The Caretaker Gazette July / August 2020

Alabama

house sitter NEEDED this Summer in Addison, AL. I have a two bedroom and two bath house on 20 acres in this small rural town. I have a car available, it’s about an hour drive to Huntsville or Birmingham. The house sitter has to love animals and be diligent in the care of two horses, two dogs, three cats and numerous birds – all outdoors – and a lot of garden but all on a water drip system. To receive more information and to apply to be my Summer house sitter, please email your resume and references to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include “Alabama Opportunity” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes. Thanks.

Arizona

SMALL RANCH CARETAKER NEEDED in Queen Creek, Arizona. I’m in need of a caring person to take care of a few farm animals, horse, goats, etc. This is a very part-time position. Regular feeding and watering, and some maintenance, but very little if any. This would be good for someone who is looking to pick up some extra cash. To apply, please forward your bio and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

AN ARIZONA HIGH COUNTRY RANCH has an immediate long-term opportunity for a couple. The ideal couple candidate must be honest, reliable, self-starters with a solid work ethic. Good communication skills including email and text is a must! Duties include care and management of livestock (horses and cattle), mending pasture fences, water management, checking pasture gates; care of the ranch property including grounds maintenance and ranch road upkeep; maintenance of trucks, tractor and equipment. Skills and knowledge required: Experience with horses and cattle a must. Maintaining and operating ATV’s, skid steer, and trailers; welding; fixing fence; basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. Compensation includes a salary plus a furnished two bedroom, two bath apartment with utilities, ½ beef a year, and use of a F350 truck. You may have your own dog and horse. You must be a non-smoker with a valid driver’s license and willing to do a drug test. Serious applicants only should respond to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Arkansas

house sitter WANTED from July 1 through September 1, 2020. We are looking for a mature single, or couple (no children please) who are healthy and English-speaking to live rent-free in a separate guest house located in a prestigious gated community near Little Rock. Living quarters, including utilities, provided in exchange for house sitting when we are away. No pets, no smoking, and the house sitter must have a car in good working condition. Our guesthouse is large and modern with full bath, small kitchen, and a new washer and dryer. Will need to collect our mail and ensure that our gardener and pool service come out on a weekly basis. If you feel that this is a good fit for you, please email why this is a good fit and send checkable references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Letters to the Editor

Dear Gary and staff, I thought I would update some of my ideas as to why a property owner would want a caretaker. As a property owner who has employed several caretakers over the years, I can give you two good reasons: 1. I want to keep my property (whether a private home or a business property like a bed and breakfast) running well and looking good. Sometimes there are employees, pets or plants to give daily attention. The caretaker doesn’t necessarily need to be skilled labor, just a trouble-shooter. 2. I and most other property owners also like to have someone living on the property to discourage crime. Empty houses invite break-ins, so why don’t property owners just rent out their houses? Renters can be destructive and short-term. They don’t care about maintaining property or assuming responsibility. They come and go at will. A caretaker, on the other hand, is getting a place to call his own in exchange for his time and effort. Is house sitting right for you? Begin by being honest. Are you healthy in body and spirit? Changing venues is not a cure for troubles. Can you resist the temptation of having friends and relatives drop in? Only you have the right to be there, while watching over someone else’s property. Will you find solutions to problems? Can you stop mildew from eating an outside deck? Do you know what to do if bees enter the house walls? What about a septic tank that overflows? Or an employee that steals? These events actually happened at my house. If a homeowner asks if you can handle such things, the answer he hopes to hear is, “I may not know what to do now, but I will find out and deal with it”. Is it old fashion to mention morals? Caretakers live in someone’s home, and should be respectful of that. Caretakers must have the ability to maintain, business-like relationships with the locals and employees. It is usually better while on the job to be a “hard Prickly” than a “soft cuddly”. “house sitter”. “Caretaker”. The terms say it all and are so definitive. Reread them slowly because they explain the job. It can be a win-win for both the caretaker and the homeowner. Since a house sitter needs to be on the premises most of the time, he or she has the opportunity to write, paint, etc. They may find themselves in a lovely property with a great view. They just have to keep things clean and in order for the homeowner. That is the exchange. And yet this concept is so hard for some to grasp. I received several emails from people wanting to housesit and asking if I could find them a job while they were there. My reply? The house sitting position is the job. To all of you that dream of unfettering yourself I say, just do it! You can inherit the Earth later. Make sure you are truly able to bend, to give, and to keep a sense of humor. Mary C., Long Beach, CA

Mary, thanks for writing and giving advice from a property owner’s perspective. I’m not sure if all of our readers will agree with your characterization of renters, but you do provide some good points. I’m also glad that, via your caretaker-wanted ad in the Gazette, you were able to find one of our subscribers to caretake your home in Mexico for you.

Hi Gary, just a quick email to let you know that I think you have a great newsletter! I look forward to each issue and can’t wait to read the newest email updates. I answered an ad for a place in Northern California, my first response to an ad and after several phone interviews and reference checks, they paid my airfare out there for an in person meeting. It is a fantastic Inn and exactly as described in their ad. I am looking forward to heading back there in September as their full-time property caretaker and Innkeeper! Keep up all your great work! Rod S., Edison, NJ

Hi Rod, thanks for your nice email! It’s good to hear that the interviews went well and you and the property owners worked out such a good arrangement. Congratulations and I wish you success at your new caretaking position. Once you get settled there, please let us know your new mailing address so we can update your postal subscription for you. Thanks.

Australia

LOOKING FOR A RVING couple or a handyperson to help with general farm duties on a horse property just outside Donnybrook, between Boyanup and Kirup on the South Western Highway, 210 kilometers south of Perth, in Western Australia. You would need to be self-sufficient and can have your choice of secluded spots and beautiful views from your van or RV. We would need help with gardening and general jobs around the farm. If you’re in the area, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER COUPLE WANTED for [Contact info available to subscribers] in the North West Pastoral area of South Australia. The job involves living in a homestead at one end of the property and being responsible for maintaining garden and house. Wage to be negotiated and looking for couple to stay some months if possible. We will need references. Please reply by email to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RVING CARETAKERS REQUIRED for a Juandah Heritage site at Wandoan Queensland, approximately three hours west of Toowoomba. Free water, power and undercover parking for your RV. The job entails watering the grounds, some gardening, and mowing and cleaning, etc. For more details, please phone [Contact info available to subscribers]

I’M LOOKING FOR A COUPLE or a single person/people to park their RV up on my five acre property in Mount Helena. I’m needing a hand to get my property in order and possibly would like another shed built. So looking for very handy people to reply if possible. I’m thinking 10 hours per week negotiable help for free power and RV plot. We have a beautiful bush block with plenty of trees to park under for shade and privacy. We are a very easy going flexible happy family looking for similar folk Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE ARE SEEKING A FIT COUPLE to help with the upcoming avocado season. This job will involve both packing, shed, and field work. A forklift ticket would be a bonus but is not a necessity. The job would start mid-June and finish mid-August. The hours will be dependent on the markets and weather. We are situated at Ban Ban Springs, in the North Burnett Region of Queensland and 1.5 hours from Bundaberg. We are in a COVID-19 safe environment. For further information please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

SEEKING A CARETAKER for a cattle property 40 kilometers from Wee Waa, a small town located on the northwestern slopes of the New England region in New South Wales. The town is within the Narrabri Shire local government area and is on the Namoi River. A house and power will be included, in exchange for light duties, checking waters, etc. This caretaker position would suit a pensioner. To apply, please phone [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER REQUIRED in Erakala, in the Mackay Region of Queensland. The management of the Seaforth Boating Club are looking for a person to perform the duties of Caretaker at the clubs boating compound at Seaforth. This position would suit a mature/retired person who has a friendly and honest approach to life. Duties would include compound mowing, compound security and a small amount of fee collection and receipting. In return the successful applicant will be compensated with free accommodation in a private residency above the clubhouse with free electricity provided. If you are interested in applying and for further information please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

A TOWNSVILLE DISTRICT SMALL FARM, in northeastern Queensland, is offering a powered site with town water for a single person or couple with their own caravan or motorhome in exchange for a few hours help per week with watering, gardening, mowing, and occasionally feeding chooks and sheep etc. This is a great place to be based to explore the Townsville region, close to amenities, and 10 minutes from a shopping center. Dump point and en-suite toilet on site. Prefer that you stay for two weeks minimum. If you’re in the area, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER COUPLE WANTED for our picturesque property in Queensland. We seek an active pensioner couple interested in gardening, feed chooks, turkeys, and ducks. Cattle knowledge would be an advantage. We are located 20 minutes north of Gympie, 45 minutes to Rainbow Beach, and 45 minutes to Hervey Bay. Renovated accommodation provided. If you are interested, please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] is currently seeking an experienced General Assistant/Caretaker for a three month contract position located within a Snowy Mountains Region Government Department in the Newcastle Region. Duties will include ensuring the grounds remain in a clean and tidy condition, maintaining the general store including, documentation, issue of stores and reordering of stock when required, maintaining the register including car fleet, barcoding of equipment and undertaking annual stock take, manual handling of stores, plant and equipment, inspecting services, replacing light globes and tubes, opening buildings and locking the premises including windows, doors and gates, checking heaters, fans and other appliances and turning on or off as necessary, performing test and tag as required, performing minor repairs and maintenance work on buildings as required, assisting in loading and unloading delivery trucks, and removal and transport of furniture, equipment, as required. Must have the demonstrated ability to work as a team member or with limited supervision. If you have previous experience working within a similar position and are in the Sydney area, please contact our Ingleburn branch on [Contact info available to subscribers].

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Western Australia is looking for a couple as Builder-Handy Man and Versatile Partner with options of Station Stay Camp Host, Cook and/or Cleaner. The job for the builder is to renovate dongas plus routine maintenance. Accommodation can be provided or live in your own caravan with amenities supplied. For more information and our contact info, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER/MAINTENANCE PERSON needed in Coominya, in southeast Queensland. This is a live-in position for a caretaker/ maintenance person at Moreton Saleyards. Duties would include welding, general maintenance, cleaning and working with the stockmen during sales. Livestock handling experience preferred but not essential. Cottage accommodation available and a remuneration package will be provided to suit the applicant’s experience. All applications should mail their resume to: Manager – [Contact info available to subscribers]

PAID POSITION AVAILABLE on a farm west of Kulin, a small town in the Eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, approximately 280 km from Perth. This would suit a mature Australian couple. This long-term position includes a gardener, farmhand, and caretaker role. A house and vehicle are available. Tractor driving experience is essential. This position would be for a semi-retired couple with farming experience. Australian applicants should email [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL-TIME STATION CARETAKER needed in Barcaldine, Queensland. A role as a Station Caretaker has become available for a family owned entity. It is essential the applicant comes with sound experience on properties, particularly with cattle. General property maintenance will be required, as will some machinery operation, cattle work, etc. To be successful in this role you must be of a reliable and honest nature, sober habits and come with excellent relevant references! Couple accommodations plus power provided. Remuneration: $950/week. Please note that this is a permanent position and not available to Working Holiday Visa Holders. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Belize

WANTED TWO PERSONS OR A SEMI-RETIRED COUPLE to caretake [Contact info available to subscribers] in southern Belize. A minimum commitment of four weeks anytime from March to November. Your primary responsibility is having a presence on the property. Duties as of this date will be the care and feeding of six dogs, fishes, watering young plants and minor maintenance. If interested please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

