entrance gates to help make the property more secure. As many of you may know, Spain is a very dry and arid country in the summer months and therefore you get ground living creatures that thrive in this environment. One day I was walking across the gravel area towards the front door and I felt as if I had something in my sandal. I walked into the kitchen and then tapped the toe of my sandal (while still wearing it) to remove the item. When I looked down to my horror there was a live scorpion sitting on the floor looking a bit dazed. I went to get the dustpan and brush and once swept up, it was then that the scorpion sprung into full attack mode and tried to kill the brush. The scorpion got thrown well away in a corner of the garden, but I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to escape a potentially very painful sting. During our stay we got to know Baza and the area quite well and visited the old town of Granada with the Alhambra Palace, which was an hour’s drive away. The local town has its history too with pilgrims travelling through the area since Roman times. In 1971 an ancient relic was discovered buried underground since around 850 BC. It was a life-sized statue of a woman seated on a throne known as “The Damma de Baza”. About 30 minutes drive away is Gaudix which is known as “Troglodyte City”. We found out that people have been living in caves in this area for over 600 years, since the Moors ruled. Keith and I reluctantly had to return to the UK in December but we approached the owner and asked her if we may return and this was agreed, so we came back for another two months in the spring. This was a lovely time of year to come as the poppies and spring flowers were in full bloom. The weeds weren’t quite so bad but I did my best to remove them before they dispersed their seeds. Another unexpected job for Keith was to repair the main water pipe that had been damaged by a tractor, but he had the tools readily available so all was well. We returned to the UK and are again looking for a new caretaking opportunity. We have considered ourselves fortunate to spend our time here at the cave house and will look back upon our stay here with very pleasant memories.

Sally and Keith at the cave house

Ireland

LIVE-IN COMPANION needed in a lovely country house in North County Dublin. Duties will include companion and light housekeeping work for a 68-year-old, interesting widow who has mild mobility issues. This is a full-time position. A driving license is essential, along with references, CRB check, etc. To apply, please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Kentucky

SEEKING A SELF-MOTIVATED, PERSONABLE, and professional non-smoking couple to work together as a team at our two-year-old luxury seven room B&B on the Ohio River in Warsaw, KY. The job duties include but are not limited to full management responsibilities of our B&B, such as reservations and check out with ResNexus, greeting guests, taking their luggage to their rooms, cooking breakfast, hosting afternoon snack, providing incredible customer service to our guests, light care of grounds, all guest changeovers, immaculate cleaning of the Inn, laundry, paying bills, marketing, social media, and light maintenance. Previous hospitality experience required. Please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] to learn more and then email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Louisiana

CARETAKER POSITION WITH PROFIT SHARING available. A long-term tenant or couple willing to work organic bio sustainable and other natural methods is needed for a farm startup. Must have a willingness to try new approaches which include RBTI and forest garden approaches. Permaculture certification is a plus. Must be honest, dependable, and able to stay on work tasks. Work details include fencing building, tractor and lawn maintenance, animal husbandry, pond maintenance and handyman activities for the main house and guest quarters, along with managing and supervising volunteer activities. Resume, references and a background check is required, no drugs, and must be able to pass a random drug test. A one bedroom house (900 square feet) with full kitchen and washer and dryer hookups and balcony over-looking the bayou are available for living quarters on 8.5 acres of land with a 2.5 acre stocked pond, 60 miles from New Orleans. Must have personal transportation and a driver’s licenses, and willingness to work the farmers market in New Orleans or surrounding areas. You will be participating in revenue generated from the farm. No children. May have pets, only if they don’t interfere with other farm animals. Located in the heart of Cajun country in a rural farm neighborhood with a warm and friendly community, 60 miles from The Big Easy. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Maine

INNKEEPER/MOTEL MANAGER NEEDED. Glen Cove Inn is looking for a couple or single person to manage a very busy 35 unit Inn/Motel located in Rockport, Maine. Must be skilled in all facets of Innkeeping and have the ability to manage a staff of five. The Glen Cove Inn is currently a seasonal property open from May through October. The position is seasonal or year round depending on the applicant’s qualifications and offers a competitive salary and may include housing and utilities. Please email your resume, references and a cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for this position to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LEARN FARMING IN RETIREMENT: Intern couple wanted for the 2013 season on a certified organic Maine farm near Belfast (52 acres: four acres in cultivation, 23 acres in hay, and no animals). Compensation is on-site housekeeping cabin, veggies, paid MOFGA conferences, and modest season-end bonus. We had thirty years experience as suburban gardeners and are now going into our sixth year as certified organic commercial growers. Training on farm planning, field plans, equipment and market strategy and budgets plus hands on planting, weeding, mulching, equipment operation, spraying, harvesting, post-harvest processing, customer contact and marketing. Please see our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Maryland

CARETAKER COUPLE wanted for our Chesapeake Bay home starting July 1st. Year-round caretakers needed to maintain a weekend house in Still Pond, Maryland – one mile from Chesapeake Bay and the beach. Set on a beautiful 20-acre farm with five landscaped acres. This is secluded and quiet. Lovely, new two bedroom guest house and use of grounds, pool, and ample storage space in exchange for 15 hours of work per week: minor carpentry, mowing lawn, pool, gardening, cleaning main house, and occasional driving (flexible based on skill set). We’re only there about five days a month, plus four weeks a year. Please send your letter of interest with references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Massachusetts

