The Caretaker Gazette July / August 2022

Alabama

CARETAKER COUPLE WANTED. Seeking a stable couple to assist with land and home caretaking in exchange for free lodging in a brand new three bedroom/two bathroom furnished mobile home on the same premises as the landowner property in Helena, AL. Includes dishes, washer/dryer, appliances, beds, living room furnishings, TV’s, and more. The caretaker couple will be responsible for paying power, internet, and cable TV, water service is provided. The husband’s duties include: weekend/evening grass cutting and general home maintenance (all lawn equipment, riding mowers, tractors, tools, etc. provided). Must have general experience with maintenance, tools, and equipment. The wife’s duties include: weekly housekeeping, and some meal preparation from time to time. Children and pets are welcome. We are in the McAdory School zone. To arrange for an interview, interested parties should text [Contact info available to subscribers].

Alaska

ALASKA OPPORTUNITY: Now taking applications for summer caretaker-helpers on our gorgeous 600 acre ‘homestead’ near amazing Homer, Alaska. All kinds of skills useful; carpentry, power tools, chainsaws, mechanics, saw milling, farm equipment, dump truck and dozer operators, gardening, rock masonry, orchardist, lawn care. Lots of projects this summer! Several accommodations available; off grid tiny house located at the orchard, shared basement apartment/bunkhouse with amenities for singles or couple, off grid cabin at our private beach property (has a hot tub), a second basement apartment with amenities at another location. Help needed now through September/October. A stipend will be available for over 20 hours/week. A vehicle may be available or bring your own. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

CAMPGROUND HOST needed near Valdez, Alaska, this summer (minimum mid-June – end of July) 2022. Your own RV will be required. Free campsite and some pay for facilities and guest care at beautiful Blueberry Lake Campgrounds (No RV hookups, Wi-Fi, and limited phone). Enjoy stunning views, fishing, hiking, wildlife, cooking out, quiet for napping and reading. The site has communal vault toilets, and a water hand pump. Personal picnic table, fire ring. We provide for the host: storage space, kayak, bikes, and tank dumping nearby. Bring your own paddleboard/other gear. Dogs are welcome. Located 24 miles to town. For more information and to apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Arizona

[Contact info available to subscribers] is seeking a live-in caretaking couple to help on our rural property in northern Arizona. Seeking assistance with property maintenance, organic garden, small vineyard, landscaping and BnB house cleaning. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] To learn more and see photos, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

BECOME AN IMPORTANT PART of a beautiful non-profit Animal Sanctuary in Eagar. Caretaker needed immediately for a 20 acre ranch. We are searching for a quiet, calm, non-smoking person. Fifteen hours a week to take care of nine horses, nine chickens, a very friendly rooster and free eggs included. References required. We can discuss those details if you are interested in applying. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

FULL-TIME RANCH CARETAKER couple needed at a family ranch in the Rimrock area. The job involves lawn mowing, sprinkling, irrigation ditch maintenance, house cleaning and upkeep, handyman work, and feeding the livestock. Housing offered along with a salary of $45,000 – $50,000. To apply, please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A SIX ROOM TUCSON B&B, close to the University of Arizona, seeks an experienced two person Innkeeper team to operate and live on-site with your own car. This year round position starts now and includes a competitive compensation package. Guest services include end-to-end lodging cycle tasks. Maintain reservations, define and execute marketing plans, provide personalized check-in/out, cook daily three-course breakfast, day-to-day housekeeping, housekeeping support, housekeeping supply re-stocking, breakfast foods and supplies re-stocking, and property, landscape and pool maintenance. Manage all aspects of the guest experience from initial reservation to their 5 Star review. Manage the reservation system, B&B home systems and applications. Manage OTA’s. Manage daily/nightly site security. Seek new local partnerships and maintain existing partnerships. Applicants required to provide a photo ID and a driver’s license, resume and references. No pets. Check out our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] and then email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A BEAUTIFUL HOBBY RANCH in the Southern Arizona Mountains seeks an animal caretaker for dogs, cats, goats, sheep, alpaca, cows, chickens, peacocks… but mainly the dogs. Will involve cleanup chores and running a floor machine. You will need your own camper trailer, and vet tech experience is a plus. You will need to live on site and be flexible on the schedule. Fifth wheel accommodations will be provided for you. Looking for like-minded people to have a peaceful low drama living and working environment. You can bring own horse or ride ours. Applicants must be able to pass a background check. You can apply by emailing [Contact info available to subscribers]

Letters to the Editor

Hi Gary, I just accepted a caretaking position out of your May/June Gazette issue, and have committed to be in the absentee property owner’s home for at least a year. I don’t want to be tempted by other caretaker opportunities that you will be publishing over the next year. Is there any way to put my subscription on hold for a while? Please let me know. Thanks in advance for all you do at the Gazette. Sincerely, Michael R., Sarasota, FL

Hi Michael, congratulations on getting another caretaker position in Florida! We can help any subscriber by putting an active subscription on hold, and then wait for that subscriber to contact us in the future to restart their subscription. I see that you have four issues left on your Gazette subscription, so we will deactivate your subscription today, and place a hold on it with a note that you have four issues left on your Gazette subscription. You can contact us again in the future when you are ready for us to reactivate your account here with your four remaining issues.

Thanks to our caretaker-wanted ad, we now have two wonderful caretakers living on our retreat. We provide the caretakers with the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet and volunteer their labors to make it possible for teachers to offer an affordable retreat time to their students. The first couple I had through our previous ad with you, were the best ones I have had. So good news from your publication: results! Happy days. Judith S., Ely, MN

Judith, I’m glad to hear that your caretaker-wanted ad in the Gazette resulted in positive responses to help you with your property needs there. It sounds like your property will be in good hands. Please spread the good word about the Gazette to other property owners in your area who can use it.

Hi Gary, hope you and your family are doing well. I have not received any periodic email updates from The Caretaker Gazette for quite some time and I do believe my subscription is still good. Would appreciate your response. Thanks! Jennifer P., Long Beach, CA

Hi Jennifer, thanks for writing. We email updates to your gmail.com email address every week. Sometimes email providers such as gmail.com inadvertently put emails in the Spam Folder. If you find our email updates in your Spam Folder, check the little box next to our email update and then toward the top of your screen, click on “Not spam” so our updates arrive in your Inbox and not your Spam folder. You can also log into your account anytime, and you can see the latest email update that we emailed to you right on your Welcome Back page after you log in.

I’ve noticed that many caretaker job listings in the Gazette contain only an email address for readers to use when responding to the ad. This is very frustrating because I don’t have a computer and have to drive to my local library to use their computer to answer various ads. Can you do anything about this? Leon S. Stratton, CO

Leon, I wish we could include all the details in each listing, but we don’t control the landowners who place their own ads in the Gazette. When we have asked many of the landowners to include their phone number and/or address, some of them have said that they value their privacy and prefer to remain somewhat confidential with just their email address. Others have said they only want an email address in their listing to screen out applicants who don’t use email, since one of their requirements is to have the caretaker send a regular email message to the landowner regarding the status of their property. We have no control over the way landowners want to advertise with us. I hope you understand.

Arkansas

house sitter WANTED from July 15 through September 1, 2022. We are looking for a mature single, or couple (no children please) who are healthy 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 out of the country. No pets, no smoking, and the house sitter must have a car in good working condition. Our guesthouse is large and modern with a full bath, small kitchen, and a new washer and dryer. You 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]

Australia

FULL-TIME, LIVE-IN CARETAKER COUPLE needed on Fraser Island, off the eastern Queensland coast. This caretaker position is open now and includes free accommodation in a private two bedroom cabin on Fraser Island, unpaid. The caretaker’s cabin is well away from the rentals with a lounge room, kitchen, laundry, and bathroom veranda with BBQ and table and chairs, ceiling fans, and a fire pit. The duties and responsibilities for this unpaid position are: you would be living there as the caretaker on the block with two houses on 1.5 acres of land; keep the two houses clean inside and out once a week (about eight hours work in that job) per couple; keep the grass mowed with a ride-on mower and garden work (about one hour a week) per couple; general handyman duties around the property (about two hours a week) per couple. In total the work to be done around the property would take roughly about 11 hours a week. No animals are allowed on the island. You must like living in a very remote part of the island (Fraser Island). You must have handyman skills and cleaning skills must have a four-wheel drive car. If you are looking for a short-term caretaking position – this isn’t for you, we are looking long-term only. It’s a great place to relax in all the spare time you will have, oceans, surf fishing, calm water fishing, salt water rock pools for swimming close by, freshwater lakes and rainforests. There will be plenty of time if you need to leave the island now and then – that is not a problem. Other than your normal living costs you have to pay for nothing. Once a month we pay for the barge and fuel for you to be able to get your supplies. Local caretaker couples should call [Contact info available to subscribers] with any questions.

MY HUSBAND AND I OPERATE A TOURIST ATTRACTION, retail shop and cafe on Kangaroo Island. We are looking for a couple with their own RV who are looking to enjoy beautiful Kangaroo Island for a while. We would like someone to start ASAP. We are wanting someone to help with our grounds man and cleaning jobs for about one hour each morning, five days a week in exchange for power, water, gas and laundry facilities. Depending on your skills there will be paid work. We have plenty that needs doing in many areas plus help in the shop and cafe. We will provide an area for you to live that will be next to a laundry, toilet and shower block on our farm. South Australian applicants should call [Contact info available to subscribers].