LAST MINUTE OPPORTUNITY! Volunteer caretaker assistance needed on a private Caribbean Island off of Belize. Our current caretakers have to leave in five days and we have no successor. We need someone in good physical condition who feels confident living with Piggy, a free living, dominant non-castrated pig, on a remote island in simple environment. Frugal dealing with resources is required as electricity comes from the solar system and drinking and using water from the rain water harvest. You can earn your living by renting out a little wooden beach hut with a comfortable queen sized bed, kitchen corner with a two burner gas stove and basic equipment over Airbnb. Your job would be: Being present on the island 24/7, cleaning the beaches and trails, watering the plants, moving some timber or seaweed and other small maintenance jobs. In your spare time you could watch the stars, sunsets, dolphins and rays, explore the island, go snorkeling or fishing around the island, find meditation or yoga spots or just seize the day. There is Internet and cellphone service on the island. We can offer free accommodation, you have to cover your travel and provision costs. You have to bring all the supplies you will need when coming in a hired motorboat from the mainland. There is no delivery service! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Belgium

WORK EXCHANGE offered in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve (a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant). We have lived here for 40 years in a beautiful house in the countryside. Our names are Veronique and Jean-Marc and we run a Bed & Breakfast. We are very sensitive to ecology and voluntary simplicity. We speak several languages: French, English, German, Dutch, Italian and Spanish. Veronique is the one working in the garden taking care of the permaculture project and of practical works. In the house there is always something to do for the maintenance. Jean-Marc deals mainly with our guests. If you are a manual person, if you like gardening, if you are interested in building a hive, or painting, you will enjoy your stay here. We offer a comfortable room, healthy food in exchange for four hours of work per day. Since Veronique is a sculptor, we can offer a space for painting or carving if you would like to be creative. For more details, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

California

RESPONSIBLE CARETAKERS with good people skills wanted for a seasonal job overseeing private property in the Donner Summit, California area. This position is best suited for a semi-retired or retired couple. The season runs approximately from early June to October 15th. Duties include, but are not limited to, repair and maintenance of a rustic 10-bedroom lodge, managing room reservations and cooking some home-style meals (mostly dinners). The caretakers are entitled to the profits from all sales of meals prepared and served in the lodge. Knowledge of basic water systems, wood-cutting and general handyman skills needed. Must have your own vehicle. Private living quarters in lodge with DIRECTV. This position pays the couple $3,000 per month together with a vehicle allowance of $250 per month. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

HELLO ALL YOU VOLUNTEERS WITH SKILLS! Carpenter and handyman skills are top on our list right now for the most needed skilled help. Also cleaning and beautifying indoors would be a wonderful addition. But whatever your talents let us know! Your sharing of them on Dandelion Farm will make you a valued and enjoyed team member. There is nearly unlimited potential for your skills and creativity while helping to make a farm based sustainable living community dedicated to helping the world become more sustainable. Higher cultural talents and gifts are very welcome as another kind of food for the being. Your help on the land will also be in part to increase production of our plant based diet, just in case the road ahead gets rocky. Dandelion Sustainable Farm is a magical place, located on 190 pristine acres in Northern California, about 2½ hour drive from San Francisco. Here you will find a deep serenity, both playful and more profound inspirational art intended to enhance sustainability and lift the spirit of all. We have lived sustainability here for 40 years as research and demonstration for the sake of the future of humanity and nature. The Farm is not for profit. We have practiced “no till” for the last 13 years. Some areas are evolving into forms of permaculture that might better be called “tending nature” or a “Food Savannah”. Less and less is done that intrudes upon nature, while encouraging nature to produce food with and for us while achieving an ecological balance. What is here? Organic gardens, fruit/nut orchards, berries, and grapes. Passive solar construction and natural buildings, ponds, greenhouses, alternative energy and good people creating a very unique sustainable living education center. Do see our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] Many wonderful people have helped with farm projects from our unique gardening style to farm maintenance, natural building, welding, painting, sculptures, mosaics, etc. in exchange for their stay on the farm. There is a great deal you can learn here. We offer room and a food stipend. While always needing to cover farm demands we do our best to incorporate your skills and special gifts into our project selection. You will be part of the Farm Family while here and hopefully for long beyond your stay. We look particularly for very long stays….family forever! Please email us if you are interested in volunteering. Tell us about yourself, age, experience, interests, and time available. Volunteers are chosen based on their skills and experience, length of time available to help, as well as freedom from drugs, alcohol and tobacco use. We practice tolerance and support for differences of race, spirituality, and sexual choices. Our farm is always producing food (sometimes way too abundantly) and natural buildings, but our focus is in serving higher purposes altogether with all we do. Playful, happy, and inspirational art are always in progress as a sign of this orientation. We have much to do here. Helping hands and hearts are a huge addition to the good we can do here. But we also have a massive amount of practical knowledge to offer you. We hope you want to learn ways that can help your future and the world`s at the same time. Come gain means to transform your life and the world! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

RANCH CARETAKER WANTED in Tulelake, California, located 45 miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon. If you like peace, quiet and solitude, and have general maintenance skills, this is the place for you. I’m looking for a financially stable and responsible person or couple to live full-time on my ranch in exchange for watching over the ranch when I’m away and helping with general maintenance and running of the ranch. If you have animals bring them along, such as dogs (on approval), horses (corral, stalls and free grazing available), goats, chickens, etc. Requirements: a non-smoker, absolutely no drug and/or alcohol abuse, bring your own RV or trailer, a cell phone, a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, and be physically fit to work on a ranch. I’m offering: free covered RV space with full hook-ups including water, trash, sewer, up to $100 towards electricity per month, internet, a fenced yard, and $200 per month compensation from October 1st through March 1st while I’m away. You will be responsible for propane, maintaining your yard area (i.e. water, mow, rake, etc.), helping with the care of the orchard and bees, check water for cows, helping with general clean-up, have knowledge of electricity and plumbing, and taking care of your own animals. A background check will be required (at your expense). For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers] (No emails or texts). Thanks.

FULL-TIME RANCH MANAGEMENT COUPLE needed on a private property in Livermore, CA. Responsibilities will include full responsibility for ranch maintenance, keeping the grounds and buildings and facilities exceptionally maintained and clean, providing exceptional customer service/support for the property owner, his family and their guests, ensuring that efficient systems (electrical, irrigation, plumbing, etc.) are functioning well, and ranch improvement and construction projects to be done. Salary depends on experience and housing is offered. To apply, please forward your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] is seeking a caretaker couple for long-term employment. This is a live in position, with housing provided. The caretaker house, rental cabin and retreat center are off grid with solar and generator power. There are septic and water systems and access by dirt road. The gas is propane. The caretaker’s house is a three bedroom, 2½ bathroom, with a master bedroom, laundry, garage, yard, cell phone booster and internet. There is a 4×4 truck for work use. Duties: Caretaker #1 (a salaried position) assist and supervise two to three part-time employees with cleaning and maintenance. Interact with renters and neighbors, and work closely with the Company Manager. Caretaker #2 (an hourly position) equipment and vehicle upkeep, emergency weather upkeep, including road repair, as needed. Maintaining solar and generator systems. Maintenance and repair as needed on the property. Hours: Caretaker #1 will be roughly 20 hours weekly. Caretaker #2 will be two to four hours per week. Requirements: possess US Citizens or green card, do a background check, and credit check, have a driver’s license, bank account, references, your own vehicles, tools, be in good health, and one caretaker able to pick up and carry 50 lbs. Should be comfortable with mountain environment/outdoors, tools and equipment operation and working with others. Salary will be dependent upon experience. Includes housing, and monthly pay for Caretaker 1. Bi-weekly hourly pay for Caretaker 2. Hiring may be delayed due to COVID but please feel free to your cover letter, salary expectations and resume now to [Contact info available to subscribers]

GRAZING ASSISTANCE HELP NEEDED at a Regenerative Farm. We are building a 130-acre regenerative farm in Rescue, California. We are looking for someone to assist with establishing rotational grazing of cows, goats and sheep. Part-time to full-time for a few months or years or part-time contract consulting. Housing available. Must have experience with grazing animals. Ideally, you will have a shepherd dog. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

A BEAUTIFUL HUMBOLDT RANCH is seeking a mature, financially independent, on-site caretaker. This is a non-salaried position, however a small stipend is available. This is a rare opportunity for the right individual to live peacefully “off the grid” in a secluded, tranquil setting in the middle of beautiful redwoods along the Lower Klamath River. The job requires approximately 15 hours of service per week – mowing, pruning, gardening, etc. We are seeking a person who cherishes their privacy and solitude as much as we do. The person must be: non-smoking; no drugs; pass a background check; computer skills would be greatly appreciated; most importantly, no drama. We will provide very modest free housing; all utilities; high speed internet and best of all – seclusion and peace. If interested in learning more please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A CARETAKER to watch over a gold mining property and private access fly fishing and game preserve in Foresthill, CA. We will provide housing. This is a non-paying position with opportunities for you to earn an income from various activities. You can earn money helping out with advertising photo shoots and movies and other activities, but it would be wise to have a second source of income. The property covers five miles on both sides of the Middle Fork of the American River above Sacramento in the foothills. Our roads are the only access. It is a former gold mining property with a pristine river running through it. As the caretaker you will be responsible for security. This will require considerable hiking and security experience. This is an incredible opportunity to live on one of the most beautiful rivers in California. We are in the process of upgrading the facilities. Living quarters need to be upgraded as they would be described as rustic off grid. We want to install solar and a tank-less water heater, as well as, remodel the structure to create an additional bedroom and living space. Please consider living in these conditions until you have completed these projects. You will also need to oversee the roads and campground, landscaping, including tree trimming along the roads. Maintenance and handyman skills are desirable, including plumbing, electrical and carpentry experience. To apply, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] and send your message via the Contact Tab at the top of the website. Thanks.

RANCH CARETAKER NEEDED in Three Rivers, CA, near Sequoia National Park. Full-time caretaker position is for a 160 acre, off-grid ranch starting in June. Must be a non-smoker, dependable and clean. Ole Bear Ranch lies at the base of Sequoia Park and Mineral King. Duties will include: pasture irrigation, irrigation repairs, mowing, dirt road and barb-wire fence maintenance (cattle do most of the mowing). Basic knowledge of plumbing and electrical, propane (solar/P.V.) systems a plus. Included are a monthly stipend and caretaker cabin with wood heat, propane stove, small refrigerator and bathroom. To apply, please forward your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

PART-TIME CARETAKER NEEDED for a property in Santa Margarita, California (San Luis Obispo County). The ideal person would live close by and come to the property to perform the duties three or four times a week. A mature and responsible person is preferred who has previous caretaking experience. Responsibilities include keeping the property clean, gardening, basic handyman duties and keeping the property secure. Must be healthy, able to work alone and with others, follow directions and have excellent communication skills. Must be able to operate gardening tools, (weed trimmer, chainsaw, blower, etc.). Please mail your resume and references to Caretaker Position, [Contact info available to subscribers] Please include your telephone and email address. We will give more specific information when we reply. Thanks.