HOUSE/PET SITTER NEEDED on Cape Cod, MA. Seeking a retired single or couple from the Boston or Providence, RI area who enjoys frequent visits to Cape Cod, to look after our four indoor cats, keep the house tidy in our absence and tend to our garden. We have a two bedroom, three level modern home with lots of natural light on a one acre, close to everything beautiful Cape Cod has to offer. We travel often and seek someone who is available for one to three weeks at a time. Prefer non-smokers/-drinkers and phenomenal cat lovers. No children or guest visits while at our home. Tell me a little about yourself, why you like cats, and please provide references. A background check will be done. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER WANTED in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Duties include groundskeeping, mowing, weed-wacking, driveway and machinery maintenance, gardening, horse care (three horses), stable and stall maintenance. A spacious one bedroom apartment will be provided. Experience and references required. To apply, please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER(S)/HANDYMAN/Personal Assistant needed in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Will need to keep my New England country estate running smoothly in exchange for rent or salary. Duties are house cleaning/cooking, sewing, computer work, hosting guests, errands, chauffeuring, grounds/pool maintenance, and home repairs. Experience tranquil living on 10 acres of land, meadow, pond and yet only one hour to Boston, Providence, Hartford, Wachusett Mountain Ski area, Quabbin Reservoir, and 1.5 hours to Newport or Berkshires and 2.5 hours to New York City. Located by Sturbridge Village and the Brimfield Antiques show. Enjoy horse riding, biking, hiking, boating, golfing, and skiing. Please email me a cover letter, resume, references and a recent photo to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER NEEDED at the [Contact info available to subscribers]. We are seeking a personable, cheerful individual(s) to join our team. This position requires knowledge and experience in property maintenance including building, grounds and an in-ground pool. Applicants must have great organizational, communication and time management skills. Must be able to troubleshoot emergency situations, write concise reports and be physically able to lift 50lbs or more. You will be required to obtain a Pool Operator Certificate. Live in a cottage on-site in lieu of salary. Approximately 25 hours weekly. To apply, please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Minnesota

APARTMENT MANAGER/CARETAKER/RENTAL AGENT required for a Winona property. Retired, semi-retired, and all others are welcome to apply. Must live on-site. Must have good people skills. Some mechanical ability will be needed. To apply, please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Mississippi

A BEAUTIFUL PLANTATION near Natchez, Mississippi needs a friendly caretaker or couple. Couple preferred. This is a gorgeous environment for a naturalist. The caretaker will need to do heavy lifting once in awhile, regular two horse care, one dog care, have very good organic gardening, maintenance and repair skills, and be computer savvy. Because of marketing the vegetables, you will need to be friendly and have good social skills. You will need to drive, have your own vehicle, and be able to drive a pickup attached to a horse trailer. If you can ride and work the horses, it is a bonus for us. You will also need to be self motivated, a creative thinker, healthy, non drug user, and prefer no tobacco. Need a progressive thinker without trauma residue that affects work. A two bedroom, one bath, big porches, historic, rustic, comfy home is yours to use and keep neat and clean. There is a small monthly salary and the opportunity for extra jobs for extra income. A minimum of a year commitment is preferred. Heat, humidity, insects and wild critters come along with the tropical woodsy climate here May through September. If you love nature, warmth, southern environment, growing your own food, and a big place with huge live oak trees and plenty of solitude (if you want it), this position is for you. Require interview in person, or on Skype. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Montana

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Hamilton, Montana, is seeking a couple to hire as caretakers. The range is open Wednesday through Sunday. Duties: keep grounds neat and orderly, mow, plow snow, pick up litter, empty trash, repair and replace target stands, keep record of day use and memberships, issue memberships and retain data, record all range income, minor repairs, prepare and keep track of till in office, split and stack firewood, and make bank deposits. Tractor, pickup truck, table saw, and hand tools provided. A mobile home with an addition, and utilities provided, plus $1,200 a month. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

SUMMER CARETAKER NEEDED from June 10 to September 15, 2013 at a small ranch-like place, high in the foothills of south-central Montana. This is an isolated area. It has good cell phone reception. Single person only. No pets whatsoever. Abundant wildlife. Care for the buildings and cleanup after weekly overnight visitors from a neighboring guest ranch. Good to excellent carpentry skills needed. Will pay separately for various small construction jobs as needed. Must water new grass plantings for six weeks and check water line at least weekly. Will have a small cabin with bath and wood burning stove and standard ranch food. Monthly stipend to start at $1,000. You will need to provide checkable references and a letter stating why you want the job. For more details please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nebraska

EXPERIENCED RANCH HAND OR COUPLE wanted for a large north central Nebraska cow/calf/yearling operation in Cody, NE. We have well-maintained machinery, facilities and fences; horses are primarily used for cattle work. Nice housing and extras provided, along with a competitive salary. Please email questions and/or your resume with references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RANCH POSITION AVAILABLE in Bartlett, a small village in Wheeler County. Applicants will need cattle skills, and machinery operation abilities. General ranch skills are also required. Housing provided. To apply, please fax your resume with references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Mexico

CARETAKER/NANNY needed at a Christian Ministry Retreat in a Mountain Lodge. Use of hot tub, 4×4, horses, trails, Indian ruins, tall pines, springs and a positive healthy environment. We have a nine bedroom lodge with guest houses in the middle of 15,000 acres in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details.