LIVE-IN CARETAKERS POSITION AVAILABLE. Misty Mountains is situated on 100 beautiful acres of rainforest at Bellenden Ker, set in the foothills of Wooroonooran National Park and 15 minutes away from the Babinda Village (45 minutes from Cairns, Queensland). This position would ideally suit a semi-retired/retired couple wanting to enjoy the beauty of nature in a rainforest setting. If you are used to city noises this will be a treat as the only sounds you’ll hear are early morning Kookaburras laughing and a variety of birds singing across the forest. If you are lucky you may see a cassowary or two, butterflies and small lizards abound. A short walk leads to a small flowing river suitable for bathing. The position comes with a self-contained, air conditioned, furnished unit to live in on the property with all linen provided, access to laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and Netflix. There is also a garage for your vehicle when no guests are on the property. Phone coverage is limited but access via messenger is available. The position is to caretake the unique homestead and rainforest retreat accommodation and assist with general maintenance of the property such as mowing, pool cleaning/maintenance, gardening and general maintenance so you will need to be able to demonstrate proficiency using power tools, chainsaw, whipper snipper, zero turn ride on mower skills, as well as chook pen and veggie patch upkeep for one person and general housekeeping with an eye to detail for the homestead and guests for the other person. You will need to be physically fit as the property is not flat, a self-starter, be able to prioritize work and work autonomously as well as a team, 2 to 2.5 hours per day each (four to five hours total) five days a week, and in return will be provided with a generous weekly allowance to be negotiated with the successful candidates depending on skill levels. You will need to be flexible and available for weekend work should the changeover of guests coincide with a weekend. Preference is for stays of a minimum of three months but we are open to longer periods for the right couple. Preference will be given to non-smokers and definitively no pets allowed or children, as this is an adults only retreat. If you are in Australia and interested in applying, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]. Note: Access to the property is via a three kilometer narrow gravel road within a rainforest setting, so it is not suitable for either a caravan, motorhome or camper.

VOLUNTEER CARETAKER NEEDED at [Contact info available to subscribers] (Tomato Island), Limmen National Park, Northern Territory. Do you love camping, fishing and exploring National Parks? Are you great with people and at ease in remote areas? Are you looking for a holiday with a difference? Then we have just the volunteer opportunity for you! Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife are seeking a Volunteer Caretaker to help with general duties at the remote [Contact info available to subscribers] on the Roper River in Limmen National Park. [Contact info available to subscribers] is a popular campground accessible to independent campers and caravaners, especially in the busy dry season from April to October… and it has some of the best Barramundi fishing in the Northern Territory! Volunteers need to be independent, experienced in campground hosting or caretaking and comfortable in remote areas. Air conditioned accommodation is provided and the caretakers will receive a free campground pass to NTG managed parks and reserves as a thank you for their efforts. Duties include: mowing, daily cleaning of amenities, weed control, brush cutting, welcoming visitors, providing basic visitor information and reporting any issues through to the Rangers who are responsible for the management of the Park. A minimum four week placement is preferred. Volunteers will be required to have a National Police Check and First Aid training which will be reimbursed to approved volunteers during the placement (not required to apply). Proof of Covid-19 vaccination status is also required. Approximately four hours per day is spent volunteering with the rest of your day free to fish, relax or explore. Training and induction will be provided by Park Rangers. For further information about this position please contact the [Contact info available to subscribers].

Belize

WANTED, two persons or a couple to experience COVID Free tropical living in southern Belize by caretaking [Contact info available to subscribers]. Request a three to four week commitment any time from March to November. If you have Peace Corp experience or served in the military it would definitely be a plus. Even though we have the place for sale, it does not preclude us from visiting friends and family in Hawaii and California. If you are wondering why we are selling [Contact info available to subscribers], you can Google [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

California

ONSITE SEASONAL LODGE GENERAL MANAGER NEEDED for a rustic lakefront lodge in Kit Carson, California. A seasonal lodge General Manager is needed for our lakefront lodge that offers three-meal dining, marina rentals, and a general store. The General Manager’s season is until October 31. The lodge closes October 15. There is the potential to stay full-time as we are buying a nearby winter-season lodge. Requirements: Prior seasonal General Manager experience with a rustic lodge or resort, of at least 20-rooms, with multiple outlets including restaurant, store, and activity rentals. Experience supervising cross-trained department leads: lodging, restaurant, rentals, store, and maintenance. Must be a hands-on team player. Able to commit to remain in position until October 31 and, ideally, able and willing to consider moving to a nearby winter season lodge for year-round employment. Compensation: $6,000 per month, paid hourly. Housing and utilities are included. Please submit your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

SINGLE GENERAL CARETAKER needed in Valley Center, California on a small animal rescue ranch. This is a long-term position. Trailer live-in, and utilities paid in exchange for a ranch caretaker. You will need to have strong handyman skills and know irrigation. No drinking or smoking. Extra work past this exchange available at $100 a day. A separate large deck project can be negotiated. For more information, please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER NEEDED for a beautiful 40 acre ranch in Upper Ojai, California. Looking for a live-in caretaker (couples welcome too) to manage this amazing residential property. Agriculture, landscape, groundskeeping, and irrigation experience are a must. Willing to get your hands dirty and tend to gardens, orchards, maintenance of the property, and repairs around the homes. Oversee and assist with renovations, manage minimal staff, organize, use a computer, resourceful, with handyman knowledge, i.e., electrical, plumbing, and can do all of the various projects around the property or find the right people who can. Knows how to operate a tractor, self-starter, can troubleshoot, and solve challenges. Willing to do errands, ensure all of the needed supplies are on hand. Comfortable greeting guests and making sure visiting our ranch is a delightful experience. Must drive, be English speaking, Spanish a plus, but not mandatory. We want our home to feel like yours and as busy professionals we need reliable, honest experienced help! Dog friendly, no smoking, athletic, not afraid to take on new projects, creative ideas, easy going a must. We want someone who takes great pride in their work and will take on all of the duties that need attention. No livestock or horses just two beautiful dogs. Salary $80,000 + work truck provided. Looking for someone from Ojai County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County or the neighboring areas. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

TREE WORK/FOREST THINNING needed on a private property in exchange for a beautiful and quiet place to stay in your RV this summer (or longer) in the foothills of Northern California. Must be experienced, motivated and hard-working. Optional: help with weed-eating and pond management (cattails and algae). We are very private and quiet people and are looking for the same. Must be a non-smoker. No drugs. Bring your own RV. Porta-Potty provided. Water but no electricity. Garden space and pasture available. Will share raw milk from a dairy cow, garden produce and eggs. This position is available now, near Placerville. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers], a duck hunting club located in Northern California’s Suisun Marsh, seeks a year-round, on-site caretaker. Working couples or singles are welcome to apply (provided you meet the job duties required). Duties include preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner two days per week during duck season (typically three months, from late October through late January) and maintenance of the house and grounds, handling purchasing and shopping for meals during duck season, and for house supplies year-round, operation and monitoring of water control gates, operation and monitoring of fresh water conversion system for the house, maintenance and care of club grounds, including field work, some knowledge of the use of tractors and implements like mowers, v-ditchers, discs, etc. are a substantial bonus for the position, light maintenance of club equipment, tractor, 4-wheelers, etc., maintaining the overall security of the club property. Handyman-like skills are a very strong plus. Salary will be dependent on experience and capabilities. Free housing and utilities in a 2-bedroom house will be provided. Hunting privileges are not allowed. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LANDSITTER NEEDED for off-the-grid living in Hivista, CA. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

FREE ROOM AND BOARD AVAILABLE for a single caretaker, groundskeeper, maintenance person. Looking for a full-time, live-in person to care for a two acre property. The work hours are somewhat flexible. We are in a wonderful part of Fresno, east of town out in the country. It’s wonderfully peaceful. General property maintenance, pool, and pond maintenance, as well as yard maintenance are helpful as well. Work will be in exchange for a free room and board and use of this wonderful property, and grounds. Single occupancy only, and sorry, no pets. On-site interviews will begin soon. To apply, please email your resume first to [Contact info available to subscribers].

RANCH CARETAKER POSITION AVAILABLE in exchange for a cabin in Pleasant Valley, CA. Experience preferred for this ranch caretaker opportunity. Three horses and three dogs need to be cared for five days a week in exchange for the one bedroom/one bathroom cabin (occasional weekends too). Weed eating/wood cutting/fence repairing needed on the nine acre ranch (five acres are usable). $80 a month for electricity. Hoping to find someone who can move in next weekend and can start immediately. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER(S) NEEDED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Beautiful natural environment, individual or couple considered. Organized, including some office and computer work, and organic gardening. Some animal care, light cleaning and healthy food preparation. Any building construction and handyman skills are a big plus. Willing to relocate. Appreciate email and phone contact information. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

A FULL-TIME DAIRY COW RANCH CARETAKER is needed in Trabuco Canyon. Responsibilities include caring for cows, and maintaining the barn. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, and milking the cow. Clean and maintain the animal housing areas. Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. A minimum of 1+ years’ experience is required. Must have a good attitude and be able to get along with others. Must have your own transportation. Looking for compassionate, full-time helpers. Salary will be $24,000, and housing may be offered. To apply, please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN DOMESTIC COUPLE OR ONE PERSON NEEDED in Pacific Palisades. A couple or individual who is legal, vaccinated, honest, with a valid driver’s license, is needed for a live-in position with a WLA family (large property, three adults, animals, and an informal lifestyle). The job requirements are cooking, housekeeping, handy person skills, and some chauffeuring and car maintenance. Need to be English speaking, non-smoking, and experienced with solid references. Work five days a week, Tuesday, Saturday. A salary of $80,000 a year (for a couple), plus benefits, provided. The couple/person would live for free (housing, electricity, gas and internet provided) in a recently redone 800 sq. ft. one bedroom cabin, with full bath and kitchen. Serious inquiries only please. Please send your resume or work history and qualifications to April, with “LIVE-IN” in the Subject line to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Canada

house sitter NEEDED. Would you like to spend this summer in Montreal? We are a retired couple looking for a house sitter to stay in our home and care for our two dogs (poodles) while we are in Europe. We will be gone from June 15 until October 1. Our comfortable two bedroom condo is near the Montreal Botanical Garden. We have a pool that is shared with other people living in our condominium complex. We live in a quiet neighborhood, close to shopping, and you can use our bicycles when we’re gone. The only chores you would have would be caring for our dogs and keeping the house clean. Please email us at [Contact info available to subscribers] with your information so you can be considered for this house/pet-sit position.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME, live in (or live out) Family Assistant at the residence of a family in Vancouver, BC (in the Kitsilano area). Trustworthy, discreet, and responsible, you will assist the mother with the smooth daily operations of the residence. The right candidate is proactive, energetic, and detail-oriented, as well as adaptable, flexible, and able to meet requirements, always with the family’s wellbeing at heart. You will travel with the family to domestic and international destinations. Household duties will include: keeping the house tidy – kitchen, playroom, bedrooms, children’s bedrooms, help with general organization, assistance with laundry, trash and recycling management, keeping the car interior clean, help with general childcare, as needed, including projects and schoolwork with the children, help with meal preparation, help to prepare healthy snacks, assist with the management of the pantry and fridge and restocking as needed, running errands, and handling general requests as needed. Requirements are a minimum of three years of similar work experience, have a strong work ethic and communication skills, professional, discreet and maintain confidentiality at all times, must have a current legal working status in Canada, must have up to date CPR certification, must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and you must like dogs. This is a smoke-free environment. Please email resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Colorado