Caribbean

EXPERIENCED, HANDS-ON INDIVIDUAL/COUPLE NEEDED to help at a beautiful family owned 80 acre historic Caribbean plantation, retreat center and eco-tourism site with six guest cottages and organic garden, adjoining two small beaches. The property is located in Saint Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean. Background in maintenance and construction preferred, and/or gardening, Innkeeping, and cooking. This is a volunteer position (room and board), with flexible dates between May and November every year; six weeks – six months. Small stipend or profit sharing negotiable. Stunning location with lots to do nearby; hiking, snorkeling, hot springs, kite surfing, and horseback riding. To learn more and to contact us, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Colorado

[Contact info available to subscribers] are looking for a superb individual or couple to come out to the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and work at our colorful, funky, and fun hostel this coming winter season. Mingle with guests from around the world, learn the in’s and out’s of a small business, and enjoy the endless activities that surround this beautiful area. Daily tasks will include: checking in guests, detail oriented cleaning and bed making, taking reservations, laundry, and answering phone calls. A commitment of at least one month is preferred, however, longer stays are an option. In return, we offer a comfortable place for you to stay, time off when you want it and the opportunity to make new friends every day! The hostel includes a large communal kitchen, living space, private and shared rooms, multiple bathrooms and of course, a large costume closet. Outside we have yard games, BBQ, fire pit, hammocks, bikes, and gardens for everyone to enjoy. The area we live in is exceptionally beautiful and loaded with world class biking, climbing, rafting, hiking, and skiing. We are truly “a bed between adventures”. If interested, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

A PRIVATE RANCH is looking for a full-time, year-round caretaker/ranch manager for our 300 acres near Lake City, Colorado. Includes three large dwellings, a large workshop and barn, and two irrigated pastures. A combination of general mechanic, construction, and agricultural experience required. Backhoe, tractor, and vehicle operation/maintenance required. Road, pond, and river maintenance as well as pasture with large irrigation system. General household maintenance and cleaning. Looking for a self-starter and someone with initiative. Benefits package available. Full-time housing available on ranch. References required. Salary based on experience. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] Please email only, as we are not taking calls at this time.

PROPERTY AND RANCH MANAGER NEEDED. A busy private family seeks to hire a local, versatile professional for the newly created role of Property and Ranch Manager for their large working ranch property outside of Granby, CO. To be considered for this role, you should have great property management and communication skills, have worked managing extensive rural/ranch properties, and be comfortable moving between the family’s residence, a cattle barn, and your office; the family values flexibility, versatility, and accountability. Additional knowledge of wildlife management, conservation, land rotation, municipal regulations for hunting/fishing, and water rights needed. The family is based in Chicago and uses this Colorado property with their children and grandchildren approximately two months each year. The primary responsibilities for the Property and Ranch Manager will include stepping into a leadership role for the other staff on the ranch, ensuring property maintenance and upkeep of all residences and outbuildings on the extensive grounds, and liaising with the principals and the family office on projects, budgets, and capital improvements. Good writing and tech skills needed. The family also values their privacy, discretion is highly important for the successful candidate. Compensation of $100,000 to $150,000 offered, depending on experience, with a great benefits package (health coverage, paid time off, retirement plan, etc.). Live-on accommodations are available on the property if needed; relocation assistance offered. If you have worked on a large private ranch or rural estate and have the right mix of operational, maintenance, and management skills to be successful, please apply for consideration. Initial interviews will be conducted via videoconference. Please apply for [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration. Local candidates only. Qualified applicants will be contacted.

COLORADO HOUSEKEEPER/CARETAKER needed. Seeking to fill a full-time, long-term housekeeper position/part-time caretaker position on a 300 acre Colorado Springs area horse property. Couples considered/desired if spouse anticipates primary employment off property, as this essentially a one person job. Competitive salary paid for the housekeeping position with benefits available to either an individual or couple. Stand-alone housing on property with utilities included. Responsibilities are routine housekeeping for a 6,000 square foot residence (experience required) and horse care/feeding (eight horses, experience desired). Must also enjoy dogs and caretake animals and property when owners travel. Background check and verifiable references required. Compatible animals welcome. Anticipated hire by June/July 2020 following phone interviews and on-site visits. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] for additional details.

Connecticut

LIVE-IN CARETAKER JOB AVAILABLE at a Greenwich Estate. This couple with adult children and two dogs is looking to hire an experienced hands-on caretaker to oversee their large property in Greenwich, Connecticut. The position is year-round, live-in at the separate guest house. This job requires someone who is flexible, resourceful, who has handled a job like this before, can maintain machinery and buildings, mow the grass and trim the hedges, keep the pool clean, can interface with vendors, fix things inside and outside the house, and do some landscaping. Must be flexible to work weekends if needed. Salary will depend on experience. To apply, please send your professional caretaker resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] Thanks.

I NEED A RELIABLE house sitter who likes cats to stay in my Fairfield County home from July 15 through December 31. I have three well-mannered cats to care for and am searching for a true cat-lover. This is a rent-free position, with no salary. You must have good references. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] and let me know why you would make a great house/cat-sitter here. Thanks.

England

GARDENER/CARETAKER needed in the Essex Countryside. This is a constant occupation when I am absent travelling: one to two days per week. Requires grounds care in the summer. Applicants must be a strong, fit, non-smoking person with your own car. Garden machine maintenance and experience required. Must be solvent and not looking for outside work, a little part-time paid work is possible (driving, building, maintenance, etc.) depending on experience. Please apply for further information by phoning Roy on 01621 741233 or mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

LIVE-IN DOMESTIC COUPLE needed in London, Hampstead. Our client, with a large six bedroom residence in Hampstead, is looking for a domestic couple to start ASAP. The client does not live permanently in London and is currently not often in residence. The ideal couple should, therefore, be flexible with their time as when he comes into residence it will be full on – when he leaves, time can be taken back. The client is only in residence around 20% of the year. The role of the couple, when he is not in residence, is to very much take care of the property and ensure it is in a ready state for his return. When he is in residence, the couple will be undertaking all duties including housekeeping, house management, driving, and some occasional cooking. The ideal couple would have had prior experience working in a similar setting. Duties will include hands-on housekeeping; laundry and care of fine fabrics; care of wardrobe, packing and unpacking; informal service when he is in residence; driving of the client; running of errands; management of contractors and maintenance; and some occasional meal preparation/light cooking. The client may also need some help dressing/undressing, and this will be the role of the male part of the couple, so you must be comfortable with this element. Hours will be Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm but you will need to be flexible to work longer hours when the client is in residence. Two rooms and a private bathroom within the residence will be provided as accommodation. When the client is not in residence the couple will be able to use the residence including the sitting rooms and kitchen as their own, within reason. Parking is available and extra storage can be provided for any other items in garages/outbuildings. The salary will be £50,000 – £60,000 gross per annum. To apply, please email your resume and salary expectations to [Contact info available to subscribers] in the Subject Line.

Florida

LOOKING FOR A PROPERTY CARETAKER COUPLE in beautiful Tarpon Springs, Florida. The job requires 40 hours a week for the male and 20 hours a week for the female. If clock watchers, this job will not work for you. The main house and barn (garage) duties are on a daily/weekly basis. The couple will maintain the Estate home, lawn, and all equipment. Some of the male duties, but not limited to, will include lawn care, flower beds, weed eating, carpentry, some plumbing, motorcycle, ATVs, provost bus and limousine. Vehicles will be cleaned, always fueled and ready for use. Mechanical ability is a must. Will occasionally drive the limo. Must have a valid driver’s license. Some of the female duties will include but not limited to, all housekeeping, ironing, help with cooking for large dinners, parties, etc. Tidying up the kitchen each morning. Taking care of two Golden Retrievers. Helping with the Grandchildren to and from school, some after school, etc. This is done when the employers are out of town. A little green thumb is also helpful. Run errands. The couple will live in a 1,200 sq. ft. two bedroom, one bath apartment over the barn (garage), on the water (very nice, apartment comes with most essential furniture) valued at $1,500 plus all utilities, furnished, internet, cable TV, electric gas, water, sewer and trash. Valued at $500 monthly. A $100 month gas allowance will be provided, plus $1,600 a month financial compensation for a monthly total of $3,700. This compensation package totals $44,400 annually. Plus, a lot of fringe benefits. That is $15 per hour of time worked. Pets are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. No children please. Please submit photos for out of state applicants we will do a FaceTime/Skype 1st interview. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

France

AN EXPERIENCED LIVE-IN COUPLE is needed for a historical, private Chateau in Northern France. Must speak fluent French and English. Duties will include housekeeping, laundry, simple cooking, informal service, basic handyman duties; maintenance, changing light bulbs etc., driving the principal; airport pick-ups, and running errands. Candidates must have a minimum of five years’ experience working as a domestic couple within private households. Must be polite, calm, and be efficient with a warm nature. Excellent references and DBS check required. Must have a full, clean, and valid driving license. The working hours will be eight hours a day, five days a week, and are flexible when the Principal is in residence. Accommodation is a newly renovated two bedroom house, and 4,000 euros net per week. Please apply with your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

GARDENERS AND HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED in Normandy, France. Responsible persons with good people skills wanted Spring through to Autumn on a beautiful private property. Duties include weeding, mowing, harvesting, line trimming, pruning, cleaning, and laundry. Knowledge of wood cutting and general handyman skills a plus. Car share available. Living quarters provided in the chateau. Requires 15 – 20 hours per week gardening and/or domestics in exchange for board and food. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hawaii

SEEKING ONE COUPLE TO BE FARM STEWARDS on our regenerative/permaculture farm and retreat. The ideal candidates are honest, self-motivated, organized, enjoy hard work and learning, and have farming experience. Candidates with carpentry/building skills are highly encouraged to apply. Massage therapists and yoga instructors have an opportunity for additional income through our retreat wellness program. This is an opportunity to grow, learn and be immersed in an established farm and community. The exchange is for about a total of 30 – 40 hours/week, depending on skill set and experience. The situation includes rent, utilities and a share of farm food, as well as the opportunity to cultivate entrepreneurial agricultural projects. For more information about us, please visit us at [Contact info available to subscribers] then please email us at [Contact info available to subscribers] to receive an application.