FREE RENT provided for a Guest House in Galisteo NM (30 minutes to Santa Fe), and $500/month salary for horse care. Horse experience required. A beautiful one bedroom, 800 sq. ft., 20 acre property, with tile, vigas, radiant heat, Wi-Fi, and natural light. Four horses whose feed times are seven days/week, two times a day: 7am and 6pm. Day off with fill in possible. Requires two individuals to share live/work. Grooming, blanketing, etc. Pets okay. Non-smoking. Utilities extra. One year lease. A security deposit of $850 is required. References required. Must be two individuals. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A HOUSE/HORSE/DOG-SITTER from mid-July through mid-December, 2013. Quaint one bedroom casita on 10 acres with three horses and two dogs, 15 minutes north of Taos, NM. Horse experience a must, and references required. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

THIS IS AN HISTORIC HIPPIE COMMUNE from the 60’s, which has become a working permaculture farm for vegetables, berries, fruit and chickens. The Rio Hondo drains Taos Ski Valley (18 miles away) into the Rio Grande (one mile away). Our fields of grasses, sage, pinion pine and juniper look up to the Sangre de Christo Mountains and down on the Rio Hondo gorge. We live and teach self-sufficiency, have a large adobe solar home and shop, outbuildings, greenhouse, and root cellar. We love art, music, beauty, simplicity, natural healing, and helping one another attain skills to live successfully in challenging times. We’re happy to share teaching and learning farming and survival skills with others who are open, flexible, and independent. We accept a limited number of farm helpers but are always open to meet new people and to talk. Experience is great yet a solid work ethic and genuine interest in sustainable agriculture are more important. A good helper should be able to listen to directions, but also be innovative and take initiative. Farming in the northern New Mexico climate is challenging and full of surprises, so it’s difficult to set regular, daily task schedules most times of the year. Thus, we are looking for people who are flexible and adaptable, who can focus on one task and then quickly change gears to something else. This includes the ability to work different schedules at different times. We expect a solid twenty-five hours per week, and offer flexible down-time to pursue your own interests here or in the culturally rich nearby village of Taos and New Mexico itself. This experience is more than farming. New Buffalo is also about living and working together in a group setting. Though there are no children at the moment, we are already a diverse group of people in terms of age, and the ability to work and live in a multi-generational setting is a must. We are looking for people with the emotional maturity and communication skills to be able to discuss issues that might arise with honesty and compassion. At the moment we are hoping to fill a few, very specific, longer-term positions. The first, ideally at least a four-month minimum, is for part-time farming and part-time housekeeping that would include food and a private room in the main building. The housekeeping tasks are fairly light, but helping to manage the main building is a must, and could involve helping occasional guests, workshops, or retreats. The second position or rather, positions would be another four-month minimum stay, preferably from June through September. Ideally, a couple would fill this position and live in a comfortable two-room adobe attached to our new 900′ greenhouse. There is also a very rustic, plumbed space which could be developed into a kitchen. This position would be mostly farming and includes daily management of the greenhouse attached to the facility. Work could be shared between two people, but a genuine interest in small-scale, regenerative agriculture is a must. If any of these situations seem interesting, please write to us and we would be happy to discuss it further and answer any questions. Please mail your letter to [Contact info available to subscribers]

PERMANENT CARETAKER(S) WANTED in southwest New Mexico. Rural stream-side property. Light, part-time support needed. Sometimes alone. Vegetarian. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

New York

SEEKING A FEMALE CAREGIVER for a female WW2 Vet who longs to return to her beautiful 30 acre farm, three hours north of New York City. Must be able to handle symptoms of early dementia. Room and board provided plus stipend. This is a perfect opportunity for a patient, resourceful person working on an independent project. Starting June 2013. Background check will be performed. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN POSITION, FACILITIES MANAGER NEEDED for a Buddhist contemplative retreat and conference center in Phoenicia, New York. We are looking for a competent person with a friendly disposition. Needs to be skilled in carpentry, plumbing and electric. This is a hands-on, labor-intensive, full-time position. The hours are variable and do require the person to be on site during retreats and to handle emergencies. Salary and housing provided. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] and include a cover letter, resume and references.

WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY available for a hardworking, full-time caretaker/manager couple at the private residence of a ceramic artisan on a 400+ acre hobby farm in upstate NY, just outside of Woodstock and two hours from New York City. Housing provided. Couple teams preferred (no young children please). Managerial skills are essential. Must be capable of managing their own time, have the ability to manage workers and to maintain what exists and manage the contractors and vendors who are doing new projects. Attention to detail a must! Duties include handling and/or overseeing: landscape maintenance, security, repair, maintenance, light carpentry, painting, plumbing, snow removal. Road maintenance, light electrical work, daily cleaning, light cooking. Responsible for corresponding and scheduling contractors, overseeing projects, scheduling of and basic maintenance of saline pool, hot tub, vehicles, snow blowers, mowers, and property equipment. Knowledge of sustainable living and green practices. Assistance in pet care for 80+ animals kept on site (grooming, feeding etc.), and house sitting when the homeowner is away. Veterinary tech skills are a plus. Forestry and vegetation control, wetlands, pasture maintenance, maintain organic vegetable garden and exotic orchid greenhouse, as well as house plants, building and repair of fences as well as other smaller scale projects. Cooking year round potentially for animals and dinner parties. Individuals must have a good attitude and the ability to serve guests. Flexibility is a must. A wonderful home will be provided separate from main property with basic utilities included. Couple must be honest, discreet, love nature and animals, working outside, responsible, drug free, strong, healthy, with good housekeeping skills. Flexibility is essential to the job. A small wood working shop and power tools are located on site. The ability to drive a full size truck and animal trailer is essential. To apply, please email your resume, references, and a recent photograph to caretakergazette@gmail.com with New York Position in the Subject Line. Thanks.