TELLURIDE PERSONAL ASSISTANT POSITION AVAILABLE. This position has a salary up to $75,000 with housing, health insurance, and two weeks paid vacation. The work includes: organization, running errands, gardening, house cleaning, light ranch work, occasional cooking, caring for pets and houseplants, etc. If interested, please email a short cover letter, resume and photo to [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SUMMER HELP on a private fishing retreat located in the heart of Colorado on the Taylor River. We have a few openings from housekeeping, gardening, waitstaff, and lawn maintenance. We have limited housing and will work with any situation we can. We have excellent pay and gas allowance. This is a very beautiful place and wonderful environment to spend the summer. Please contact us with any questions by calling [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE ON THE PROPERTY IN DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado. Clean, quiet, well maintained two bedroom, one bathroom home to trade for part-time caretaker/handyman projects and maintenance. Work averages 20 hours per week. Schedule is flexible but you must be able to feed and clean for two horses twice daily five days a week. You should be a homebody who loves quiet country life, not afraid to work in all kinds of weather. Duties include lawn and pasture mowing, brush mitigation, snow removal, barn and corral cleaning, plus other similar chores, maintenance work, occasional errands, and minor repairs. You must be able to operate a tractor and power tools and do all the light maintenance on the equipment. You must know how to work around horses, work safely, and be reliable and honest. This is an ideal job for a person who has a pension or works from home. This is not a job for someone who needs to commute to work in town. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

Connecticut

I NEED A RELIABLE house sitter who loves cats to stay in my Fairfield County home from July 1 through September 30. I have four 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.

HELP NEEDED starting June 1. A charming one bedroom apartment attached to a gorgeous historic Colonial home, surrounded by a wooded wonderland in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. Lots of privacy, a perfect place to work on your own project. Single or couple who could work halftime for the estate in return for housing with all utilities and possible additional hours for an hourly rate of $25. Basic home maintenance indoors and outside. Lawn and gardening skills are essential. Applicants must have recent caretaking experience with excellent references from employers. Hospitality skills are also a plus for help with part-time renters. Also required is a Covid 19 vaccination with booster and clean background check. Please send your cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

England

LIVE-IN COUPLE REQUIRED near Cambridge and Newmarket. We are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging couple to join a small team looking after a country house and park, as well as the family. A two bedroom lodge cottage onsite, with a small garden, is included. The principal roles are to include driving, grounds maintenance, housekeeping, plus some cooking and help with administration. You would also need to help with security around the property and help look after the family’s dogs. Tasks (divided between the couple depending on experience and capability) include general driving duties in the owner’s vehicles, supporting the existing gardeners/groundskeepers to maintain the garden, park and woodland on the property (about 120 acres), help with general housekeeping duties, including cleaning, laundry and some cooking, helping with administration and the day-to-day management of the house, including co-ordination of contractors, help with security around the property, and help feeding/exercising the family’s dogs. The successful candidates will need to be: engaging, with good interpersonal and communication skills, experienced team players who work well with others, including third-party contractors and the local community, confident and proactive self-starters who are alert and able to spot when something needs to be done, and polite and friendly. We anticipate this will be the equivalent of either two full-time roles or one full-time and one part-time role. The exact division of roles and hours between the couple will depend on capability and experience. Some roles/duties may be shared. Pension contributions will be paid into a NEST or other officially recognized pension fund, 21 days annual leave, plus statutory holidays. References will be required. Please apply by mailing your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

France

CARETAKERS REQUIRED for a private French country property situated in the Loire Valley. This would suit a non-smoking couple who ideally have had experience of living in France along with a basic understanding of the French language. Duties include the maintenance of the grounds and basic housekeeping. The salaried position offers paid holiday and independent accommodation. The owners are generally resident for around six months each year. References will be required. Please apply by mailing your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Georgia

FARM CARETAKER NEEDED at an 88 acre family farm in northwest Georgia. A couple (or individual) is needed part-time, to live-in, and work five hours daily in the mornings. Must be experienced, and have references. Requirements: Equipment maintenance/upkeep, landscaping, small chicken house, gardens, fencing, road (gravel) maintenance/home repairs/some driving and auto maintenance. A nice two bedroom home (you pay utilities) plus $500 – $600 month salary depending on experience, provided in exchange for seven days a week work, five hours daily. Must be physically fit. Prefer a couple but will consider a single individual. No smokers or drinkers. A background, driving, and criminal check required. This is a long-term position. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hawaii

LIVE ON THE SPECTACULAR HAMAKUA COAST of the Big Island of Hawaii. Couple needed, (either a man and woman or two women) to take care of our 93-year-old mother, as well as maintain the property (four buildings and the grounds). Driver’s license and car required. The couple would have their own private bedroom and bath in mom’s cottage. At 93, mom’s main issue is mobility. She is a fall risk and requires someone to assist with her walking. The couple needs to prepare her meals, help with bathing and dressing, social engagement, and occasional trips to town, shopping, and doctors. Property maintenance includes cleaning of hales, mowing lawns, tending to trees and plants. Come plant your own garden and vegetables. Live off the Aina. $1,000/week plus room and board. Only serious inquiries please. Contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN FARMWORKER AND KITCHEN HELP NEEDED in Kilauea, Kaua’i, Hawaii. This is a unique opportunity for a reliable, energetic self-starter to learn and grow with a small family farm on Kaua’i. Must love animals and have some background in kitchen work. Driver’s license required for deliveries. Help with garden, orchard, farmers’ markets, and milking goats. General animal care, barn maintenance, and similar ranch jobs. We are also beekeepers and would love to have someone experienced with bees! We offer comfortable, modest housing with Wi-Fi access. It is a small cottage with a full-kitchen and bathroom. Furnished with all you need, but suitable for one person only. All utilities are included. Limited use of an on-farm vehicle for shopping, etc. We encourage employees to acquire their own vehicles. We own two beautiful properties on the island of Kaua’i. We are only a few miles away from beautiful beaches. We are four miles from the nearest small town for shopping and ten miles from supermarkets and commercial shopping. Food processing and packaging three days each week. Hours will vary each week – between 35 – 40. The job will require a minimum of four 2-hour milking shifts weekly. Two days off weekly. Our hourly salary starts at $14.00. Farm produce available and a discount on value-added products such as cheese, kitchen specialties, etc. We employ three full-time workers and two to three interns at the orchard property. Definitely will give preference to candidates seeking a long-term position, and currently living in Hawaii. Proof of Covid 19 Vaccination required. To learn more please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

ALOHA FROM THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII. Escape to the tropics. Our 2.25-acre estate in Kona is in need of an individual who can care for its landscape, gardens, and general maintenance. This commitment is for a minimum of 90 days, but a longer-term position could be possible, if all parties are content. This position is available now. If hired, one can expect round trip airfare from your nearest U.S. major airport to Kona, Hawaii. While on the property, we will provide you with private hi-end accommodations with cable and Wi-Fi, maid service once a week for bedding, gourmet breakfast and dinner, and a negotiated stipend. Lastly, we will occasionally give you free use of a vehicle to explore the island. This is a “work for hire” position and does not imply employment. You must carry health and auto insurance for yourself. We are in one of the most beautiful parts of Hawaii, and I believe in the world. We are seeking a self-motivated, organized, in shape and strong, and very tidy and clean individual, who will work 32+ hours a week to upkeep our estate’s land, agriculture, and gardens. We are willing to train in our procedures, but you must have experience. There are occasions where we have to do a little sanding and painting, and pressure washing. We live in a jungle, where it is absolutely necessary to spray herbicides and insecticides. We do our best to be as organic as possible. You must be proficient and competent in using a commercial mower, weed eater, blower, hedge trimmer, chain saw, pole chain saw, and silky pole saw. We use mostly Stihl equipment, and have an ECHO weed eater, and a commercial mower by Honda. This equipment will be your responsibility to maintain, and you should be able to do light repairs on them. You will have to tend to all fertilizing and weed maintenance. You must be competent in installing, maintaining, and repairing irrigation. We use Toro products. We have over 60 different fruit and spice trees, and edible berries and bushes, vegetable and herb gardens, and a ¾ acre botanical garden with rare palms, Heliconia, and Gingers. We are in the process of adding three lotus and lily ponds in mid-2022. It is fabulous, but it is hard work to maintain all of them. If you love plants and the outdoors, this is your dream job. Do not fool yourself, it is hard work, but well worth it. The property has a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. It is a spectacular place. If you feel this position might be your calling, please send me your resume and a list of references. I will review them and give you a call to set up an interview time. I can do FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom. Please have one of these options available for your interviews. No drug use or smoking of any kind, and we expect responsible alcohol use! We do not accept applicants with children or pets. All applicants will be subject to background checks. You may contact me, [Contact info available to subscribers] for questions. Please forward resumes and references to [Contact info available to subscribers] and include the terms “House of Kona, caretakers” in the subject line of your email. Responses should be received within 48 hours. Aloha and mahalo!