Iceland

VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED for the Environmentally Aware and Trash Hunting project from August 24 to September 1. [Contact info available to subscribers] Volunteers will be working with The Blue Army, an organization dedicated to the cause of coast cleaning; Sea Shepherd Iceland, an organization dedicated to defend, conserve and protect the oceans; with Whales of Iceland, an exhibition of life size models of whales and porpoises aiming at educating about their lives and human impact on their existence, and SORPA the organization in charge of waste collection and management in the Reykjavik area. As a hands-on volunteering activity day, included also in this camp is a day trip combining a guided tour to the Hellisheioi Power Station, a trash hunt in the Blue Mountains area; and the Hot River hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and having fun. No previous experience is needed. Participants should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during the clean-ups, as during other activities and sightseeing. [Contact info available to subscribers] participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food [Contact info available to subscribers] provides will be vegetarian. For more information, and to learn more, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Idaho

SUMMER 2020 DUDE RANCH JOBS AVAILABLE, wranglers, housekeeping/serving, ranch hand, and kitchen help needed. [Contact info available to subscribers] is a gorgeous and remote dude ranch in Northern Idaho offering peace, outdoor adventure, and warm western hospitality to all our wonderful guests. It is one of the last rare spots, kept secluded and safe, and we want to share that with others. We believe our ranch exists to “Reconnect People to the Important Things of a Life Well-Lived.” To achieve that mission, we need an excellent team that values professionalism, has a positive outlook, takes ownership of their work, and can help us create a safe environment where people can grow and create unforgettable memories. We are a great place to work and the team members here are the pride and joy of the ranch (as well as our horses, of course)! We are currently looking to add more amazing team members for the upcoming 2020 guest season. Current open positions include: Chef, Kitchen Assistants, Prep Cook and Baker, Hospitality Crew, Wranglers, Ranch Hands, Massage Therapist, Bartender, and Nanny. We offer a healthy working environment, free employee housing and meals five days a week (plus leftovers), competitive wages, a season end completion bonus, and access to all the same amazing activities our guests enjoy! It will be a summer you will never forget, not to mention you’ll be surrounded by beautiful country and good people. We are currently accepting applicants who are awesome, drug free, not grumpy, and can lift 50 pounds. For more information and to apply, please go to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Illinois

LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING HELP NEEDED on an enchanting property. Preferably a couple, family, or individual. Must be willing to relocate and live a peaceful life on our 150-year-old, 80 acre farm located one hour outside of Chicago. We are not commercial; it’s a relaxed environment with beautiful facilities. We have a natural spring pond, fishing, canoes, sand volleyball, tennis court, pavilion, wooded trails, farm animals, horse stables, and a loving, open-minded family awaiting the ones who want to become part of this caring team. Ideal backgrounds in: -Groundskeeping/Landscaping (weeding, mowing, maintaining and clearing trails, etc.) -Mechanical/Machinery skills (farm equipment knowledge; use and maintenance) -Handyman skills -Livestock experience (feeding; small number of animals) -Construction (mending fences, home projects, etc.) -Event planning like weddings In exchange, you will be provided with a house (separate from the main residence), free utilities/rent, use of a vehicle, and use of any facilities on the property. Quality of life – living the dream. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Japan

HELP NEEDED. I’ve traveled around the world for nine years and been to 92 countries so far. I came back to Japan in 2018 and started a backpacker’s hostel and English class for Japanese locals in my house. The house is surrounded by mountains (including Michelin 3 star Mt Takao), with many small rivers, beautiful hot springs and the Sagami lake. The river right next to my house is so beautiful! And you can swim in there in the summer. I am an hour away from Japan’s biggest downtown, Shinjuku. I need your help to maintain the hostel and teach English to my Japanese students. You don’t have to be from a native English speaking country. More importantly, you have to have patience to speak slowly and clearly. Hours expected to work depend on the day. When it’s busy, we usually work from around 10am to 3pm, preparing the room for coming guests. The work involves cleaning the rooms, and keeping the house clean. If you have any suggestions or ideas for my hostel, they are most welcome. And in the evening, we have free conversation in the English Class for 40 to 80 minutes. When it’s not busy, you just need to maintain the house for a few hours. You have one day off each week. I was a professional boxer before, so I conduct a free boxing training program in the morning if you’re interested. You can join anytime you want! I can cover your housing and food cost. We basically cook together (I’m not good chef though… sorry…). If you’re in the area, please call [Contact info available to subscribers] so we can meet up. Thanks.

Kansas

CARETAKER/RURAL FARMSTEAD APPRENTICE WANTED in north-central Kansas. Isolated country living awaits the outdoor enthusiast. Offering rustic five acre homestead with house, barn, outbuildings, fruit trees, and brambles, panoramas in exchange for windbreak maintenance and property improvements. Equipment available for tillage, carpentry, chickens, apiculture, aquaculture, critters. Long-term applicants preferred, tell me of your interest to live on and renovate a High Plains throwback. Organic preferred, but surrounded by conventional. Lots of birds, wind, things to do, easy social distancing. Close to Rock City. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Maryland

WILL TRADE HOUSING for the upkeep of my property near Ocean City. I have a mobile home on two acres on a country road. It is very secluded with a chicken farm on one side, state forest on another, and a 14-acre pond on the third. I would like to find someone who is interested in trading cheap living for helping to keep the place up. I would like to find a single person (male or female) or a couple who would enjoy country living. They would have a one bedroom, with living room, kitchen, bath, and large deck. Propane heat is used here. The place is 800 feet off the road in the woods with two wells and a septic. It’s very private. I will help as much as I can: I will rototill the garden and help haul in manure, supply paint and whatever other supplies are needed for the mobile home. You can have a dozen or so chickens and a few hogs or goats. No pets or children allowed. If you’re interested, please send an email message to caretakergazette@gmail.com with “Maryland Property” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes. Thanks.

Property Caretaker Profile

There’s No Place Like Home Address: [Contact info available to subscribers] Interests: Travel, food, beer, wine and classic cars Quote: “Life is a journey, not a destination.”, Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cheryl and Mike

Las Vegas is a pretty economical place to live…..if you don’t gamble. Low property taxes, no state income tax, and two for one buffet. But I didn’t want to stay in the desert when it was time to retire from a career in law enforcement so my husband Mike and I started researching places outside of the United States where our retirement dollars would go far. We had heard so many wonderful things about Costa Rica. No standing army, great relations with the USA, 98% literacy rate and good exchange rate, not to mention thriving rain forests and beautiful beaches. We took an eight-day vacation there and did the basic tourist things. Flew into San Jose, visited Manuel Antonio State Park, the Arenal and Poas volcanoes, and even looked at a house for sale in Escazu. The country was nice enough that we answered an ad in The Caretaker Gazette for a three-month house and pet sitting assignment in rural northern Costa Rica. The property, owned by an American couple, consisted of about six acres with several ponds where the owner was raising Tilapia. There was also a great Black Lab. Three months was a wonderful amount of time to meet local expats who helped us find great hidden eateries, local festivities, and gave us valuable information about where to shop and find a dentist or chiropractor or an internet cafe where one could make cheap international phone calls. You can use Google Earth where you are hoping to stay. Had we done that, we might have seen that the one-mile road to the main road from our property was dirt and gravel and at a winding 12% grade. I can do a mile on flat pavement in an easy fifteen minutes. That mile took us an hour with usually three stops to clutch our chests, gasp for air and consider calling a cab for the last quarter mile. Are you in shape for the climate and altitude in which you will be living? We had permission from the owner to use the small pick-up truck to take the dog into town for weekly veterinary checkups. There are lots of bugs in the tropics. Know what you want to use to repel them. I tried to make a healthy version of repellant that included witch hazel and vinegar but couldn’t stand the smell of myself and ended up using Off or something else with Deet in it. We had also read that C.R. has a large number of small poisonous snakes in the viper family. We encountered five during our three months. One in town and another four on the property we were watching. I would recommend a small snake bite kit for areas like that and know where your nearest hospital is located. Not all medical insurance plans will cover you out of state but we found that temporary travel medical insurance is very affordable and a peace-of-mind investment. Another assignment we took through The Caretaker Gazette was in Ireland, about 45 minutes west of Dublin. It was during the winter. Our hosts wanted to spend a month in a warmer clime and we watched their property and two small rescue dogs. When we asked about local transportation, they requested we send a copy of our drivers’ licenses and they had us temporarily added to their auto insurance policy. Thus, we had unlimited use of one of two vehicles at no cost other than fuel. If you are on a tight budget be prepared for unexpected costs. The first time we pulled into a gas station to fill a tank I was happily surprised to see fuel at $1.25 a gallon. Upon closer inspection we realized that the fuel listing was per liter… and in Euros. At the time we were there it equaled about $6.50 a gallon in dollars. Don’t take too many credit cards and let the bank of those cards know where and when you will be travelling. I did not and my American Express card was frozen at a gift shop in a tourist area of Ireland. They let me use their phone to call AmEx customer service to authorize the charge and convince them that my card was not stolen and that I was indeed in Ireland. Know the answers to your security questions for each card. And many foreign banks partner with U.S. banks so that you can use your ATM debit card to withdraw local currency with no transaction fees. Your bank’s website can identify those cooperating institutions and save you some cash. Either way, we found using ATM machines was a cheaper way to get local cash than going to a currency exchange office. And by the way, Ireland is extremely cold in the winter. If your country uses Celsius instead of Fahrenheit you might want to familiarize yourself with the conversion or keep a cheat sheet so as to dress comfortably for your day. We took adequate winter weather clothing but were surprised at the cost of heating our hosts’ house. We used wood, coal and peat for the fireplace in the main living area as it was cheaper than heating the entire house with the radiator system which heated with fuel oil. Heating oil was very expensive during the time we were there and was an unexpected expense.

View of Costa Rica property with the Black Lab

A rainy day on the Costa Rica property

We had agreed to cover the heating oil cost with our hosts before taking the assignment again the following year. Yes, we did two Irish winters in a row because the whole experience was so nice for both us and our hosts that we were invited back. Northern Patagonia in Southern Chile was our best house and pet sitting assignment. The Gazette ad read:

Chile

house sitters NEEDED from May to August, for a farm in southern Chile, near the village of Villarrica. It is a very nice property with 150 acres and views of the volcano Villarrica. The farmhouse is located in the middle of a very beautiful farm landscape with old trees and a small river. A very friendly dog is watching the farm. There are no more animals. Two employees are working daily on the farm and my brother-in-law lives only 12 miles away to help if there would be any problems. We are looking for a nice and reliable house sitting couple who would love to stay the wintertime in Chile. The nature is beautiful, the volcano is a very famous skiing region and there are nice hot springs around Lake Villarrica and the region is really attractive for tourists. We are looking for non-smokers, retirees, older than 50 years with a driver’s license. We were about 20 minutes outside of Villarrica, Chile. After we landed in Santiago, we had the option of flying into the neighboring city of Valdivia ($150.00) and taking a local 30-minute bus ride to Villarrica or taking a 10-hour sleeper bus from Santiago ($11.00) and a chance to see the country. The sleeper bus was clean, comfortable and included a continental breakfast! Our host spoke German and some Spanish. We spoke English and some Spanish. We got by. We stayed in a German built home, with the use of a nice SUV, and surrounded by 150 acres of hazelnut trees that were maintained by a staff who also cut firewood for us for use in the house. We had only to care for two cats and a wonderful Great Dane and enjoy the beauty and civilization of Chile. Food was plentiful, inexpensive, and of great quality in both grocery stores and in restaurants. The infrastructure is top notch. Very little English was spoken by the locals but we encountered a large northern European expat community that all spoke better English than most of my friends. The entire country is prone to earthquakes but the government knows it and has an emergency response program that works. Daily tremors became unnoticeable. If you have a phobia, research your destination so it doesn’t ruin your experience. Chile-seismophobia (earthquakes); Costa Rica-Ophidiophobia (snakes); Ireland-I can’t find a word for fear of sheep, beer, or River Dancing We found that most people are looking for a property/pet sitter at times that they don’t want to be on their property. In the case of Ireland, it was very cold. In Costa Rica it was very hot and humid and rainy. Southern Chile was also very cold because remember, the seasons are reversed when you venture south of the equator. But for us, it was the best time to experience these countries. Because if you enjoy the country even during their “worst” time of year, think of how much more amazing it will be during peak season. While looking for international destinations, we always kept an eye out for options within the United States. We found some states that are very attractive for retirees. More than ten states have no state income tax, like Washington, saving anywhere from 6% to 9% of your retirement income depending on the state’s tax structure. Other states, like Oregon, have no state sales tax. Property taxes vary greatly from state to state and from county to county within those states. Oregon property taxes are very high, probably to offset the lack of sales tax. Definitely do your research and rent before buying. The rule of thumb in Vegas was, if you can handle three summers, you will be alright with the incredible heat. The famous tag line is “but it’s a dry heat”. Still, 118 degrees in the shade is dangerously hot if you’re outside for any length of time. The state of Washington piqued our interest with several characteristics. Fairly moderate climate, no state income tax, easy traveling distance to rivers, ocean and mountains and an abundance of natural beauty. When an ad appeared in The Caretaker Gazette for a property caretaker position on the Olympic Peninsula, we answered it. The property hosts vetted us thoroughly and we even flew up at our own expense to be interviewed and meet them and see the property. We had a list of easy chores, some on a schedule and others at our leisure. We also had time to explore the area often. We still think about Chile a lot. If for any reason we were to leave the Pacific Northwest that’s where we would head. Perhaps by answering another ad in The Caretaker Gazette. Experiencing a possible retirement destination through house and pet sitting has been indescribably rewarding. It has made travel that would have been otherwise, unaffordable, possible and enriched our lives with new friends and experiences. Remember, life is a journey, not a destination. Warm regards and safe travels.