TRAVELLING HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED in New York City. The job responsibilities include: responsible for the deep cleaning of floors, windows, bathroom, etc., carry out washing, ironing, steaming and linen care, including washing delicate fabrics, organizing of drawers and closets, helping with packing and unpacking suitcases, care of fine furnishings, finishes and arts, preparing breakfast for the principal, service during dinner and event parties, assisting the Chef during events, daily kitchen cleaning with the Chef, travel with the principal to his other residences, pet care (two dogs), including walking, running errands, dealing with vendors, and handling special requests and related duties as needed. This position requires experience working full-time in a private household, English communication skills, working knowledge of all areas of property maintenance, flexibility to work outside of strict job description parameters, thinking creatively about how to provide the highest quality of service, and flexibility of schedule and to travel for a few weeks at a time. Must like dogs. Must have a valid NY State driver’s license. This is a smoke-free environment. Salary of $60,000 per year, depending on experience. Two weeks paid vacation. Medical insurance provided. Live-out in NYC and live-in in Southampton and Miami. The job starting date is ASAP. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers], a 600 acre rustic retreat overlooking [Contact info available to subscribers] in the Adirondacks in upstate New York, seeks a full-time innkeeping couple to start ASAP. At least three years of hospitality experience, or a degree in Hotel Management preferred. The following skills/experiences are sought: managing reservations, bookkeeping software, marketing, social media, supervising staff, maintaining high standards for housekeeping/condition of buildings and grounds, fostering customer satisfaction, communication skills, and providing food service. Compensation includes an apartment with paid utilities and board, monthly salary, paid vacation, share of tips with staff, and a performance-based bonus. Please submit your resume and contact information for three professional references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nicaragua

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. My name is Celine, a 29-year-old French lady who is living near the city of Leon, Nicaragua. I would like to tell you a little story, so pay attention please: I have purchased land in a little authentic fishing and surfing village in Nicaragua called Jiquilillo, in order to start a non-profit project for children and teenagers. This village is beautiful. One can find many open-hearted people and children everywhere here who just want to learn more, but unfortunately they don’t have this chance, unlike powerful countries such as the United States or European ones, children don’t have the chance to attend to learning based activities or practice any kind of sport because there are no facilities to make it possible. I bought some land and I would like to build a playground area and an art school. Currently everything is in process, the more help I get, the faster we’ll be, and obviously the sooner my social non-profit project will be done. It is not an organization. I am doing everything on my own. I have a lot of ideas in mind but I need people to make them real. It would be great to get some construction workers with experience, carpenters, painters, etc. and naturally some engineers. Child lovers with no experience are also welcome. My idea is that every single child develops his/her creativity, imagination, etc. to give them a chance to learn art, painting, languages, jewelry making, dancing, playing instruments, circus stuff, cooking and many other things, that are totally possible to learn in another country but not here. I would like to give them a place where they could play freely, learn skating, climbing on a bouldering wall, play ping pong and table football, as extra activities after school, as they have plenty of time and expect to make the most of it. I first need volunteers who are able to help me to build a concrete skate bowl, a wooden climbing bouldering wall, a ping pong table and many other games. Also, renovate an eleven meter long school bus which actually will be the volunteering place initially. The bus will consist of a five bed sleeping area, and another area for a kitchen shared with a table and some seats. Work will consist in painting the interior part of the bus and install all the facilities. Currently, there is just a toilet and a shower and an open rancho where a campsite can be placed, with hammocks, a gas cooker, seats, etc. Naturally you must be a nature lover. It is all I can provide now because everything needs to be built, but once the construction is finished, it would be a lovely, colorful and artistic place where everyone will be welcome. Once the bus is done, volunteers will be given shelter in exchange to 3/4 every day hours giving language, art, and yoga classes. The place offers lots of opportunities for the volunteers during their free time such as surfing, climbing volcanoes, fishing, etc. so, if you are an adventurous traveler who feels like helping me to give a better future for the children, I can offer you a place to stay if you give me a hand with the project and make a better world. Hopefully you can join me! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Norway

INTERESTED IN SELF-SUFFICIENCY? Want to help build a community? Love the sea? On an organic farm a few hours north of Oslo, our collective is for anyone keen to learn, share ideas, and work hard. We are building a sailboat and when she is finished (we aim for late 2013), we want to sail the world, visiting other eco-villages, collecting knowledge and traveling in the most eco-friendly way possible. Anyone who helps us out will have the chance to join our crew. We also work on the farm, building up the infrastructure to create a stable base for our community. We live with our dog, the farm cat and some (very) free-range chickens. We keep bees and make jam; this year we harvested our first crop of potatoes and planted next seasons raspberries. Eventually we hope to grow all our food. We want to create a place that will continue to flourish, where crops, thoughts, adventures, and of course boats, can grow! We ask for a minimum commitment of thirty days, with a week-long trial period. We welcome anyone as long as you are happy to work hard and help out where needed. There are enough beds for eight volunteers and the schedule is Monday to Friday, with approximately eight to nine hours of work a day. Please bring your pets if you can! Boat work is predominantly during the winter and jobs include welding the deck, installing the engine, sewing the sails, constructing the mast and fitting the interior. If you have any particular skills in these areas, please let us know. On the farm you may be asked to do anything from plowing and harvesting to jam making, roof building, beekeeping, digging, painting, or grinding the barley for our morning porridge. It is guaranteed that you will be asked to cook; our diet is vegetarian and we try to eat only seasonal food, grown as locally as possible. On the weekends there are forests and mountains to explore, and we have skis, tents and bikes available for those who want to go adventuring. Come help us out and join our tribe of sea-gypsies! Please send an email to [Contact info available to subscribers] explaining why you would be interested in our community and please place this in Capital Letters in the Subject Line: [Contact info available to subscribers] so we know you have been reading our description here. Thanks.