ALOHA FROM THE BIG ISLAND. Seeking a reliable, stable couple (non-smokers/drug users) by July 1, 2022 for managers here in paradise. Caretake/manage ten acre coffee farm with four Airbnbs. Must have prior hospitality experience (preferably in Hawaii) for managing the farm/Airbnbs. Must love what you do and have customer service skills. You both have great communication skills and are strong, healthy and active. One has handyman and construction skills (carpentry, painting, and plumbing/electrical repair) and landscaping, pruning, mowing, etc. The other has great people skills, a neat/clean aesthetic and deals with Airbnb guests seven days/week. You handle the Airbnb website, bookings, maintain/clean Airbnbs and are familiar with computers, QuickBooks, and the Airbnb website and pay farm bills. The couple does gardening, landscaping, pick up supplies in town, keep buildings in good repair and does small upgrades to the structures. Includes mowing, weed whacking, pruning, etc., and no work on the coffee trees. In exchange for 60 hours/week (total combined for the couple), we provide a two bedroom home with spectacular ocean views with a huge lanai. The farm is a calm, spiritual, quiet, old Hawaiian farm/Airbnb, five minutes from snorkeling with Spinner Dolphins. Utilities included, plus internet cable/Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, vegetable garden to share, seasonally available fruit, our Kona coffee, reimbursed for mileage when using your truck on farm errands and dump runs, plus a monthly stipend geared to your experience level and increases over time. Please send resumes only to [Contact info available to subscribers] We will promptly respond.

Iceland

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED in the forest in the Far East of Iceland from September 3 to September 18, 2022. [Contact info available to subscribers] volunteers will be working on a project in the beautiful Hallormsstaoaskogur National Forest doing nature and environment-oriented tasks. Hallormsstaoaskogur is the largest wooded area of the country. The reforestation of the area has been going on since a protection law was passed in 1899. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible by good hiking trails. The area offers a great variety of trails, such as one through the deepest valley of the country and one up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent. Small streams run through the land where visitors can cool down on warm summer days. The Eastfjords is a region with a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. The wild reindeer of Iceland are found here; the herd counts between three and four thousand animals. [Contact info available to subscribers] has been cooperating with the Icelandic Forest Service and our groups of volunteers have been helping out for some years, with very good results for the participants, the projects and the Icelandic nature conservation and reforestation efforts. The main tasks will be to maintain hiking paths, build stairs, make and put up signs. Volunteers will also put up benches and tables in the forest. Other tasks will be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near hiking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the surroundings and in addition our volunteers’ work helps to improve safety for visitors. Last but not least, volunteers can explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free-time activities arranged in cooperation with our local project host. No previous experience is necessary, but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and/or rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend bringing good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (under layers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats), as most of the tasks and activities take place outside. Volunteers will sleep in beds in a house belonging to the Icelandic Forest Service. The house is fully equipped. Please bring your own sleeping bag. For more info please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Idaho

CARETAKER NEEDED IMMEDIATELY in Northern Idaho. Trade housing for caretaking the property and keeping the animals safe and cared for. You will also need to keep any trespassers off the property. Free rent, power, water, Wi-Fi, use of the land line – all provided to the caretaker. Please call either [Contact info available to subscribers], and as I am a truck driver and on the road a lot, please leave a message if I don’t answer. Thanks.

NORTH IDAHO CARETAKER NEEDED. Need a single part-time caretaker to assist with property maintenance, improvements, forest stewardship, tree planting, woodwork, handyman, etc. on 130 beautiful forested acres with meadows and a creek near Spirit Lake, Idaho with three homes on the acreage. The caretaker would reside on our acreage in a completely private and secluded 26-foot 5th-wheel trailer in excellent condition, with an attached deck and yard by the creek, in a beautiful spot. Must pass a very thorough background check, be a non-smoker, no illegal drugs, and honesty is a must. Rent, utilities, high-speed Starlink internet, and a monthly stipend provided. Please call [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. An ideal background would be in: housekeeping, 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.), and event planning like weddings. In exchange, you will be provided with a house (separate from the main residence), free utilities/rent, and use of a vehicle. Quality of life – living the dream. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Ireland

COUPLE NEEDED for a newly-converted, eight-bedroom farmhouse in County Limerick. Responsibilities will include having the full responsibility for gardens/property maintenance and land – 90 acres, possible care for thoroughbred horses, security, overseeing contractors, housekeeping including fine art and antiques, occasional cooking/driving for the principal, and various errands. The farm is mostly organic. Accommodation will be a one bedroom cottage, and a car will be available for your use. The work schedule is 40 hours over 5½ days. The salary will be €60,000 per year. Please apply by mailing your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Kansas

CARETAKER NEEDED AT LAKE EDUN. Responsible person needed to care for 65 acres about two miles southwest of Topeka. Duties include meeting guests, trail maintenance, watering, spraying Poison Ivy, etc. Full-time through September. Hours can be flexible. Weekends are required. For more information, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]. This is a unique job in a beautiful location for a responsible person able to work with minimum supervision. Any applicant must be able to accept this level of responsibility.

Maryland

FULL-TIME, YEAR ROUND, LIVE-IN CARETAKER needed ASAP (my current caretaker is moving out) to check mail, to keep covers on my cars, housekeeping, and oversee the property. Located on six acres in Bishopville, Maryland, five minutes from Ocean City. Looking for a single person only, no couples. Female preferred. Free housing provided. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER NEEDED. 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.

GORGEOUS COUNTRY ESTATE, close to DC and Virginia, seeks live-in innkeeper(s). Upscale property with eight suites – hosts weddings and events. Responsibilities include receiving guests, assisting wedding parties and with wedding events, housekeeping, shopping, light landscaping and maintenance, and breakfast preparation/service. This is an ideal job for a single person or a couple. Transportation required. Culinary/hospitality/event or gardening interests are a plus – not requirement. Base pay plus incentive provided. Please email your resume and photo to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Massachusetts

MASSACHUSETTS SUMMER CAMP FACILITIES MANAGER wanted for a year-round live-in position at a Girls Camp on 250 acres in Western Massachusetts. Excellent salary and benefits and on-site housing provided. Experience and knowledge or able to learn plumbing, carpentry, equipment repair and maintenance, landscaping, minor electrical repair, water and sewer systems. Maintain roads and buildings during off-season and clear snow off roads and buildings immediately after any snow storms. Supervises Camp maintenance/summer maintenance staff and contractors and provide direction in daily operations, action plans, and safety awareness. Please check out our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] To apply, please email your resume or questions to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Minnesota

ON SITE CARETAKER COUPLE TEAM NEEDED in Brainerd. Looking for an onsite caretaker couple/team for 24 apartments. Must have exceptional customer service skills and be able to communicate well with others. Must possess good problem solving skills. Must pass BCA criminal background check and finger printing. This position will require some light maintenance/repair jobs and cleaning. Compensation for this position is free rent ($10,200) for a spacious two bedroom, one bathroom apartment with a detached garage, plus monthly bonus structure (up to $400 per month) and an option for additional hourly maintenance/repair work (as needed). We will be accepting resumes for this position until filled. To apply, please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Property Caretaker Profile

Domestic Couple – Working for the ultra-wealthy: Michael and Mary Younts Interests: Mike: Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, snow shoeing, writing, cars, motorcycles, aircraft and my beloved Jeep. Mary: Hiking, biking, kayaking, knitting, cooking. Quote: “Wherever you go, there you are” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mike and Mary with the dogs on the Aspen property