Cheryl and Mike with their favorite Costa Rican waiter

Mexico

SHELTER IN PARADISE! Seeking caretaker(s) for a ranch near a spectacular beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Comfortable housing, internet, dipping pool with ocean view and food stipend in exchange for two to three hours per day maintenance, light animal care and yard work. Mid-June through mid-October commitment with longer-term situation possible. Candidate(s) must be intermediate or higher Spanish, very comfortable in nature, and passionate about sustainability. Experience with ranch life or Latin America a plus. References required. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Michigan

SEEKING A DOMESTIC CARETAKER OR COUPLE in the Traverse City, Michigan area (local candidates only). This is a great immediate opportunity for an experienced housekeeper or domestic couple to maintain a large, family vacation home. This is a very hands-on position which involves housekeeping, laundry, running errands, driving and supervising vendors/contractors. Must also be able to do heavy lifting, basic handyman skills and safely operate a boat/jet ski, split firewood, etc. The caretaker/couple must have a very friendly yet professional, service-oriented demeanor to accommodate the family and many guests. The ideal candidate(s) has held a similar role in a large family estate, bed & breakfast, lodge/resort or hotel. The principals are seeking a candidate(s) already living close to the Traverse City area. This is a live-out, year-round salaried position: responsibilities will be very minimal during the winter season except when the principals are in residence. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] seeks a full-time, hospitality associate for a live-work opportunity along Michigan’s uniquely beautiful Art Coast. We approach our work using a team model which demands active participation in all aspects of hospitality. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, independent problem solver with a “can do” attitude. He/She will be flexible, supportive, and maintain a patient, positive attitude with co-workers and guests alike. The candidate must possess the following attributes: exceptional organizational skills, extreme attention to detail, the ability to communicate efficiently, effective multi-tasking capabilities, and a natural ability and desire to converse with guests. This person must have experience overseeing day-to-day operations and be comfortable performing all tasks associated with running a bed and breakfast, Inn, or boutique hotel: including, but not limited to cooking breakfast, housekeeping, laundry, reservation system and phone experience, check-out/in procedures, on-call duties, light maintenance/landscaping tasks, and inventory management. Qualified candidates, please email your cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Montana

A SMALL SHEEP RANCH in northern Montana offers hands-on-learning experiences. We run about 75 head of ewes for wool and lamb crops. There is need for sheep herding help in the summer, lambing help during February through April in particular. Shipping is in August. But internships accepted all year. No pay involved. Other ranch activities include plantings for wildlife, fencing, farming, gardening and landscaping, building and repairs. Besides sheep, ranch animals include horses and goats. I would welcome helpers who have some skills in carpentry, construction, painting, driving tractors, fencing – or who want to learn. Several projects are lined up that would give a variety of experiences. Summer and fall are wonderful times to spend in this area as time off to see Glacier Park and rodeos, fairs, other events are easily scheduled. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

HOW ABOUT A FUN SUMMER JOB meeting new people and living in the mountains? JJJ Wilderness Ranch is a family-owned and operated guest ranch on the spectacular Rocky Mountain Front. We are seeking a mature, outgoing individual with a ready smile, willingness to work hard, have fun, and a love of the outdoors and people. This position works in both housekeeping and the kitchen. Duties include cleaning cabins, lodge, and public areas, occasional yard work, or working in the gift shop. Kitchen duties include setting up the dining room, serving and cleanup. It is a very team-oriented position in a fun work environment. Excellent customer service skills required. As with most dude ranches, we compensate you in several ways. You will receive full room and board, a monthly salary, gratuities, and the opportunity to work and play in a spectacular setting. To apply please forward your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CARETAKER(S) for our resort in Cameron, MT that has 10 cabins and nine RV sites. We manage most of the day-to-day operations but we are looking for someone to clean, coordinate guests and keep an eye on the place when we are gone. We can provide a cabin or you can bring your own RV. To apply, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Morocco

LIVE-IN HOUSE MANAGER needed in Marrakech. Our clients, with a large residence in Marrekech, are actively searching for an experienced House Manager or Management Couple. The clients have their main residence in London. Although this is a second residence it is fully staffed, therefore, the House Manager must be experienced in managing a staff team of at least 20 people. Must speak English and French, and Arabic is desirable. The ideal candidate must have at least five years’ experience working in a senior capacity. Duties will include planning, coordinating and organizing events; managing the household calendars and schedules; supervising home maintenance projects; dealing with contractors; recruiting and managing the household staff. Working hours are longer when the client is in residence. Working hours will be Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 6.00pm, and a flexible schedule for longer hours when they are in residence. To apply, please email your resume and salary expectations to [Contact info available to subscribers] in the Subject Line.

Nepal

VOLUNTEER HELP needed in Chandrawati village, in Bhanu district, close to Durme. Chundi Multipurpose Farm is an organic family farm where you can work with plants, animals, birds, chickens, fish and organic medicines. We need help to demonstrate our organic agriculture and livestock to the community people for a sustainable livelihood. We have started a school for the education facility and another health facility. Mr. Lokdip Dhakal has a Graduate Master degree from the Future Generations University USA program in Applied Community Change. This is the way to change the community to their sustainable livelihood. Mr. Lokdip Dhakal wants to train people in agriculture and other fields with national and international trainers and friends with the help of volunteers. The important thing for volunteers is they are part of our family and we can provide them free food and accommodation. Volunteers won’t be charged. We will provide what we eat and where we sleep, so don’t feel odd, as we are one big family. To learn more and see photos, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] and then email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nevada

HORSE CARETAKER AND GROUNDSKEEPER WANTED. Seeking a long-term, part-time horse caretaker and groundskeeper for a 17-acre, gated property in Carson Valley, NV. Experience with horses required for the handling of two horses. Work an average of 24 hours/week in exchange for rent plus utilities, and a furnished apartment above the barn. Duties include morning feeding, grooming, turnout of the horses, barn/stall cleaning, pasture water, pasture maintenance, and arena grooming. Hourly pay for the maintenance of non-landscaped grass with brush hog, weed control, drip system maintenance, flood irrigation assistance, and other odd jobs, and caretaking the property and horses for the owners while they are out of town. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and move 100 lb. bales of hay. References will be required. Non-smokers only. No drug use or alcohol problems. This is an ideal position for a physically fit gentleman who may have other income sources and wants to keep active. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Hampshire

CO-INNKEEPER, Boutique Bed and Breakfast with 20 rooms/units in North Conway, NH is currently seeking a year-round full-time co-Innkeeper. Breakfast service, front desk, concierge duties, kitchen duties, cooking, laundry, housekeeping and other duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, organized, and detailed oriented. As co-Innkeeper, you will provide a positive impression to our guests and provide excellent customer service and ensure our high service and cleanliness standards are met. You should enjoy solving problems, and be able to handle email, a reservation system and computers confidently. Prior relevant experience is preferred. The position will be live-in, and will require immense flexibility with hours, 24/7 guest response, the working of weekends and holidays and have the physical stamina to perform the duties of their position. Salary based on experience and includes housing and utilities. Please email a cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Mexico

house sitter needed in Truth or Consequences, NM from August 1 through August 30. We have a three bedroom/two bathroom house near some local hot springs. We have a cat that the house sitter will need to care for. We need someone or a couple (sorry, no other children or pets allowed) for almost the entire month of August. One of our vehicles will be available for your use. Serious inquiries should email their interest and references to The Caretaker Gazette at caretaker@caretaker.org All responses will then be forwarded.

New York

SEASONAL HOUSE MANAGER needed. Are you a Chief Steward/Stewardess looking to transition to a land-based position? A busy family with a significant Southampton residence is looking to hire a superb Seasonal House Manager with exceptional experience in the operation of a fine home, in managing and supervising household staff, and with entertaining. This is a full-time annual opportunity during the season, from the start of April through the end of September, and will be available each year for the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and structured, have exceptional front-of-the-house skills, and be a hands-on team player. High-end event experience and proficiency with household technology needed. Generally, the House Manager will work five days a week, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. Excellent compensation commensurate with experience offered; accommodation available if required. Please apply for [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration. Local candidates only. Qualified applicants will be contacted.

New Zealand

WAIHEKE ISLAND CARETAKER COUPLE POSITION is available on Waiheke Island. A physically active couple are sought for the position of joint caretakers on a private Waiheke Island property. The joint roles include maintenance of lawns, pathways, ponds, gardens, buildings and other structures plus cleaning of domestic dwellings and a guest accommodation cottage. The main attributes sought are: fitness (there is a lot of grass slashing, gravel path maintenance, clearing fallen trees, weed spraying, house and roof painting, gardening, etc.); health and safety (it’s important to follow all H&S requirements of working with machinery and occasional work on scaffolding); practical (it is important to have some practical building maintenance and repair skills); personality (need to have the ability to work alongside the owners and be adaptable to change. Good communication skills required for dealing with visitors). An annual salary plus a small two bedroom cottage located on the property comprise the remuneration package. The cottage is not suitable for children. Applicants must have an AWD or 4WD vehicle. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] Applications will close when a suitable couple is found.

HOSTEL HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED in Nelson, on the South Island. Our clean spacious central Nelson hostel needs you! Are you in Nelson now (or arriving soon) and thinking of staying in our sunny town for a month or two? We will soon need two happy helpers to work with us around the hostel to keep our super clean backpackers in tip-top condition. The work is an easy 2.25 hours each day and we provide you with a nice place to stay in the middle of town, close to everything Nelson is famous for. You will work five shifts each week and have two full days off to get out and explore Nelson and the region and we can even get you discounts on tours and activities in the Abel Tasman for your days off. The work is straightforward and easy to learn. If you would like to know more please phone us so and we can arrange to meet. We look forward to meeting you. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

WORK FOR ACCOMMODATION. Must be ready to start immediately. Some Housekeeping experience is preferable. Shared accommodation provided with power and Wi-Fi included for two hours of work for six days per week. Should have a valid Visa (Working Holiday Visa, or Open Visa). Minimum two weeks commitment. If this sounds like you…then please drop by our [Contact info available to subscribers] in person. If you want to earn some extra income, you can work during the evenings in the nearby restaurants.