Ohio

A BEAVERCREEK, OH (near Dayton) adult couple is seeking two live-in Housekeepers (a married couple would be acceptable) for their large, beautiful home. They are looking for someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in caring for fine home furnishings, including fine china, crystal, silver, leather, hard wood, stone, and upscale clothing. Responsibilities will included general and detailed cleaning of all rooms, clothing care and ironing, and running errands (taking some clothing to be dry cleaned, contacting professionals to provide care of fragile antiques in the home, and so on). This is an incredible opportunity for a pair of dedicated and professional Housekeepers who would appreciate working in a gorgeous home and caring for some of the most exquisite possessions you can imagine. Salary will be commensurate with your skills and experience and includes benefits and a private cottage for living accommodations. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

MATURE, CARING FEMALE OR COUPLE needed in Cleveland, Ohio. No smoking, excessive alcohol, or drugs. Some light cleaning, gardening and pet sitting involved. Must love animals, have experience with large dogs and be tidy and fairly quiet (no partying, late-nights or overnight guests). Dog handling and training ability and/or experience in animal rescue work a big plus. No salary but room and board provided. Part time hours will allow you to do other work from home or part time job outside of home, except when the owners are travelling or out-of-town, but even then you could still work at home as many hours as you’d like. A cheerful, positive, ‘”can-do” attitude is essential. A background check and excellent references are required. Please respond to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A TOLEDO, OH FAMILY is seeking a live-in or out hands-on Household Manager to care for their lovely new 10,000 square foot home. Their family includes two teenage children and two friendly cats, and they need someone who is able to help keep their busy home life running smoothly, making sure everyone is where they need to be and can relax when they are at home. Responsibilities in this position include meal preparation and cooking, grocery shopping, running errands, light neatening of rooms, laundry, and chauffeuring children to activities. They have a cleaning company that comes one to two times a week. This is a happy, positive group of people who will be greatly appreciative of the assistance that you will bring to their lives and schedules. An honest, friendly, dependable, and complete professional will be the best fit and find this a very rewarding position. Salary commensurate with skills and experience and includes benefits along with living accommodations. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Oklahoma

RANCH HOME CARETAKER COUPLE needed in Cheyenne, OK. A large ranch in western Oklahoma is looking for a couple to be a full-time groundskeeper/part-time housekeeper for a hunting lodge and the owner’s private residence. The groundskeeper duties entail maintaining the grounds, mowing lawns, irrigation, watering and caring for trees and flowers, minor repairs, general labor handyman style various projects. Equipment mechanic a plus, but not required. The housekeeper will be responsible for cleaning and stocking the owner’s residence, and assisting in the grounds as necessary. During hunting season the Ranch needs help cleaning and stocking the hunting lodge and assisting with meals for guests. The job requires being comfortable in a rural setting and understanding the demands of ranch life with long spring and summer days. The location is rural (25 miles from small town) in a low population area but with access to the beautiful Black Kettle National Grasslands. There are no equine on the ranch. Must be dependable, responsible, honest, positive, respectful and have a get-it-done attitude! Must have a valid driver’s license. Pay will be based on experience. This full-time position comes with housing/utilities, health insurance for the employee only, vacation after six months and other benefits. Please provide your resume with work history and a minimum of two references. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

Oregon

CARETAKER NEEDED for acreage, horses, dogs, and cats on the Southern Oregon Coast. Located five miles from a Golf Resort. No salary, but space provided in my home. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Pennsylvania

CARETAKER COUPLE NEEDED year round on a 12 acre farm in Central Pennsylvania. Free housing provided in exchange for animal care and maintenance. An original stone house built in 1746 needs work. The owner is in residence from mid-May to mid-October. Prefer a Northeast couple in good health with construction skills. Must be proactive, hardworking and embrace the winters. No partiers! Outside work OK. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER NEEDED. A full-time position is 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 please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Peru

VOLUNTEERS AND WORKERS needed at [Contact info available to subscribers]. Our lodge is in the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, gateway to Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru. It is a small (eight rooms) quality Bed and Breakfast located in the pedestrian Inca streets of the village. We currently are looking for responsible help, ideally a couple. We do work exchange with responsible, tidy people who help with reception, breakfasts, checking rooms, sometimes answering email, luggage pick-up and other work as required. 30 hours a week in return for Bed and Breakfast. We also supply lunch most days. The accommodation is in nice hotel rooms with private bath. A key element of the job is to empower local staff with regard to speaking English as well as computer and administrative skills. One thing to realize is that working hours usually include Sundays, when local staff prefers to be with their families. We prefer to work with long-term help, preferably three months or more, though we will consider shorter term stays for well-qualified helpers. You must speak good Spanish and English, be personable, tidy and have good attention to detail. It doesn’t cost much to live here if you are on a budget. We are also interested in people with carpentry, maintenance, gardening and marketing skills, preferably as part of the long-term help. You must be hard-working and enthusiastic, just like us! To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Puerto Rico

CARETAKER POSITION AVAILABLE in Puerto Rico. We are looking for one or two women to take care of a home and property with birds ASAP. This position is long term. For more information please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Rhode Island

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED for a full-time position in a large home in the Newport, RI area. Cleaning, laundry, ironing skills, and some cooking required. Must be meticulous, flexible, good attitude, take directions, and have a professional disposition. Prefer a reasonably local candidate. Please send your resume/references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Scotland