I’m not sure exactly how we arrived at the idea of being caretakers, but once we started reading The Caretaker Gazette ads for Domestic Couple positions working for the ultra-wealthy, the hook was set. When we saw the kind of money that we could make, the kind of places we could live and the fringe benefits, we knew we wanted in. I’d spent a good part of my working life wearing a suit and working in an office. I worked as an Account Executive for a Video Production company, a Marketing Director, and I ran a company that did animation. But the truth was – I never really liked working in an office. I was always kind of a gearhead, liked mechanical things and loved being outdoors. So in 1989 I bought a coin operated pay telephone company which I ran for eight years until cell phones started taking over. After that I started a small used car dealership specializing in European cars. I really loved tinkering with cars but when the economy started going south it got harder and harder to make a go of it. Eventually I closed the dealership and ended up with an inside sales, cubical world job that I absolutely hated. In 2008 I lost that job. But it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened because it forced me to do some hard thinking about how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. My wife, Mary, had started and run a successful daycare business. She’d done quite well with it and was making good money. She loved working with kids and it was a good business. But when the economy started going downhill she started losing business as parents lost their jobs. It’s hard work mentally and physically and is very stressful,it was time to do something new. So here we were, both in our late fifties and needing to reinvent ourselves in the worst economy since the Great Depression. At the time I kept seeing executives getting multi-million dollar “golden parachutes.” I figured that if anyone was going to survive the recession, it was rich people. In fact I can remember joking that since we didn’t get a golden parachute ourselves maybe we could latch onto the ankles of someone who did. And in fact, that’s almost exactly what we ended up doing. Once we decided what we wanted to do, the question was how. We sent out a bunch of applications but weren’t getting much in the way of responses. The upper echelon Domestic Couple jobs are generally handled by employment agencies and they flat out won’t talk to you unless you have a minimum of two of years’ experience working in a wealthy household. We had the right skills and were well suited for the job, but we couldn’t get past the “gatekeepers.” I’m pretty good at selling myself but we needed to be able to deal directly with an employer. A few years ago, an ad appeared in The Caretaker Gazette for a Domestic Couple position in Aspen, Colorado that seemed perfect for us. And it wasn’t through an agency! We sent an application right out, but got a nice note back that the position had been filled. So we kept plugging away with applications but weren’t having too much success. About three months later the Aspen job turned up in the Gazette again. We put in another application and one day the phone rang – it was them! After some back and forth, we were offered the job. It was an entry level job in both pay and duties, but the important thing was we were in. If we did a good job and hung on for a couple of years we could move up to a better job. I’m not going to take any credit for us getting the job, it boiled down to exceedingly good luck and I wouldn’t even rule out the possibility of divine intervention. We just happened to have the right combination of skills and experience. Surprisingly my wife’s daycare experience was one – they had nine dogs and figured if Mary could take care of kids she could take care of dogs. The second was the fact we’d lived at high altitude before. Their house is at 9,000 feet. The couple they’d hired couldn’t cope with the altitude and had left after three months. So we packed up our car, and left our home in Grand Haven, Michigan for Aspen. The job included a free apartment – it was under the garage but very nice and had the same Million dollar view they did. It was fully furnished and came complete with everything. We just showed up with our clothes. We had 400 channels of cable and they paid the utilities. The house in Aspen was 8,000 square feet and was quite a showplace. It’s been featured in numerous magazines including The Wall Street Journal. It was valued at $15 million at the time and was full of art, antiques, furs, jewelry and who knows what else. When they weren’t there we were responsible for everything plus their beloved dogs – we were definitely starting out at the deep end of the pool. It was intimidating working in a house like that. I never touched anything I didn’t have to – some little knickknack on an end table might well cost more than our car. It turned out to be a much more difficult and complicated job than we could have ever imagined. The levels of complexity in a house like that boggle the mind. Aside from the sheer physical labor of caring for it inside and out, you have to understand how it all works and know (or learn) about an incredible number of subjects. On my end, it had three commercial grade boilers, snow melt systems (roof and driveway), solar hot water, reverse osmosis water filtration, drapes that open and close on a timer, touch pads throughout the house that controlled HVAC, stereo (inside and outside), satellite TV, a home theater, wine cellar with temperature/humidity monitors and alarm, and lighting. I had to know how it all worked and be able to find out what was wrong when it didn’t, which happened on a regular basis. Figuring out all this stuff out and keeping it working was only half of it. I also had to schedule, supervise and deal with the small army of outside contractors (when I couldn’t fix it myself) it takes to keep a place like this running smoothly. I put together a team of contractors who understood the “special needs” (at a price) of the homeowners and would get there quickly. There were many perks to the job. The work load varied – at times we were swamped, other times we had it pretty soft, especially when they were out of town. Care of their dogs was a big part of the job, and since they were show dogs they needed a lot of exercise to stay in shape. We used to spend two to three hours nearly every day walking the dogs. We’d start our day by loading up a couple of dogs and taking them someplace nice to hike. Mary and I love walking and hiking. We couldn’t believe we were getting paid to go hiking in such a beautiful place! We spent two years in Aspen and learned a lot. But we wanted to be near our family in Michigan and started looking for jobs that were closer. With two years under our belt we found job hunting a lot easier. We ended up with three offers. The job we really wanted (and got) was in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The house was 13,000 square feet plus a guest house, a three story boathouse with ballroom, various outbuildings, and a 40×60 foot equipment garage. There were 10 acres of mowed lawn with intricate landscaping, four fountains, a pond, a beach, and ten acres of woods, all to be maintained by me. The house was built in 1911 and was a mix of old and new, which adds another level of complexity when it comes to maintenance. But it came with a big pay raise, so we had no complaints. It was a gearhead’s dream in terms of “toys.” I had a new F250 work pickup with plow, a diesel tractor, and all manner of equipment.

Michigan Home where Mike and Mary were Estate Managers

They allowed me to load up with all new, professional grade Stihl gear,I had carte blanche to buy anything I felt I needed to do the job. They had some fun cars that I got to drive like a Mercedes S class, a classic Mercedes convertible and a brand new Bentley. And they had their own jet which Mary and I got to get on occasionally. The job was a real learning experience and we added a lot of new skills to our resumes. Mary cooked and we served at parties, I was bartender, we helped put on larger events with 150 plus people, and I played chauffeur in the Bentley. They liked how we ran things and after a few months the job went from caretaker couple to a true estate manager couple position. They asked us to also manage their oceanfront estate in Florida. Mary and I began spending more of our time managing other people who did the work and I learned quite a bit about running an estate long distance (with occasional visits). After two years there, our current job essentially fell into our laps. The house is 22,000 square feet, plus a pool house, carriage house, and 3,000 square foot wine cellar. There are 20 acres of mowed lawn but there’s a full-time groundskeeper, so I have some help. Plus we got a big raise in pay along with top notch health insurance. The owners have turned out to be the sweetest people we’ve ever worked for and they treat us great. One September they sent us to their vineyard in Napa for a week to dog sit. They paid for the whole trip, had us stay in the guest house, gave us lots of free wine, a new Jeep to use, and told us to go have fun when we weren’t watching the dogs. So I suppose the moral of our story is that in spite of long odds it is possible to re-invent yourself. I have to confess that there was a time when I felt like I’d never have a decent job again and now I have a new career that quite honestly has turned out to be the best, most challenging and most satisfying job I’ve ever had. Mary didn’t realize how burned out she’d gotten until she got away from the daycare business and in spite of working very hard is finding her new role a very welcome change. The Domestic Couple business sure isn’t for everyone – while the job descriptions make it sound pretty easy, the reality is anything but. At times we can’t believe we actually get paid for some of the things we do but the majority of the time it’s the hardest job either of us have ever had. I spend large amounts of their money on a daily basis and in a typical year oversee six figures worth of work, repairs, maintenance and improvements. There are a lot of potential pitfalls. It’s an odd combination of menial tasks and huge responsibility. I might clean up dog dirt one minute then hop in a Maserati, Bentley or classic 427 Cobra to get gas or take it in for service. While driving cars like that might sound like fun, it is until you come to the realization something like a flawless Cobra is worth a million bucks and if you screw it up you’d be out of a job. It’s always a bit of a “high wire act,” it’s fast paced, high pressure, intense and you’re on duty 24/7 when the owners are in residence. While it may not be the job for everyone, the good news is if you read The Caretaker Gazette, there are jobs that suit anyone’s interests and abilities. There are jobs in big cities, rural places, full-time career type jobs, part-time laid back type jobs, ranch or farm jobs, you name it. And you can work in exotic locals all over the world. It’s a wonderful lifestyle and our only regret it that we didn’t get into it sooner.

Mary on the porch of the Napa Vineyard Home

Minnesota

INTERESTED IN LIVING IN DULUTH, MINNESOTA? We have a small resort, [Contact info available to subscribers], located on eight acres on Fish Lake in Duluth, MN. We need a caretaker couple to primarily run a kitchen and take on light maintenance, cleaning and other duties. We have a three-bedroom apartment, five two bedroom cabins, a full bar and restaurant, dock slips and seasonal RV spaces. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]. Thanks.

Missouri

LOOKING TO ESCAPE THE RAT RACE? An elderly couple with magnificent secluded 130 acres and year round stream, need person(s) with experience, maturity and energy to help do organic gardening, landscaping, assist with building projects, general maintenance and cleanup, some housekeeping and back-up caregiving, 25 hours per week. Compensation includes RV hookups, free utilities, and five acres to build your own home on. Income-producing opportunities include use of sawmill, greenhouse, high tunnel, shop and equipment. The ideal candidate(s) would not have kids or pets, and would be organized and tidy. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Montana

CARETAKER WITH THEIR OWN RV/CAMPER NEEDED in Hamilton, MT. Want someone with an RV/Camper to take care of our property. Duties will include weed eating, mowing, using a chainsaw, general clean up, burning, etc. Will provide all the tools, an RV spot with power and water in exchange for some labor. No septic but do have a dump station. For more information, please call us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

UNIT CARETAKER/HERDSMAN NEEDED. A central Montana family ranch is seeking an experienced team member for our summer grazing unit. A variety of tasks including but not limited to fencing, daily/weekly cattle moves, doctoring, AI, haying, feeding, invasive weed control, equipment operation, and general animal husbandry are included. The employee will assist in other areas of the ranch for cattle work and other seasonal tasks, as well as operate a small backgrounding lot on location. The ranch was affected by a wildfire in late 2021, and rebuilding of some ranch infrastructure will be part of the workload for the upcoming year. We strive to incorporate soil health principles and regenerative practices as much as possible into daily operations. Family housing provided that is close to town and schools. If interested, please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEASONAL, SUMMER RANCH HAND NEEDED in Three Forks, Montana. Our ranch is located on the Madison River in Montana. Assist with grazing yearling bison on our irrigated pastures. Pivot operation, maintenance, and repair, including miscellaneous tasks associated with general ranch work. Three months full-time employment from now through mid-August (flexible). $13.00/hour with housing and utilities provided. To apply, please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Hampshire

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SINGLE PERSON interested in spending the summer in New England working for us at our 20 room Inn. The reality is that we need good housekeepers but we also would like to share our experience including working on our Property Management System with rates and reservations, helping us with social media and marketing. We would provide a private room and shared bath down the hall with limited kitchen facilities. We are in a beautiful area of the White Mountains and can be flexible with the schedule provided our staff works every weekend. We would make it a fun and good learning experience for anyone that is looking for the Inn culture. We serve a continental breakfast and there is no restaurant on the premises. Work is primarily days with some nights on occasion. Come visit and work in the north country of New Hampshire where the closest traffic light is nine miles away. We are on thirty acres, have a garden and flowers that need tending plus we like side projects. We are open to ideas. Please let us know if you are interested in us by emailing your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Mexico

A FULL-TIME RANCH AND LIVESTOCK CARETAKER position is available for a mature, responsible couple or individual. You will need to maintain and care for a small farm/ranch near Galisteo/Stanley, New Mexico. The ranch is located 40 miles Southeast of Santa Fe and 20 miles north of Moriarty, New Mexico. The ranch caretaker will be responsible for caring for a small number of various livestock including horses, donkeys, sheep, hogs, chickens, dogs, and cats located near the caretaker’s residence and guest housing. Prior experience with hauling animals is required. Minor handyman maintenance of equipment and the houses and living areas will also be required. A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. The couple or individual will work collaboratively with the owner. Working knowledge of English is required. Benefits include a two bedroom apartment (utilities included), one week of paid vacation per year, standard sick leave, and a Christmas bonus. The salary depends on qualifications and experience. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