HOUSE RENOVATION HELPERS WANTED in Morningside (a suburb of Auckland). I have space for one to three people to help me build a stone wall and paint my house. I have a large house, on top of a hill, and an easy 15 minute walk to Whangarei center. We work a half day (four to five hours of work time), in exchange for food and board. I have one single bed, plus one comfortable sofa, plus one foam mattress. We will take turns cooking (but I pay for all food). The food is good, have a beer, and the house is spacious, and has a balcony overlooking the city. I have ultra-fast Wi-Fi (unlimited). I will take you caving and other stuff around here, depending on the weather, etc. I have done heaps of travelling myself and am pretty relaxed. I’ve had about 50 travelers come to stay here, usually they stay for a week or a month. For more details, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]. Cheers!

HELP NEEDED in the Waikato/Coromandel area. An intelligent mechanically minded person with some machinery experience, including agricultural, farm bikes, etc., is needed here. The work is varied and interesting, for someone from a farming background. Wages, hours, and days are flexible. This may suit someone traveling through New Zealand for a few months. Must speak good English. Please call Phil for more details at [Contact info available to subscribers].

North Carolina

CARETAKE/RENT, LONG-TERM. Off-grid, all solar, small log cabin in the North Carolina Mountains. Needs well, finish work. Possible ownership for the right person. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

HELP NEEDED. Great to bring your RV or tiny home and enjoy the nature and fresh food. We have a private farm with almost two acres of yard to care for on a crop farm with about 30 acres of crops and 40 acres of woods. The house is not for the stay, just the yard. A handyperson can figure out how to hook up his/her RV or tiny home to the electric and well running into the house. Locally there is kayaking on the river, the Hope House, the Scotland Neck Bird Reserve, Albemarle Sound, Edenton, and Little Washington. Located two hours from Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. One hour to Greenville (Civilization), and two and a half hours to Raleigh. We rent the farmland to an old friend who has the right to come and go to check on his crops, but after planting you will not see him too much until harvest time, but he is pleasant, helpful, and full of local knowledge. Ultimately, we are looking for a long-term property manager who could help turn the home into a vacation rental or add cottages and make a bed and breakfast or campground, or storage facility. We can arrange for the property manager to share in the profits or pay a flat rent and enjoy any profit beyond the set amount. house sitters can plant what they would like to in the garden. Hunt if it is hunting season. We also need the house sitters to take care of the yard and garden, mow the lawn, pull weeds, dispose of dead flowers and debris, harvest the nuts, fruit, berries, grapes so that they do not attract rodents. Also, if possible there are some repairs, paint, and remodeling needs we could trade for a long term stay. We can discuss this arrangement over the phone or after a trial week of seeing if the property is a match. For more information please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Oregon

LOOKING FOR AN ENERGETIC COUPLE with their own RV, with excellent people skills to help with a private family campground, doing maintenance, landscaping, cleaning the club house and rest rooms, in return for free RV space rent and utilities. We are 10 minutes from Eugene on the beautiful Fern Ridge Lake. Minimum commitment July 1 through September 30 required. If you are interested, please email your resumes and a photo of your RV to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include “Oregon Opportunity” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes.

HELP NEEDED in a Corvallis lofted barn. Helpers may be asked to do a variety of tasks: cleaning and laundry, renovating my home, landscaping and maintaining a small urban garden, painting, yard cleaning, errands, art projects, photography and videography. There are short and long-term home stay options: (one week to six months). This is an opportunity for free accommodation in exchange for work, and helpers provide their own meals. This homestay is for my residence during the summer, spring and fall in the green and vibrant college town, Corvallis, Oregon, home of Oregon State University. We are 45 minutes north of Eugene, Oregon, and ninety minutes south of Portland, Oregon. There are lush forests and waterfalls nearby and amazing hiking trails! I am a Yoga, Dance, Acrobatics, and Thai Massage instructor and also do room rentals and property management in Oregon and Arizona. I enjoy cultural exchanges and skill sharing, I am always learning. I enjoy eating a mostly plant-based diet and prefer to host people with similar healthy lifestyle habits. No smoking, no alcohol, no drugs. I also prefer no pets. There is a private barn 10×20 with loft for sleeping. It has a refrigerator, microwave and hot plate for cooking but no inside water or plumbing. There’s a hose bib just outside the barn and a small tent with camping toilet and shower bag. About seven to nine hours work per week in exchange for accommodations is typical, with a flexible schedule to allow for excursions. There are local gyms with hot tubs, sauna, showers that some long-term helpers have chosen to join for additional bathroom facilities. I am located next to a nicely maintained City Park. There is public transportation nearby and great places to hike. For more info, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers], freshly renovated in downtown Hood River, Oregon. Learn/serve in all aspects of business operations. The Inn is situated for major growth… with a strong team! Hood River is the epicenter of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, highly livable community famous for world-class outdoor recreation. Starting compensation commensurate with experience (starting $30,000 – $42,000) and scheduled to increase upon hitting revenue goals. If you help revenue grow, your compensation will grow and soon! Salary increase scheduled at three month intervals upon hitting revenue benchmarks to $59,000 within the first year. Must be a sharp hustler seeking a growth organization! Coordinate guest services and landscaping/housekeeping teams; willing to take-on any task when needed; we value front of house skills and back of house willingness! No breakfast duties. Well-supported position is year round, includes housing and generous food stipend. 5½ days a week plus one month paid vacation. Please send your resume to caretakergazette@gmail.com with “Oregon Inn Position” in the Subject Line for our forwarding purposes. Thanks.

Pennsylvania

[Contact info available to subscribers], a luxury B&B/boutique resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, seeks a hospitality professional for its Head Innkeeper/Hotel Manager position. Responsible for daily operations, including the guest experience, training, managing and motivating staff, facilitating property maintenance, selling and coordinating onsite special events, and operating efficiently and on budget. Occasional light housekeeping and food prep may be required. We specifically seek a self-starter with proven hospitality-related experience, who works well with a team to meet or exceed clearly defined goals. The successful candidate is organized, solutions-oriented, customer-service driven and computer literate. Housing can be provided; salary is commensurate with experience. Paid vacation, flexible off-season schedule, medical insurance, and incentive bonuses included. Please send your resume and cover letter for consideration to [Contact info available to subscribers] No calls please.

Portugal

JOIN A SMALL NATURAL FAMILY FARM in the mountains in Portugal! We are a young couple with some experience on self-sufficient-living. In 2015 we got a piece of land in a small growing community of close friends in a beautiful valley at the highest mountains inside the biggest natural park of our country. We need help on creating a natural farm to support our small eco-community! Rita is a health-food enthusiast and loves to work with different kinds of art-craft. She likes to explore with medicinal plants, fermented foods, and ways of preserving food. She appreciates doing basketry, wool-work and book-binding. She also likes to produce cleaning and hygiene products like natural detergents, soaps and salves. Walking in nature, singing with friends, and doing yoga are some of the other things she enjoys. Goncalo is a nature lover with a passion for permaculture and natural farming. He studied organic agronomy and has been practicing it since 2008, with the help of volunteers, interns and apprentices. He enjoys sharing and to make music with friends. Until now, we built two yurts for living, a greenhouse dome (toilet and nursery), recovered a ruin for storage and workshop, and built a stable for the farm animals, a round-house with reciprocal roof for shelter and a small kitchen. We have the help of a horse, goat, sheep and chickens to regenerate pasture where we plant trees and shrubs in order to convert it to a poly-crop system. This year we will need help maintaining the vegetable garden; implementing and maintaining food forests; building simple structures with round wood and recycled materials; harvesting herbs, vegetables, fruits and processing them; farming maintenance (cutting and caring fire-wood; moving electric fences and farm animal summer shades, cleaning the stable), enjoying live, sharing wisdom and much more. During Spring and Autumn, we need help us for a maximum of five hours/day, according to our goals. You will have a shelter with wood burner and a camping area, hot-shower, dry-toilet and a small kitchen that you can use for cooking (usually we have lunch all together). We provide the same healthy ingredients we use for cooking our own food. During the Summer we only need help for a maximum of three hours/day therefore we only provide accommodation (shelter or camping tent) and facilities (kitchen, dry toilet and solar shower) so you buy your own food (we sell olive oil, fermented and dried vegetables, nuts, herbs, vegetables and eggs). There’s also a natural pool in the stream and according to the season, mushrooms, edible and aromatic plants, berries, acorns and chestnuts. In north Portugal we have a strong culture of family agriculture that is still practiced by beautiful old people and some young new amazing neighbors. You will meet some of those and can get to visit them to chill-out or help on farming maintenance in exchange for services, products or money and learn some knowledge or skills with joy! If you are in Portugal, please call us on [Contact info available to subscribers].

Rhode Island

SEEKING A YEAR-ROUND, LONG-TERM, LIVE-IN, experienced caretaker in Newport, RI. Responsible for the smooth operation of a private residence. Oversee repairs, landscaping, errands, contractors, guests, and events. Prefer someone with handyman experience (HVAC a plus). Candidate should be hands-on, with a can-do attitude, flexible, (some weekends, some late evenings), computer savvy, with excellent references, college graduate. Please send your resume/salary requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Sweden

HEJ HEJ! This is [Contact info available to subscribers] (45, living in North Sweden, Kiruna, with my wife and kids). We are building a village along the river with some wood cabins and need help to finish them and run the camp. I and my family live close by and I am regularly visiting the camp. But the camp is run by other workers for me and my business partner Juhani. A few years ago I bought this land in Kurravaara, which is located 90 minutes from Abisko, and two hours to Narvik on the border with Norway, in the forest along the river. It’s a fantastic location, very quiet and green and perfect to watch out for aurora or midnight sun. The location is 10 minutes by car or bus to Kiruna. The nature here is just amazing, the river, the forest, the midnight sun, and the fauna. The surrounding forests are great for hiking and wandering around for photography or watching wildlife. The views are just stunning and Kungsleden or the King´s trail is not too far away. We are a very easy going, international team, friendly and open to new cultures, and we’d love to host people from all around the globe. Now we need some help for driving guest transfers to/from town (so a driving license is a must). We need a hand to decorate the cabins with recycled materials, so all your creativity is very welcome, such as sanding and painting furniture and walls. We need some help in cleaning the cabins/SkyNests after guests check in and out, and serving and preparing dinner and breakfast. As our three SkyNests are on top of a hill, also transporting guests on snowmobile is a task if you think you can do it. Again, a driving license is a must. General cleaning around the site, and chopping wood and preparing the sauna for guests, etc. We are looking forward to have preferably people with the following profile: open minded people who love to work in hospitality (men and women), good spoken English is necessary, and patience is needed at the camp as there is always something unexpected happening. You’ll work no more than eight hours per day with two days off a week so you have plenty of time to roam around. And we can organize your working hours the best they suit you. It is possible to go away a couple of days and come back. We’ll provide for food and accommodation in a single/shared cabin. You can cook for yourself. There is also a car for guest transfers and errands, but not for travelling, but we can take you to the train/bus station anytime. You can join our tours for free, hike around, use the sauna or hot tub (to be finished, that’s also a job) watch the Fauna (moose, reindeers, birds, foxes, and wild rabbits). You’ll have two days off, to visit all the parks around (Abisko, Jukkasjarvi (where the Ice hotel is located) the Sami Camp (feed the reindeers and experience their life and culture), Nikkaluokta, etc. We’ll teach you how to fish, start a fire, and cook food and coffee on an open fire and lot of things about wilderness. So if you think this will suit you and you are willing to commit to at least three weeks, you are welcome to apply by calling [Contact info available to subscribers]. So maybe see you soon later this summer.