AN EXPERIENCED LIVE-IN CARETAKER/GARDENER is required for an 18th century A listed castle and chapel set within 24 acres in Fife, Scotland. The position involves day-to-day responsibility for the estate gardening and maintenance to the highest possible standard. The castle and chapel have recently undergone major restoration and landscaping so the ideal person will have a working knowledge of horticulture and arboriculture for hard and soft landscaping. Other duties will include general maintenance and organizing external contractors as and when necessary. The caretaker will also be responsible for security and emergency response alarms. A practical knowledge of health and safety techniques including relevant certificates would be a bonus. The hours are 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. A flexible approach is necessary. This is a live-in position with a newly built cottage and garage situated within the grounds. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Spain

house sitter NEEDED ASAP in Malaga, Pizarra, Cerralba. You will need to care for three horses, four dogs and two cats, water the garden and the trees, if necessary. Care for the animals means to give them food and water, clean them and their shelter and give them exercise. They may need to run around on the finca, or are walked (dogs) or worked (horses). Riding the horses is not necessary. The house sitter should have experience in caring for horses, dogs and cats, and should like to live in the countryside. The house has town water, electricity, internet, is fully furnished, with washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, etc. There is a swimming pool. It is cool to cold up here in the mountains. There is also an hourly train to Malaga. The location is in the countryside, it is quiet, and has marvelous views. There is a bus passing nearby several times a day, which goes to the next village and the next town and back. The weather is mostly fine. For further information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

Texas

PART-TIME HELP needed, primarily leading trail rides on weekends in exchange for a newly remodeled three bedroom house with utilities. Horsemanship skills and experience a must. Ability to lift 50 pounds and normal ranch work required. Extra work for hourly wages possible. Candidates must pass a background check. This would be ideal for a retired couple. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

MARRIED COUPLE needed to live and work on a ranch. She to work in the house. He to maintain yard and grounds and do minor repairs. He must also be able to do ranch work; round up, etc. as needed. Must be non-smokers, and non-drinkers. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

RANCH CARETAKERS needed. We are looking for an energetic couple/others for caretakers on a ranch thirty-five miles north of Amarillo. Must have knowledge in road maintenance using heavy equipment, and welding. House cleaning and maintenance, cooking, and yard care. Housing, utilities, a vehicle, fuel for on ranch use only and other benefits provided, Salary commensurate with experience. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Vermont

WINTER CARETAKER WANTED: Reliable and rugged individual, family or companions to live in a rural Vermont home, off-the-grid, in exchange for caretaking duties from September 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014. Resident on the property, the Winter Caretaker functions as our point person during the winter season when owners are rarely present. Furnished apartment with propane appliances, propane, and wood stove provided. The 400 acre property is isolated, with exquisite scenery and wildlife; pond, lake, forest and meadows surrounded by protected land in Mt. Holly, Vermont. There are additional employment opportunities in nearby Ludlow and ski areas. You can learn more at [Contact info available to subscribers] To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Virginia

CARETAKER NEEDED, year round. Nature Camp is a private, residential, coeducational summer camp specializing in outdoor education for youth. The camp is located in a mountain valley in Rockbridge County, Virginia. The caretaker must reside on site to be available to deal with property matters as they arise and to provide year-round property security. Must be comfortable living remotely. Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate are necessary, with a special emphasis on relating to children. Duties are varied and seasonal. The caretaker must keep the Nature Camp grounds clean, clear of debris, and in safe condition; perform regular light maintenance on all camp vehicles and equipment and schedule repairs as needed; maintain the swimming pool in usable condition during the summer operating season; be available for small repairs and problems as they arise during the camp season or when another group is using the facility; and regularly check all buildings for damage and water pump, water heaters, freezers and walk-in refrigerator to ensure they are working properly. Must be competent at basic carpentry, painting, plumbing, and electrical repairs and with operation of chainsaws, mowers, snowplows, and construction tools. Must understand and comply with all safety and health regulations and insurance requirements. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record and assist with the driving of local camp trips. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and undergo a criminal background check and check of sex offender registries. Salary will be commensurate with experience and skill level; compensation includes on-site residence and utilities. Please send a statement of interest, resume, and names of three personal references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Washington

RANCH MANAGER POSITION available. Live on a beautiful ranch along the Columbia River, in Washougal, WA. Must have mechanical skills, carpentry, electrical and cattle knowledge. This position consists of keeping the pristine (240) acres running smoothly. This is stress-free and enjoyable. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

CAT/house sitter needed to start in January 2014. We expect to be out of the country for about six months. We have a lovely old two bedroom home in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle with one cat that loves company. However we are looking for someone that would be willing to pay some $$$ for utilities, etc. (to be determined). Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Situations-wanted Ads

Looking for house sitting or caretaking situation north of Montpelier, VT. I am age 55, a professional landscaper and garden designer, with a love of homesteads. I know the meaning of hard work, put love into my work and love my work! Music production is my other occupation, so I’m busy indoors during the cold months. Taking good care of things is my specialty! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Rural NY – PA Locations Preferred. Professional 51-year-old male, Property Manager and Security Specialist at your service. Mature, drug free, skilled carpenter, gardener, livestock, general maintenance…clean, athletic non-tobacco user. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Manager/Caretaker Team. For ranch, farm, or retreat in California or the Northwest. He is experienced in estate management/maintenance: electrical, plumbing, propane, irrigation, and solar power. All aspects, including supervising employees and contractors. She is a Master Gardener with fruit orchard experience and use of organic gardening techniques. Active, fit, substance-free, looking for long-term. Can work independently, and have an eye for what needs to be done. We enjoy the challenge of remote locations and sustainable, green, life style. Available in July. telephone: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Young professional female graduate from Jamaica available in the month of June or July to housesit and or take care of your pets. I am experienced with horses. Very neat and organized, hardworking, love the outdoors, an introvert who enjoys reading and traveling. I can be reached by email at [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

Washington State or Vancouver, B.C. Area (will consider Northern Oregon, Northwest Idaho) – Professional Female house sitter with excellent references seeks long-term housesit, available late July 2013. Very clean, trustworthy, reliable – over 10 years experience and vice-free. Wonderful with plants, all animals, home maintenance and security. Lastly, I own an extremely well behaved passive miniature/8lb female dachshund-mix companion – excellent references too, great with all animals. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] with header ‘house sitter Wanted’. Hoping to hear from you!