FURNISHED ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT AND UTILITIES provided in exchange for part-time pet caregiving in southeastern New Mexico. For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

SILVER CITY, NM. Caretaker needed for a remote ranch. Live off grid surrounded by Forest and BLM land. Duties include: feeding livestock guardian dogs, maintaining the electric fence, and water system. Large RV with all utilities furnished. Approximately 10 hours of work per week. More hours possible. Starts now to mid-November. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New York

CARETAKER COUPLE WANTED for a beautiful Hudson Valley estate overlooking the Hudson River. A professional couple with a home in the Hudson Valley who travel frequently seeks a full-time live-in couple for pet care (two dogs and a cat and a few chickens) general lawn, yard and garden care (four acres), snow removal in the winter and general light maintenance and home care duties. Expected duties approximately 30 – 40 hours per week. This is a salaried position. A lovely two bedroom cottage with utilities on the property will be provided. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] is currently seeking a General Manager at our location in Big Indian, NY, at our [Contact info available to subscribers]. The lodge is nestled on 68 acres in the heart of the Catskills, and our 28 room boutique hotel is just 2.5 hours from New York City, but truly a world away. The experience of working at Urban Cowboy is unique, and as such, we require a unique individual to lead the team. The General Manager will carry the torch for the brand at the property level, infuse our special recipe for hospitality into everything they do, and above all, inspire the entire team to do the same, every day. If interested you can contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A FULL-TIME, YEAR-ROUND, property caretaker at a private residence in Millerton, NY that includes 700 acres of leased out farm land and rental homes. The individual must be naturally service-oriented with a positive hands-on work ethic. The job includes an experienced grounds keeping assistant. Duties include performing light-duty construction and repairs on properties and equipment, overseeing and coordinating with outside contractors as required, be available 24/7 for emergencies and snow removal, grounds and landscaping maintenance, including watering, pruning, weeding, and trimming as needed, car detailing, fueling, keeping registrations current; and keep utility vehicles in working order, manage garbage/trash/debris collection at the home property, assist with keeping all tools and equipment in good repair, fueled, and properly stored, maintaining systems, troubleshooting appliances, sweep and clean walks/porches; water the gardens; mow lawns; collect leaves; snow removal; and generally assist in keeping outside premises in an orderly, clean condition, operate and maintain tractors, mowers, chainsaws, and other power tools, pruning and removing trees and shrubs, maintain and repair irrigation, water features, swimming pool, plumbing, and some electrical systems, assess repairs as needed at rental properties and contact required tradespeople as required, meet with and assist contractors for scheduled home maintenance/repairs, and be able to work comfortably outside in all weather conditions. Schedule: full-time, year-round with half-day Saturday support as needed. Vacation time to be arranged. Competitive salary offered of $70,000.00. Live-in accommodations available in a modern 2-bed, 2-bath cottage with central air, located within the property. Health benefits available. Requirements: minimum of three-year experience in property caretaking, be highly organized with effective time management skills, be in strong physical health and able to lift 50 pounds easily, have a keen attention to detail, basic carpentry skills, be proactive in communication, and must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, be authorized to work without restriction in the U.S., and pass a background check. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE AND WORK IN THE BEAUTIFUL ADIRONDACKS! Full-time, year-round Superintendent/Caretaker needed for the [Contact info available to subscribers] near Tupper Lake, NY. Competitive salary and outstanding benefits. Requires residency in a charming community-owned gatehouse. This is a private lakeside community with 30 family Camps. Requirements: prior experience managing properties, forestry/woodsmen, heavy equipment operation, general maintenance, water management, boat inspection, security and more. In-person interview, references and background check required. Please send your cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

North Carolina

SMOKY MOUNTAINS ALMOST HEAVEN! We are Julia and Frank, a retired married couple. My husband and I just bought a 20-acre mountain farmette in Western North Carolina near Asheville. This area of North Carolina has a mild climate and is so beautiful with nature and all kinds of wonderful native edible plants growing all over. The farmette is all the way up top a mountain with a ¼ mile drive so it is VERY private! Our main objective is growing our own food. We want to keep everything very manageable and small scale, but we want extras for canning. In addition we are thinking about goats, chickens, and rabbits for food. There is very good trout fishing here. Also we run a camping Airbnb here that will need to be managed. We live in Florida part time and North Carolina part time depending on the weather. We will ask you to pet sit on occasion (two dogs, two cats and pet bunny). You may bring your pets as well. You should be able to start after June 1. Ideal candidates should have: – Farming/gardening experience – Farm animal experience great but not necessary – Butchering experience great but not necessary – Building/construction experience great but not necessary – Healthy good attitude no drugs can lift 50 pounds (bale of hay) and chop wood – Available at least six months prefer yearly residents – Prefer to live in a tiny home or cabin or RV – simple living – Resilient and mentally prepared in case of power outage – Ability to pass a background check – Able to sign a one month long trial period contract with us – Able to commit to six months work stay – Independent learner – Provides pleasant customer service Benefits: – 20-hour work weekly task list with no direct supervision – Free Room and Board (farm grown food) – Landline phone and Internet use at the main house – Use of work truck or we will pay for your use of your own vehicle – Stipend (negotiable and based on experience) plus two weeks expenses paid Florida vacation Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

BLOWING ROCK, NORTH CAROLINA. Housekeeper needed for a vacation house. General care of the house including cleaning of all surfaces including floors, making of beds, washing and ironing personal laundry and linens. When the family is in residence, grocery shopping, setting the table and cleaning up after meals, occasional light meal’s preparation, setting fires and bringing in wood and generally being available to the family (this is generally three or four times a year). Work in coordination with the house manager for scheduling outside contractors and any other larger issues. This position has very flexible hours most of the times. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

FARM AND FLOCK CARETAKER(S) NEEDED for a regenerative farm close to Asheville. Looking for experience, maturity and energy to liven the farm and continue with current projects. We have a small flock of rotationally grazing hair sheep, a 1/4 acre of garlic, over 1,250 shrubs and trees, family garden, hoop house, corn project, seed saving project, fertile soil, and lots of earthworms, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking views. In exchange for part-time work, we offer basic housing for one (or a couple), a small stipend, organically grown farm produce, flexible scheduling, and opportunity for self-directed projects. We are drug, alcohol and smoke free. Please send questions, interests and your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Norway

WANT TO HELP BUILD A COMMUNITY? Love the sea? After finishing the building of our boat and our first sea-trial trip, we are presently based on an organic apple farm 40 minutes south of Oslo, where we are focusing on beekeeping as we intend to build up on honey production and queen-breeding this summer. We are a community-based project born over 10 years ago. Involving people from all over the globe, we hope to eventually form a community present both on land and at sea, that will cooperate with eco-villages, sharing the bliss of sustainable living and traveling through organic farming and sailing – connecting places and people across the oceans. If you have any knowledge or interest in permaculture, self-sufficiency, alternative living, etc., don’t hesitate to contact us and share your ideas. Our hopes are for the farm to flourish into a place where food, thoughts, plans, adventures, and – of course – boats, can grow! Please send an email to [Contact info available to subscribers] explaining why you would be interested in our community and please place this in the Subject Line: Sea Gypsy Application so we know you have been reading this. Love from Sailing the Farm, a sea gypsy tribe of tomorrow!

Oklahoma

RV PARK MANAGER NEEDED. Housing and salary provided for a small (40 space) RV Park with a private fishing lake and horse ranch with 10 horses. Salary and responsibilities will increase over time. Owners live on site and currently travel for horse shows one to two times per month for three to four days. The owners wish to scale back and increase leisure travel over time. The caretaker will have the opportunity to learn from the owner but basic mechanical and electrical experience is required. Experience handling horses is required (no riding). Responsibilities include, feeding and watering horses. Some light stall cleaning, fence repair when necessary, grounds keeping around the RV Park with zero turn mower, greeting and parking RV guests, minor electrical and mechanical repairs when necessary. Must operate a tractor. Must be able to lift 70 lb. hay bales and 50 lb. feed sacks. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Oregon

RANCH HAND/CARETAKER NEEDED. A cow/calf ranch in the John Day, Oregon area is looking for an experienced ranch hand/caretaker. Need previous experience working on a ranch and handling fence repairs. A house with a garden will be made available. The salary will be based on experience. To apply, please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Pennsylvania

A TWO PERSON CARETAKER TEAM is needed for a 200+ acre farm in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Duties include landscaping and property maintenance, lawn and farming equipment maintenance, housekeeping, minor farming, hay production, animal care (horses, cattle, and goats), lawn maintenance, and pool maintenance. Benefits include health and dental insurance, a 2-bedroom apartment, an automobile, and vacation. Must have experience. Salary of $40,000+ per year for each caretaker. Full work days are Monday – Friday. Animals need to be fed on weekend mornings. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

YEAR-ROUND, LIVE-IN CARETAKER NEEDED at our hunting and fishing club in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Ever dream of living in the woods? Have a passion for nature and the outdoors? This is your opportunity! Located in beautiful Lycoming County, our rod, gun and social club is searching for a caretaker couple or individual to operate our clubs hospitality business, care for the cabin and take care of the club grounds. Established in 1918, our club has over 100 years of history and tradition. Located on over 5,500 acres of forest ground with an approximate five acre, stream fed pond, this private club of 40 members features a two story cabin complete with full commercial kitchen and caretaker living quarters attached. Successful applicants will be responsible for the caring for and cleaning of the cabin, preparing meals for members and guests, housekeeping, grounds keeping and general maintenance as needed, and other projects on the property. Benefits include a salary of $35,000 – $100,000, plus other income and gratuities, living accommodations, utilities, paid vacation, health insurance available, and other compensation perks. To apply please forward your resumes/bios to [Contact info available to subscribers]

GROUNDSKEEPER/PROPERTY MANAGER needed in a Philadelphia suburb. A retired couple seeks a healthy strong single person or couple to maintain the interior and exterior property needs on a two acre, private 6,200 sq. ft. residence with numerous shrub and perennial borders/beds, plus a small second property. Grounds duties include maintenance of shrub and perennial borders/bed landscape, hands-on, irrigation management and related gardening tasks. House management requires maintenance and handy skills. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, takes a hands-on approach, no job too big or too small, comfortable lifting/hauling 50 lb. material, knowledge of perennial gardening, and experienced with hand and power tools. A pick-up truck is required. This position includes housing in a three bedroom 1,800 sq. ft. house plus utilities, located a 15 minute drive from the main residence, plus a salary determined by prior experience. Looking for an initial commitment of four months (June through September) with expectation of a long-term tenure for the right candidate. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER COUPLE REQUIRED for a Berwyn, PA live-in position. A single man and his 13-year-old daughter require a hands on couple to manage the 5,500 sq. ft. main residence. There are also two other homes to manage. Duties to include: cooking, you must be a good cook (small dinner parties and business lunches), daily cleaning, and laundry. Must know how to organize his homes, closets, and storage areas. Close and open the other two vacation homes. Must be able to fly/travel to other homes. Benefits to include car health/dental/bonuses, and accommodations. Salary is $90,000 for the couple. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience, be in good health and have the energy and love for this kind of hands on position. Please email both of your resumes to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include “Pennsylvania Property” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes.