Texas

FULL-TIME CARETAKER NEEDED at a miniature horse farm. We are a small family owned ranch in Central Texas near Tarpley. This is an opportunity for a retired couple or retired man, caretaker, who loves animals and can feed horses twice a day, clean stalls, fix fence when needed, move hay bales and feed sacks, feed my cats and my dogs on occasion, water trees, keep our grounds clean and mowed, mow 30 acres about twice a year, help me with my landscaping ideas and other general maintenance. Also keep our new big horse barn clean and also the mini barn and several outbuilding horse shelters. I have 15 miniature horses and two full size horses. They are all pets, no riding or working them. I consider this to be a long-term employment and there is possible housing (the caretaker house is almost completed) or RV hookup. Salary negotiable. Prefer a caretaker with horse experience. No drugs, alcohol, no outside pets as I have my animals roaming free. Please text your interest and experience to [Contact info available to subscribers].

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY. Caretaker needed for a 4-acre tree-studded lodge in Kingsland, TX. Responsible for maintenance of grounds, pool, exterior and interior of 13 buildings and a 9-slot RV park. Duties include routine maintenance, repairs, tree trimming, lawn mowing/trimming, plumbing and electrical repairs, light carpentry, painting, and basic maintenance of golf carts and boats. Work estimate is 25 hours/week. Lodging options and salary negotiable. Access to the lake, and fishing. Additional work opportunities available in the community if desired. To apply, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A POWER COUPLE to manage homes on a large South Texas ranch. We are looking for a wonderful and reliable, motivated manager/caretaker couple to fill two positions and live onsite to manage many aspects of a privately owned ranch. The property is comprised of two main guest homes, “party barn” (Recreation House), a lake house, a cabin, several out buildings, and a caretaker’s home. This position requires one to be physically able to work outdoors in all types of weather and on uneven terrain. Candidates must be able to safely operate a small tractor, truck and other equipment including power and hand tools. The second caretaker position’s duties include guest meal planning, food purchase, food preparation, serving meals to owners and guests, as well as the cleaning and upkeep of the homes, cabin and other buildings. Candidates must be flexible with work schedules as these are not typical 8-5 jobs when the owner is on the property. While the owner and guests are off site, the work hours will be a typical 7/8 hour day Monday, Friday while the owner and guests are at the ranch. Staff are needed to work adjusted schedules to accommodate and can include later hours and weekends. Owners are typically onsite seven to eight times per year. The team will be expected to keep the property at “guest ready” level at all times throughout the year regardless of the owners’ schedule. These two positions are complete with salary, housing, utilities and other benefits. This is a long-term opportunity for a stable couple. Our dream team would be able to manage the following duties with efficiency, dedication and integrity: Have a very high standard of cleanliness, be highly organized, be detail oriented, be adept at monitoring and supervising guests of all ages while maintaining a positive and composed but commanding demeanor, anticipate and respond to the changing needs of the household, effective at completing work accurately and efficiently, able to problem-solve, display good judgment and make decisions, able to accept guidance when appropriate, be honest, discreet, responsible, reliable, committed with minimal tardiness or absenteeism, be non-smokers, self-motivated, hardworking, in good health, energetic, meticulous, have an excellent command of the English language, both written and able to work legally in the USA. Must have excellent professional and character references. The interior housekeeping and cleaning duties will include cleaning the house or areas of home on daily, bi-weekly or weekly basis as needed to maintain the highest standard throughout, perform Fall and Spring cleaning, wash and iron the couple’s clothing as needed, wash and iron linens, change and make beds as instructed, clean and care for dishes, stemware, silver, fine furniture and carpets, hardwood floor, artwork, clean and organize closets, cabinets, drawers, pantries and basement storage areas as needed, manage and stock cleaning and household supplies, run errands and grocery shopping as needed, and care for the houseplants. The exterior housekeeping and cleaning duties will include cleaning all outdoor furniture, seasonally move outdoor furniture to and from storage, and stage when needed, clean the exterior of the main house including entrances, porches, sills, window, clean and maintain pool house, patios, decks and docks to maintain highest standard, clean and maintain mini putt golf course, clean and maintain the garage, clean and maintain three automobiles and numerous ATVs, and rake the sand in the Volleyball Court as needed. To apply, please send your resume and bio to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Vermont

house sitter NEEDED IN BENNINGTON COUNTY for this summer, probably starting around the middle of June through the end of September. I have a beautiful home, not far from Green Mountain National Forest. I have one well behaved small dog and several cats, but no attention is required. You will have your own large single bedroom, log fires and tranquility. This is an ideal break-away for a reliable, trustworthy house sitter. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

GENERAL MANAGER WANTED for a small Holistic Retreat Center in Vermont. Sky Meadow Retreat hosts small groups of 10 – 16, plus individuals and couples focused on spiritual awareness and wellness. The retreat is set on an organic permaculture homestead, cultivating much of our food and energy needs from the land. Resident managers and interns live an integrated earth-based lifestyle in a small intentional community of three to eight people, focused on presence and simple living, with a daily practice of meditation and Conscious Communication skills. Position includes housing, in a beautiful eco-cabin on a stunning, secluded, 120 acres in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom with ponds, gardens, trails, woods, fields, and hills. Also included are utilities, food staples, plus a starting salary of $12,000/year or 50% of net business income (whichever is greater). You will be part of a coordinated team with a unified purpose supporting the healing and awakening of humanity through personal growth and self-realization. You must have experience with retreats and retreat centers, business management and marketing, hospitality, community living, homesteading, meditation, Conscious Communication skills, and your own spiritual and wellness practices. We cannot accommodate dogs or children at this time. Couples welcome. Minimum of two-month training period, followed by a two-year commitment. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Virginia

WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED COUPLE, one of whom is also an experienced chef, (able to handle an upscale breakfast and dinner in the hotel and other meals when needed when the Swinging Bridge restaurant is closed) to manage The Lemon Hotel and Depot Lodge in Paint Bank, Virginia (a remote county). Originally constructed in the early 1900’s, the newly-renovated Lemon Hotel holds six exquisitely furnished bedrooms, parlor, dining room, and a meeting room. Pair this with other venues that offer one-of-a-kind lodging experiences (i.e. glamps, caboose, and log cabins). Seeking positive, energetic, and passionate people who are dedicated to delivering a premium experience to every guest. Duties will include but are not limited to: Check-ins, taking reservations, marketing, managing housekeeping staff, handling guest needs and complaints, meal preparation, record keeping and reporting, and all other day-to-day operations necessary to accommodate guests. Computer skills necessary to handle online bookings through Resnexus and use Microsoft Office. Strong communication and teamwork skills are a must. Housing and competitive salaries offered. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] Those interested should email a resume with references and availability to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LONG-TERM CARETAKER OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE in Southwest Virginia. This is a family recreational property, perfect for a retired or semi-retired person or couple. Modern three bedroom house, hourly compensation and utilities furnished. Onsite duties include security, yard and house and outbuildings maintenance. Experience in repairs and maintenance of equipment a plus. References and background check required. Please respond with your resume and inquires to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Washington

ESTATE MANAGEMENT POSITION AVAILABLE on Orcas Island, Washington. We have sixty acres of paradise on the water with forestry and permaculture projects in place. We are seeking a mature person(s) to trade a separate and private two bedroom, 1½ bathroom home for property management. Looking for conscientious, fit, and experienced person(s) who are capable of running a chain saw, log splitter, and Bobcat tractor. Need someone who is mature, knowledgeable and resourceful. Gardeners and artists welcomed. May involve housekeeping and caretaking. Looking for someone to step up as needed, to have fun while accomplishing a lot toward creating a sustainable lifestyle to share. We are situated near a beautiful state park with fresh water lakes and fishing, and close to the charming village of Eastsound. This position to be filled ASAP. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A MOTIVATED INDIVIDUAL OR COUPLE to live and work onsite as the Caretaker/Groundskeeper of a property in Belfair, WA. Responsibilities include mowing lawns, weeding, and landscaping, as well as security of home and property when needed. An unfurnished residence is available onsite in exchange for duties performed. Salary and time worked is negotiable. Non-smoker, no pets. Honesty and a strong work ethic are a must. Please reply with references and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] A background check is required.

TRADE YOUR PROPERTY CARETAKER SKILLS for a place to live or work in Arlington, WA. Are you in transition or want to pocket your rent money? Are you looking for a place to park a mini home or RV? Or do you need a place to move into for a time? We have space to park and also a live-able basement apartment with a private entrance that needs a bit of sprucing up and some bathroom repair. There is no laundry there, but you could jerry-rig a washer/dryer maybe if you are handy. It is not too pretty at the moment but has some nice woodwork, a woodstove and one entry room that is really bright for an office during the day or??? It also has a storage room with shelves that is accessible by a driveway. We are trying to update the whole house before we move in. There is a barn that could be turned into an apartment as well, once our home is fixed up, if you are really ambitious, but we would need to get some more cash for that. We just have a limited budget currently but have access to materials and rental spaces. We’re trying to see if anyone wants to trade some hours – either bank some hours and not pay rent for a while or work a bit each week. It would not be best long-term to have someone in the basement for everyone’s privacy but there is the barn and RV park area as other options for longer term. We have livestock and fencing, feeding, etc., so working for rent and some paid work at times is available for the near future. If you have a spouse who can do some senior care (cooking, yard work) or an interest in Back to Eden style organic gardening which could produce some food, that could be an option too. If you have a business that is not too messy we have spaces you could rent/trade/live, etc. Please email (especially non-smoking, health nut, hunters, etc.) what you are looking for and some info about yourself. Short or long-term is both a possibility. It could work with kids, but there is not a lot of room for a big crowd or wild teens. We’re trying to keep a clean cut atmosphere here and keep Grandma comfortable. Please email caretakergazette@gmail.com and include “Arlington, WA” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes. Thanks.