Multi Home Caretaker available. Offering exclusive services to the family that has multiple homes and needs us to travel ahead of them and make sure their home is ready for their arrival. We are available to travel on a regular basis or with short notice. Our experience in property management services helps us to understand your needs and our success proves that we will meet your expectations. You will arrive at your home knowing that it is ready for you and your personal needs. We would also be available to manage projects at your homes during your absence, assist with administrative duties and staff management. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Reliable and animal friendly writer seeks post in San Antonio, TX or Windsor, CA. Navy veteran, single mother (older teen son assists caretaking). Need a two bedroom+ live-in unit. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Experienced Professional male: (37) Property Manager, Caretaker, Caregiver, Security Guard. Please visit my website: [Contact info available to subscribers] I make it easy to get to know me and what I have to offer. Pictures, resume, references, videos. Let my personality come to life!

Couple (40 and 33) interested in caretaking/house sitting in southern Maine. He: home electrical wiring and carpentry experience, ABYC certified to work on boats (diesel, systems and electrical certifications). She: 10 years as an educator, organic gardening, landscaping, and farming experience as well as 10 years equestrian experience. Both love animals, kids and the ocean. Excellent references. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Todd and Archer are established, knowledgeable, proficient, specialized, nonsmoking professionals who are experienced and successful home sitters. We manage teams as well as work independently. Our mid-west work ethic, organizational and time management skills, attention to details and adaptability has brought a successful history of home-sitting experiences. We know the importance of complete discretion having had high-profile clients along the way. Archer loves to organize, paint, decorate and garden. With her skills in real estate; Residential Appraiser, Real Estate Sales Person, and General Contractor for residential homes, she has proficiency and competence in general maintenance. When home sitting she loves to cultivate gardens, deep clean and freshen up, write, photography, yoga and care for family pets and plants. Todd grew up on a small dairy farm in southwestern Minnesota. There were always plenty of chores with some 500 acres including a dairy herd, pigs, sheep, chickens, dogs, cats and the occasional horse or two. The rural setting was truly a model for today’s “sustainability” buzz as we grew and canned much of our food. Todd continued his strong connection with the land, obtaining an engineering degree in geology. His career brought experience as a civil engineer, environmental engineer, water well driller, residential builder, general contractor and home remodel consultant. Todd moved to Hawaii at the age of 45 joining a growing community located on the Big Island. Todd performed several key roles over the next four years as the Maintenance Manager, New Construction Manager and then became the Facility Manager. Todd and Archer have a long history of volunteering time to environmental causes in the National Forest Service, National Wildlife Refuge and several other systems. With our combined experience in home sitting throughout the United States; Michigan (several private 2nd homes), New Mexico and Arizona (high profile individuals), Hawaii (off grid), and Switzerland (B&B). Todd and Archer can assist in your home sitting/care needs. We are available to travel. Prefer a minimum of 90 days with a stipend. We are open to discuss all opportunities available. We are your One Tool! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Responsible couple seeking short or long-term house sitting/caretaking position in Sacramento, CA. Prefer farm setting. Excellent references. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Sedona/Cottonwood, AZ or Sante Fe, NM, Responsible single woman, 53, seeks long-term caretaker/house sitting opportunity. Will provide quality property and animal care, light gardening, and perform other chores in exchange for living quarters. Internet, full kitchen/bath, washer/dryer needed. Non-smoking, non-drinking/drugs. Can also provide organizing and admin skills. Please write to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Retired couple seeking a position in northern AZ. He has great handyman skills. She has extensive horse training/care experience. Please contact Bill by calling [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hawaii – Mature couple looking for permanent position in Hawaii. Over 35 years experience in managing acreage here. Skills include gardening, animal care, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, heavy equipment operation. We are a happy couple and enjoy spreading the Aloha to everyone we meet. We have a genuine reverence for the land and are steadfast in our loyalty to our employers. We enjoy working hard to improve and maintain the land. We take pride in our service to others, we are honest, giving people who do not hold back once we commit. Please contact us for more info. Mahalo. [Contact info available to subscribers]

For the South Eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island area. House watching, monitoring, and caretaking services. Simply stated, a self started and motivated individual whom is quality minded, consistent, dependable, honest, and discreet. Excellent references available. Please respond to [Contact info available to subscribers] and leave a voice message. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your individual needs. Thank you.