Scotland

LIVE-IN COUPLE required for a rural estate in North Scotland, Moray. A friendly family including an elderly couple is looking for a professional, discreet and reliable couple, or individual to assist with household, handyman and garden duties. Working alongside other staff, the candidates will take care of general kitchen duties including some cooking, household work, and laundry, as well as some garden duties, basic general repairs, driving and errands. Need to have basic computer skills, a flexible and caring attitude and a pleasant disposition. Clean driving license and excellent references essential. The start date will be in June 2022. A generous salary and separate accommodation will be provided. Please mail your CV and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

South Carolina

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Wagener, SC is a non-profit organization focusing on small exotic felines, hybrids and domestic cats. We are looking for people to fill our live-in positions in return for your accommodations which is a room in our large farmhouse with perks. Positions available: 1. Housekeeper/cook 2. Caretaker 3. Cat Assistant. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

South Carolina/georgia

A HISTORIC PLANTATION located midway between Charleston/Savannah seeks a couple with any combination of following skills: house painting, finish carpentry or gardening. $75,000 salary provided, plus a one bedroom residence on the plantation. Please reply by telephone: [Contact info available to subscribers].

South Dakota

FULL-TIME, YEAR-ROUND PROPERTY/FACILITIES manager needed at a 5-Star Luxury Hunting Lodge in South Dakota. A strong farming background (2,000 acres of food plots), as well as good mechanical and overall maintenance skills are also required. Located in the heart of South Dakota hunting country we have hosted guests from Argentina to Alaska. Chuck and Sheila built this wonderful lodge in 2000 and set the standard for excellence for a truly quality facility for more than 20 years. Starting pay will be $40,000 ~ compensation will be based on experience and performance. A newly remodeled three bedroom home is included, with utilities. You can learn more at [Contact info available to subscribers] To apply, please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Spain

IBIZA, SPAIN: Property Manager/Caretaking Couple Wanted, Dual-Language Skills Essential: Spanish/English. Seeking a highly experienced, personable and outgoing couple with a solid and long-established working relationship to live-in and manage a beautiful, picturesque 16-hectare finca (farm) in Ibiza, Spain. The property, located in the pastoral north end of this Mediterranean island, has been inhabited for more than 2000 years. The new owners aim to restore the historic residential and farm buildings and to establish a viable regenerative farm practice for a small-scale commercial pomegranate orchard, a vineyard, a self-sustaining home garden, and a small number of domestic farm animals. Applicants must be well-versed in responsibilities and possess the skills to operate such a rural property, sensitive to growing and harvesting demands, responsible land conservation practices, tree care, and some construction supervision for the first two years. You will live in a comfortable apartment off-site, in the seaside resort town of San Antonio, until your on-site apartment is ready. Once the on-site residences are habitable, responsibility will shift to include cleaning and cooking, too. Your on-site residence will be custom built to the highest modern standards, located in the most picturesque and historic section of a 400 year old stone barn. Both members of the couple must have valid driver’s licenses, and one personal vehicle. A second farm car comes with the job. We hope that the exceptional and intelligent couple who take this job will become an integral and essential part of building this exquisite and unique project and expect to become a vital and creative part of our extended family and the Ibiza community, with an intention to settle here for many years. All living expenses are fully covered, housing, most meals, and utilities. In addition, there will be a fair salary which we need to discuss together. The start time is immediate. Please send your CV, proof of residency in the EU or a visa which allows you to live legally in Spain, and a letter, written in English or Spanish, explaining why you are uniquely qualified and deeply interested in this extraordinary opportunity to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Texas

[Contact info available to subscribers], located in Waxahachie, Texas, has a ranch caretaker position available with housing provided. We are a 200 acre ranch located 30 minutes south of Dallas. We raise reined cow horses and rope horses and currently stand one stallion off-site. The caretaker position duties include maintaining all grounds, residential and horse facilities. Will need the ability to run and maintain farm equipment, general landscaping knowledge and attention to detail is a must. Pay will depend on experience. References and background check required. To apply, please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER(S) NEEDED in East Texas. Beautiful natural environment, individual or couple considered. Organized, including some office and computer work, and organic gardening. Some animal care, light cleaning and healthy food preparation. Any building construction and handyman skills are a big plus. Willing to relocate. Appreciate email and phone contact information. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

RESPONSIBLE, MATURE PERSON NEEDED to live in our Flower Mound, Texas home and care for our 12-year-old, 57 pound Belgian Shepherd while we are overseas. Quiet, secluded, wooded and safe neighborhood near Lake Grapevine and hiking/biking trails. Small koi pond needs feeding twice a day, and weekly filter cleaning. Starting July 15, for between three and six months. References requested, and our reference from prior caretaker available. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL-TIME HAY RANCH CARETAKER NEEDED in Valley Mills, TX. Must be able to operate and maintain hay production equipment (cut, rake, bale, and load). Additional duties include limb cutting, shredding, road maintenance, and water well maintenance. House, utilities, water, salary, and truck provided to the caretaker. Compensation is negotiable, based on experience. Must have a valid driver’s license (no DWIs, and no criminal record). Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A CARETAKER for our manufactured housing community in Kingsland, TX – one hour west of Austin. Kingsland is a nice small town on Lake LBJ, with lots of great boating, fishing, and hiking in the area. There are only about 3,000 residents so there is no traffic and easy living. We have owned and managed [Contact info available to subscribers] for a decade. There are 30 homes in the community, seven homes are owner occupied and the rest are rentals. We have very little turnover and many long-term renters. As we turn over our rental homes, we are looking to sell them when possible to shift to a more home owner community. It is very nice, clean and quiet and centrally located in Kingsland. We are just down the street from banks, a pharmacy, HEB, a coffee shop, the post office and restaurants. We have worked hard to create an affordable housing solution for Kingsland that offers folks a nice and safe place to call home. We would like to spend more time traveling and are seeking caretaker(s) to live in the community and provide handy-person services, lawn/landscaping services and oversee contractors (plumbers, air-conditioner repairmen, etc. if the job needs this). I will continue to collect rents and manage any tenant/resident issues. It is not a full-time position – some weeks may require more hours than others. We are offering a discounted rent on a one bedroom/one bath home. Or if a larger house is desired, we have a 3/2 we can consider. We will also pay a competitive hourly rate for work done. We are looking for a nice individual or couple who share our values and work ethic and would enjoy caretaking this community. We will allow one small dog or cat. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] or emailing [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER/BARN-HELP WANTED. Immediate opening for a caretaker/couple at [Contact info available to subscribers] facilities to care for our horses and perform basic farm work in exchange for a large, furnished two bedroom apartment and a monthly stipend based on experience. Utilities included. This is a perfect position for someone with supplemental income (pension, etc.) who loves country living. [Contact info available to subscribers] facilities are located on Lake Buchanan in Burnet, Texas. [Contact info available to subscribers] serves those with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental challenges through our therapeutic riding programs. The successful candidate must have extensive experience caring for horses, positive/self-starter, non-smoker, dependable and team player. No children. Must have own transportation. Experience in basic ranch repairs is a plus. Background/references checked. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves a calm, positive environment. For more information on HARTH please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] For more information or to apply, please send your bio/resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

AG MANAGER NEEDED in Central Texas for a diverse and eco-conscious operation. You will need to take care of livestock, pecans, hay and pastures. Manage livestock breeding and marketing. Our vineyard is coming soon. The salary will be $40,000+ (depending on skills and experience) plus housing and benefits. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING A MATURE COUPLE without kids at home for a beautiful Far West Texas remote ranch caretaker position. This is not a cowboy job. His job includes but it is not limited to the ranch house and yard maintenance, water lines, some carpentry, fencing, electrical, and basic mechanics. May have to do some driving. She will be needed on a less frequent basis to help in the house with some cooking and cleaning. A nice newer ranch house will be provided. Must be able to provide a solid work history, pass a criminal background check and drug testing. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