HANDYMAN/CARETAKER NEEDED on an island in Anacortes, WA. I live on a beautiful island and have almost seven acres, with three horses and need someone to help me fix/install fences, feed the horses (while I’m away), clear brush, do light carpentry and just be a general handyman. Ideally, you’d have your own source of income and an RV and I can provide you an incredible place to live and a small wage ($200/week). This would be the perfect situation for someone who might be retired but still likes staying busy and is interested in experiencing living on an island. This is a seasonal position for Spring/Summer 2020. To apply, please forward your bio and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wyoming

RANCH CARETAKER COUPLE NEEDED in Pinedale, WY. We’re looking for a full-time, live-in, ranch caretaker couple who will be responsible for caretaking, including housekeeping, cooking/preparing meals, serving, laundry, grounds keeping and general maintenance of multiple buildings (including snow blowing, snow plowing, lawn care, general landscaping, spring and fall clean-up, sprinkler care, small repairs and carpentry). You will also be responsible for the care of ranch horses (feeding, shoeing, vaccination schedule, riding, keeping the barn neat), maintenance, servicing and repairs of all ranch vehicles and machinery (including cars/trucks, lawnmowers, landscaping equipment, boats, ATVs), management of and liaison with service providers as necessary, report directly to the ranch management, and required to assist ranch operations when needed. The caretakers need to help each other when needed in each other’s fields of responsibility. Must possess a high sense of personal and professional integrity. Flexibility is of utmost importance. Willing to maintain a high level of detailed professional care and exhibit a good and positive attitude and good working spirit. Non-smoking, drug-free (background check, drug test may be required). Caretakers rent caretakers’ house. Must keep surrounding of house pristine, good care inside and outside. Two week’s vacation during off season. Salary: $35,000 – $45,000 per caretaker. Please forward your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

INTERESTED IN SPENDING MID-JUNE TO OCTOBER on a non-working ranch by Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains near Sheridan? This is an opportunity for someone, a writer, graduate student, retiree, or couple – to rent (for $175 per month) a beautifully situated, recently restored vintage ranch house (including a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, bathroom, two porches as well as internet) in exchange for 20 hours of help per week at $10 per hour, doing mainly light gardening and errands as well as occasional upkeep. Additional hours available at the same rate. Must have an insured, four wheel drive vehicle for rutted roads. No pets, indoor smoking, children, or drugs. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] stating your background. Personal/phone interviews and references required.

Situations-wanted Ads

Architectural historian and caretaker looking for an opening in the Richmond, Virginia, area. Have past experience working at a B&B. Ability to perform basic maintenance, gardening, animal care and other activities in exchange for housing. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

My name is Peter; Age 44, Christian, experienced property manager, caregiver pet or house-sitter. To provide security and maintenance in exchange for housing. I’m looking for a permanent or long-term job position ideally in Northern mid USA. Excellent references, and resume available. Have 25 years’ experience. house sitting, security guard, handyman, pet-sitting/care, house cleaning, home repairs, painting, gardening, grounds care, and cooking. Can run errands in town. Have a clean driver’s license and background check. Smoke/drink/drug free. Quiet, able bodied, and reliable. Clean, quiet living quarters must go with above position. Available immediately. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]. Or visit my website for more information at [Contact info available to subscribers]

RN with top references available to provide property security, safety of seniors or pets, caregiving or caretaking, landscape maintenance (or supervision of crew), housekeeping, greenhouse management, hospitality, hiring and oversight of contractors, etc. Before nursing, I earned a Bachelor’s in Horticulture and Agriculture from Virginia Tech. I had a landscaping business in North Carolina. I prefer to stay in New England or NY. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Do you desire world travel but could use some help? Former teacher (children) and experienced senior caregiver (adults) offering travel companion services. Organized, Responsible, Intelligent, Caring, Non-Smoker. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers], or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

I’m a physically fit, strong, happy and healthy 40 + female writer, artist and musician. I love nature, animals and cooking. Have a valid driver’s license and bicycle. Available now, mid-June. Can move anywhere; depending on duration. Thorough, detailed, conscientious and resourceful for house-cleaning, painting, gardening, plant and animal care, heavy/tedious projects. Excel in portraiture: your family, pets or property. From Pennsylvania, lived in Europe. I write two blogs and am writing a book: require stable internet. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Highly dependable family of four seeks property caretaker position. Husband (38) and wife (36) share all duties – from general household repair and maintenance including electricity, plumbing and basic carpentry to intermediate landscaping with commercial equipment experience. Entire family knows general domestic duties. Must love animals – we have a small breed dog and two guinea pigs. Looking for housing/utilities plus monthly wage in exchange for full time management of your property. Long-term commitment 10+ years. Willing to relocate for right opportunity. Please call/text: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hello! I am a 59-year-old male (soon to be 60) looking for a full-time salaried position… in the past 30 years I have done a lot of side work including landscaping, a lot of roofing and interior repairs and updates. I have also roughly 15 years of caring for a local doctor/friend’s home and property. I have 35 plus years manufacturing experience 20 of which were in supervision although this past year I have been working for a company installing drop ceilings. I need to find the next adventure to take me through the next 20 years. You can contact me by phone at [Contact info available to subscribers] I look forward to hearing from you, Craig

Experienced couple seeking a long-term live-in property caretaker/personal assistant position for an aware and awake HNW individual or family. Please visit our website at https://bluesolshamanism.com/property-management/ for complete information. Contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Quiet couple seek a long-term house sitting or caretaking position in Austin, Texas. We have handyman, maintenance and technical skills and are very good at fixing things. We have experience with hospitality, pet care, gardening and landscaping. Will consider all types of housing. No kids, smoking, drinking, or drugs. We have one dog and one cat. Excellent references can be provided. Please email us at [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you.

Lesbian musician/recording artist/writer seeks a fresh start as caretaker, manager or companion. I recovered from Covid19, after building a 5-star reputation in luxury property management for 26 years in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have no dependents, pets or drama, and bring a tiny camper, guitars and minivan. I prefer California and Oregon, but will consider warm climates. Excellent references and proven talents in staffing, personal assistance, leadership, security and management. I am a private soul with a gregarious personality. I truly enjoy relationships and had a career as a mentor for self-awareness for 30 years. Prefer salary, but would consider offers and negotiate terms. Simple accommodations and kind, female owners suit me. I will manage your property, or simply share life’s challenges in a balanced, loving style with encouragement. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

I am a 44-year-old female in good health. I am currently live outside El Paso, TX and am looking for any opportunity preferably in the Southwest, but will consider WY, MT, UT (if seasonally). I was looking to either caretake/upkeep a place including but not limited to tend to cattle, horses, etc., yard, house, vehicles, equipment, etc. I don’t consider myself a Cowgirl nor a highly experienced rider, but I know my way around horses and am willing to learn. I’m very handy and can run tractors, skid steers, stick shift, back up a trailer, use power tools, chain saw, you name it. I can use reasoning skills and problem solve. And what I may not know I am a very fast learner. I can take instructions yet also run the show without my hand held. I would not mind also helping out an elder Rancher who may be better off with someone around to help out and also look after things (I’m not nurse per say material, but I can be around for safety). I can be a great side hand lady. I can help with cattle during day and cook/clean at night, etc. I have worked as a caretaker on a ranch in Wyoming in the past and have helped on a few ranches, raised a bunch of my own livestock as well. I do not drink, use drugs or have any criminal history. Salary is not all I’m looking for, I’m looking to fit in somewhere and help take care of things. I do come with two small dogs and a 10- year-old Mare and Gelding. I can email my resume upon request and can supply excellent references upon deciding if it would be a good fit for us all. You can email me at [Contact info available to subscribers]

My name is Paul; I am seeking a live-in caretaker/caregiver position in California only. Age 73. I’m looking for a permanent or long-term job position or work exchange. Excellent references, and resume available. 30 years’ experience. house sitting, security guard, handyman, pet-sitting/care, house cleaning, house carpentry/maintenance, wall painting, gardening, grounds care, light food prep and cooking. Can run errands in town and country with my van. I have current driver’s license and car insurance. Smoke/drink/drug free. “The caretaker/caregiver with the caring touch”. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

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Sunventure Partners

Own land and wish to explore developing it into a renewable energy project, but not sure where to start? We empower landowners on a consultative basis through the entire renewable energy project development life cycle in a flexible and exceptional manner in order to mitigate risk while maximizing return on investment. Please contact Tim Dilley, SunVenture Partners, at (651) 808-5805 or [Contact info available to subscribers]

Single, healthy, intelligent, hardworking caregiver/private chef/artist (F) seeks a live-in position for spring of 2020 forward. Short or long-term positions considered. Over 20 years of caregiving and hospitality experience. Seven years of live-in experience with pet/farm care and grounds/estate management. Skills in gardening and construction. Resides in Western NC, and open to relocation. Excellent references, resume available. Salary requested. Email: [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you for your consideration!

An Alternative to Costly Medical Insurance

Over the decades many of our advertisers and subscribers, both property owners and caretakers/house sitters, have discussed their healthcare situation and possible insurance options/alternatives with us. We have dropped our current medical insurance when the premiums jumped to $2,000 per month with a $12,000 annual deductible. We switched to $354/month healthcare program for my wife and I called Medi-Share. I wanted to send you some information about Medi-Share as I thought you might be interested in their affordable healthcare. Like us, you and your family could join their community of 400,000+ who share in each other’s medical burdens. Since 1993 more than $4 Billion in medical expenses have been shared and discounted by Medi-Share members. With Medi-Share you and your family won’t need to worry about the mandate to purchase health insurance or pay costly penalties and fees, members are exempt through a special provision in the Affordable Care Act. If you would like to learn more, please visit http://bit.ly/2M2LtUO or please call Myles Lilley who is a Member Development Specialist at Christian Care Ministry at 800-772-5623 extension 2224. I hope this helps! Take care, Gary C. Dunn, Publisher THE CARETAKER GAZETTE

For Sale: Unique property with ocean view on the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. If your dream is to live in the tropics, run your own bed and breakfast, have your own organic garden, or eco/green mini-resort, hostel or simply own your own piece of paradise it will be hard to find a better place to do it, or a better opportunity than this one. For more information, please email caretaker@caretaker.org with “Costa Rica Property For Sale” in the Subject Line.

Need to earn a living to support your travels? Want to “give back” by volunteering at state parks or wildlife refuges? Workers On Wheels can help you learn how and can help you find your perfect position. For Help Wanted ads, how-to articles, tips for finding the best jobs, and a community of people who are actually living the lifestyle you dream of, visit www.WorkersOnWheels.com and sign up for your free newsletter.

Communities Magazine has relaunched with the Global Ecovillage Network – United States (GEN-US)! We are continuing with the same quarterly frequency, in-depth articles, vibrant photography, networking opportunities, and content relevant to creating resilient, regenerative communities and collaborative solutions in this time of climate disruption. Please visit www.gen-us.net/communities to subscribe/contribute.

Arizona Cowboy has written true stories in four exciting and interesting books all about half a century on horseback. 2005, was the year the books closed on the Arizona, cattle and horse ranch named the DK Ranch. After nearly fifty years there as a cowhand, I had advanced as their chief honcho. During the start of the year 2005, the handwriting on the wall began and the books closed on this historic steer and horse ranch. I sadly, then, became my pen-name, The Last DK Cowboy. Read stories of true happenings during our daily work. Happily chasing steers over the open range while aboard bronco horses we were trying to make into usable cowponies. Join me by enjoying these true tales and later in the other books describing a rewarding, exciting life among wild cattle and wilder cowhands. Ridin’ out in Arizona’s beautiful, natural scenic wonders. These true tales, although unusual, are just as I recollect them. To all those who have ever dreamed of being a cowboy, here’s your chance to ride along with me as your side-kick and saddle pard. You can view an entertaining introduction with many colored pictures at lastdkcowboy.com or you can write to me at lastdkslashcowboy@gmail.com

BACKWOODSMAN MAGAZINE, unique in our field for the past 37 years. Specializing in Muzzleloading, Primitive Weapons, Primitive Archery, Leather Projects, Black Powder Cartridge Guns, Woodslore, Historical How To Projects, History, Woods Shelters, Indian Lore, & Much More. One year $25, 2 years $48, 3 years $67. Sample $6. Backwoodsman Magazine, Box 1740, Fulton, TX 78358.