Experienced, reliable, nonsmoking vegan couple (48/52) seek winter sun in the southwest US. We bring experience in remote/rural living, 4WD vehicles and our own income (book publishing business and IBM telecommuter). Available October 31, 2013 – April 31, 2014 for house-sitting, caretaking. Husband has repair, woodworking skills and experience with farm tractors. Wife is a master gardener with experience as a vet tech. Last winter we took care of 160-acre property in rural AZ. Looking for similar pet-friendly opportunity, preferably long-term repeating year-to-year. Great references. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Professional biologist/landscaper family looking to caretake in the Urbana, Illinois area. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Looking for a caretaker position in mid to upper AZ, or NM, that can house my dog, horse and I, and preferably have grazing for my horse. I am 53 years young, non smoker, drinker, drug user. I have 35 years experience being a caretaker of properties. I know painting, basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical. I have an extensive background in animal husbandry. I have 23 years experience working with horses. I am clean, quiet, organized, have sunny disposition. I have great references available. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Multi-Talented, skilled, caring, reliable, and dependable, woman looking for housing in exchange for work. I am currently renting a house in Blacksburg, VA. My resume includes being a successful owner/operator of a unique and successful B&B in Virginia that served food to private cottages. I also started a non-profit and have 25 years experience as a pilates trainer/personal trainer, (to many famous clients in CA) as well as 35 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. I am an excellent chef that is well versed in making healthy delicious meals but can cater also to personal tastes. I have high standards of cleanliness and great organizational abilities. I am also a certified EMT and non-denominational minister who has a successful wedding business in southwest Virginia. I currently do hospice care and working on a certification as a grief counselor. I get along well with others and have an open and loving heart and respect for others. I have references for my well behaved cats and am honest, kind, self motivated, and an absolute animal lover. I am open to relocating if the position is right. Thanks for reading my ad and I am excited to hear from you! Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Active, professional couple seeking a caretaker position in Montana. Mary Ann is a high-level accountant, an avid fisher-woman, has sailed the ocean, worked as a professional gardener and landscape designer and loves to cook. Ray is a licensed EMT with experience camping, hunting, backpacking and as a professional back-country guide with years of experience in landscape maintenance and simple construction. We have a long history of caring for pets. Available beginning in August 2013 and would heartily welcome a remote, winter position. Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Personal Executive Travel Assistant available for business trips, pleasure traveling, moving in/out of your homes, in-flight escorting of children or elderly, and house sitting. I am a fit, friendly, responsible Canadian, well-traveled, an excellent organizer, flexible, hard-working and trustworthy, looking for a change after 10+ years of running my company. I love Iceland, chocolate and running. I have 12+ years experience as a personal assistant, a good driving record, and speak some German. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wanted – Seasonal Position: We are a married retired couple looking for a caretakers or house sitting position on Cape Cod, MA. We are a trustworthy, dependable, mentally fit, non-smoking couple with no children or pets, although we love animals. We grew up on Cape Cod. Looking for furnished caretaker’s quarters with utilities included. Husband is handy with small tools, is a heavy equipment operator, long distance driver, is a great manager and organizer and a professional chef. Wife could do light housework or financial bookwork. We used to be business owners. Seasonal position – November 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014, although the dates can flexible (we rent our winter home during the above dates, but could come earlier and stay later). Elderly Mom lives in Marstons Mills and we need to be nearer to her than we are now. Looking for a small salary (if duties warrant) and furnished living quarters and utilities to be provided. References provided upon request and we could be bonded. We will care for your home or quarters as if they were our own. Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

20+ Years Caretaking experience. Retired, healthy couple, honest, reliable, organic beauty creators looking for long-term rural. Great references. Western Washington, Oregon, Northern California. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Professional Caretaker available for long term in Rocky Mountain West! Experienced HOA and Residential Caretaker with extensive hospitality background. Deep skill set in building trades, furniture making, grounds keeping, snow removal, and fire mitigation. Skier, hiker, biker, rafter, volunteer firemen, ski instructor and mountain dweller with resort experience. References available. Let’s visit and see if your needs and my availability match up. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hi! I am Diana… a well rounded, even keeled, well-traveled 53 year Maine woman, as comfortable in my chefs whites as with a chainsaw in my hand. I am alcohol, tobacco and chemical free, returning from a stay in St. John USVI. Master bodyworker (therapist) for 25 years. Former owner of “Full Plate Productions”~ fine garden and landscape, catering/ event planning and home/estate and personal management services. An accomplished private yacht delivery skipper (and chef, mate, assist. engineer, stew…), animal care provider (horses to hamsters) and am athletic, compassionate, mechanically inclined and sensitive to the needs of children and children at heart. I am PADI Open Water cert. and am in the process of upgrading to Rescue and on to Instructor, and have a current Class B CDL. I was raised with traditional New England values and still practice the steady work ethic. I lived in Montana for 13 years, at sea for five years (international yacht deliveries); I lived in the Bahamas for four years (teacher and massage therapist) and have been in Maine for the last 11 years. My resume is available; I come with powerful references and a great sense of humor. Seeking a position in Maui, California or somewhere very warm! Thank you for your valuable time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Experienced house manager/caretaker couple from Aspen, Colorado seeking similar position in coastal area. Skilled in all forms of high end house management with references. Prefer California, Hawaii, or other international ocean location. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Garden/Conservatory/Pets. Live-in Project Manager/Garden or Interior Designer/Organizer and caretaker for home or Inn. Currently – second home caretaker: Window/Roof Project Manager/Xeriscape and container garden designer. Key result: 95% plant retention. Alerted owner-leaking roof-damage avoided. Previously: Executive Team, luxury hotels. Pets: caretaker – four dogs, one cat – Seniors. [Contact info available to subscribers]. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mature female seeking quiet caretaking in California. My experience includes having a domestic care business and many years as a live-in housekeeper that saw to the upkeep and maintenance of a 10,000′ home. This property was six acres and included a guest cottage, pool and tennis court. I now seek a gentler position to include household assistance and bring a caring of good sense, self-direction, attentiveness to needs and warm-heartedness. Coastal or near-to preferred. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mother and daughter team, mature and reliable, looking for a cottage or home in partial or full exchange for work. We bring combined experiences in house sitting. pet care, light housekeeping, errands, garden care, and computer and office skills. We will also care for your home while you are away. We are looking for a long-term situation, preferably but not limited to the Santa Barbara/Ojai area. We are flexible and willing to travel in other areas. Excellent references available. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Experienced, genuinely loving, caring, and deeply empathetic companion to the elderly, a creative cook and animal lover is looking for a live-in position anywhere nationwide but preferably in Hawaii, California or Florida. If you need the help of and want to go on adventures with a sensitive, attentive, warm hearted and fun loving companion, please give me a call at [Contact info available to subscribers].

We are a couple living in and seeking a position in Northern Virginia, Loudoun County preferably. We are able to perform all aspects of House Managing and will provide specific details upon request. We are looking to begin in August if possible. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

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