U.s. Virgin Islands

IF YOU HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE working with horses and a passion for hosting retreats, eco-tours, and educational programs at a healing, meditative equine farm along the Caribbean Sea in the US Virgin Islands, bringing daily joy to the lives of horses, tourists, and the local community, this could be your dream job. This 30-year established 100 acre farm with 25 horses is seeking gentle, collaborative, skilled horse trainers, farm hands, and passionate tour guides with deep integrity to share educational experiences through horseback riding tours in the sea, internship and mentoring programs, summer camps for all ages and abilities. To apply, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] with the subject line “Caretaker.org horse stables opportunity” including the following info: 1) An explanation of why you want to do this 2) confirmation that you can provide three references who can verify your ability to undertake the big responsibility of basic horse handling and/or livestock farm skills (email a resume if you have one). Must have proven excellent references to verify your high caliber camaraderie, teamwork, and positive attitude, keen ability to identify and communicate issues effectively. Desired skills include proper grooming of horses, basic riding and training techniques, recognizing behavioral signals and health issues, administering basic health treatments, knowledge of horse anatomy, conformation, equine nutrition, basic farm skills, fence mending, water/well/pump engineering, and/or construction skills, or a willingness to learn. Willing to train the right person who has exemplary social skills. Must be able to hike big hills leading horses, and work in the sea for extended periods of time several days per week and enjoy leading tours on foot and horseback educating tourists to maintain a 5 star Trip Advisor rating. Being part of a creative team, community, and summer camp working with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds must be your passion! This role requires a deep love for rugged nature, working in heat, humidity, sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, swimming in the sea, getting wet and running with horses throughout the day, in areas prone to intense sun, rain, mud, mosquitoes, bugs, and extreme weather events that come through the Caribbean Islands. Our horses are gentle, and as a trainer, you must agree to and whole-heartedly believe in implementing the Monty Roberts Join-Up horse training style of training. First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain. Must have a valid driver’s license and transportation (we can help connect you to options). This is not a job for complainers. Seeking happy, positive, kind, collaborative contributors to community, sustainable living visionaries, and those who respect and aspire to practice mindfulness, well-being and gentleness. Need ability to problem solve, willingness to learn, ask questions, seek guidance/consensus from leaders and the team as ONE and understand the interpretive skills of guiding, mentoring, teamwork and have a sense of humor and love sharing food, friendship and fun! Lodging provided (private bed/bath, shared kitchen, community area with Wi-Fi) and some meals in exchange for four days/week work six hours/day; anything over is paid $100/day depending on number of tours, construction/projects, and your experience. Open to charging rent instead of a work trade for accommodation. Prefer three to six month commitment, willing to entertain other time frames depending on circumstances. This is a beautiful island with lots of culture, hiking, diving, snorkeling, and many other free-time options. Thank you for reading!

Vermont

house sitter NEEDED IN BENNINGTON COUNTY for this summer, from July 1 through September 30. 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]

VERMONT STATE PARKS has openings for a variety of caretaking and management positions from Park Manager (housing included) to WorkCampers (you provide your own RV) in 2022. Pay starts at $16.04/hour for Managers. Season through mid-September or mid-October. For more info and to apply, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

A LODGE MANAGER is needed in the Mad River Valley, Vermont. A lodging management background is not required. Housing is included, plus options to increase your income. This position has few typical Innkeeper responsibilities. Guests book online or through a call center. They are texted instructions and their door code with no check-in or out. The primary responsibility is making sure the property and rooms are ready, that problems are handled quickly and well, and that you are the outgoing hospitality face of the Lodge. All 26 guest rooms offer one to two beds, a bathroom, and no kitchen. Base compensation is $25,000 per year plus all tips; you can augment income by participating in housekeeping at $12 per room, potential income can be $40,000 to $50,000 or more, not counting tips. Other benefits include housing with utilities, discretionary bonus, cell phone, one week vacation, and a 5½ day work week. To apply, please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Virginia

WANT TO HOUSE SWAP on a farm in Eastern Virginia for a few weeks this summer? Calling all nature lovers and enthusiasts! Live life on our farm, among the mountains, in this secluded area of Lebanon, VA. We are located just off the peaceful Campbell Hollow Road and scenic Tunnel Road., nestled in the trees and peaceful nature. We have a very relaxed, small farm, two miles from a town of roughly 3,000. Our house is small, older, four-bedroom, one bathroom. Our home can sustain dirty bare feet, wet swimsuits on the floor, and rough housing of children and adults. Available for entertainment are the assorted farm animals, swimming hole, nearby lakes, national forests, wildlife, and small town gossip. Our farm animals and irrigation can be taken care of by you, for the ultimate farm experience, or we will hire help. We seek to experience life in a similar small community in New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine (may be interested in other areas as well) in July or August 2022. If you’re interested, please send an email message to caretakergazette@gmail.com with “Virginia House Swap” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes. Thanks.

Washington

ON-PREMISE INNKEEPER-COOK COUPLE NEEDED for a luxurious boutique resort in Manson, Washington. Onsite housing is provided in a three-bedroom home (nonsmokers and no pets). The position is year-round full-time with the primary season May, September. The resort includes accommodations for up to 50 guests, an onsite cafe, sports activities, and event spaces. Experience successfully managing a B&B, Inn, or Boutique resort, including reservation system. Ideally, each has innkeeping experience and one must have culinary experience and can provide fresh, high-quality cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. There is an onsite garden to manage. The base salary for the couple is $70,000 – $80,000 plus housing, comprehensive benefits, bonuses, and off-season time off. To apply, please submit your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING AN INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE, OR FAMILY to live and work onsite as caretaker of property in King County (~25 minutes from Seattle). The property is 20+ acres in size with unoccupied buildings and a separate caretaker residence. Responsibilities include walkthroughs (grounds and buildings) each day and night, facilitate access to grounds and buildings, identify and alert the owner or authorities to security issues (trespass/vandalism), and maintain a log of onsite activities and observations and submit to the owner on a bi-weekly basis. Cell phone and strong verbal and written communication skills required. Handyman experience or other building maintenance knowledge is a plus. Unfurnished onsite residence, basic utilities (water, sewer, power, garbage), and $825/month stipend in exchange for duties performed. No drugs or heavy alcohol use. Please send your bio/resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

GEM OF THE ISLANDS! Island community seeks full-time caretaker with broad maintenance knowledge. Current water operator license (Washington Level II Water Operator license) a huge plus! Duties include maintenance and operation of water treatment plant and pump house, fire house, post office, runway, roads, vehicle and equipment maintenance. Compensation package includes living in a beautiful home with panoramic views of the San Juan Islands, Washington State, all utilities paid, and a truck. Monthly stipend to defray health insurance cost and other expenses. Competitive salary depends on experience, and qualifications. Please submit your cover letter and resume by June 15, 2022 to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Situations-wanted Ads

Hello! Seeking a house sitting/caretaking position, preferably in the Northwest, but I’d consider all offers. Have some experience and excellent work/character references available. I am young, responsible and energetic. Would need 2+ weeks’ notice before beginning. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hiddyho! I am a jack of all trades and after 50 years I have learned a lot and I am looking for an off grid back country place to caretake. I have building experience, plumbing, electrical, and full remodeling experience. I can operate farm equipment, as well as a full range of farm equipment mechanics and welding. Please contact me at [Contact info available to subscribers] Preferably remote Alaska or other remote areas.

Professional, organized, outgoing female, open to property/project/ management, house sitting, executive assistant type situations. Reliable, resourceful, disciplined, animal/garden lover. Open to caring for horses but have little experience. Short/long-term positions to be considered. My expertise is in executive recruitment so I excel in communication. Salary negotiable. Depending on the length of the assignment a cat named CleoSky may need to join me. Geographically open. Please feel free to make contact: [Contact info available to subscribers].

Farm/animal/land caretaker available in/near Ashland, OR starting September 2022 in exchange for housing. 45-year-old female, multi-skilled, with 35 years’ experience as an animal caretaker, last 10 years organic grower, 40 years’ experience riding/training horses. Trustworthy, dependable, self-motivated, teachable, and happy. Have stellar references. Please contact Sequoyah by emailing [Contact info available to subscribers].

Experienced and Happy Caretaker Couple Available! We are ready to provide a broad range of personal, household and property services for you. HOUSE-SITTING TOO! We consider our work and our lives an art. We thrive in a live/work environment. We are nature-loving homebodies, consummate putterers, quiet and confident can-doers, with healthy minds and bodies. We are caretakers by nature: tidy and dedicated, observant and patient. We are seeking to live simply, on the property, in an equitable situation, with reasonable responsibilities, for a long time. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Couple Looking For Ranch Work in Arizona. About us: 23 – 25, pretty green in the ranching world. A year’s worth of experience as a handyman, proper horse care, and welding. Coming up with a year of horse feed/tack employment. Then being offered employment/housing at our current ranch managing their boarding/riding academy. It is a great learning location but I would like to find a place with room to grow and move up in knowledge. Looking to gain knowledge and skills, not scared of long hot days since I was born and raised in Arizona. Not the most talented rider but I will learn whatever I can and pick up things very quickly. Self-started, I do have a wife and a dog that would be coming with me. She doesn’t necessarily need a job, if one is not available. What I’m looking for: The chance to learn. From improving riding skills, to herd management, building fences, and shoeing. And I’m not against jumping in and learning how to do it. Would prefer to find a location with housing offered for my wife, dog and myself. And would really like to stay in the state of Arizona, but are interested in relocating to the right spot. I am flexible on pay. I am a hard worker, fast learner and driven to success. If you have any questions please feel free to email [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you.

Caregiver Of Excellence: Altruistic American male Caregiver and meticulous Houseman who has lived among, traveled with and served some of Palm Beach Counties most affluent, prominent and well respected families now offering the highest level of dedicated personal care, domestic excellence, good cooking, impeccable driving, joyful companionship and genuine friendship. If you are struggling and desire a truly superlative male professional who can anticipate your needs as well as respond to them, please call Charles at [Contact info available to subscribers].

Houseman/caretaker/personal trainer available. Desire a live-in position. I have 30+ years of experience, and a security license. I’m flexible, with great references. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Newly retired, professional, dependable, clean/neat, Colorado couple seeking house sitting opportunities in north-central Florida, from 9/2022 – 6/2023. Skilled in property management, finance, and tech. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Experienced property caretaker, household manager, and caregiver looking to thoughtfully arrange her next position. Presently located in the Hunterdon County, NJ, Bucks County, PA region. For an easy transition, considering all surrounding counties in the area. Over 25 years of experience working for private individuals and families throughout the U.S. with excellent references. Experienced horsewoman in addition to caring for livestock and all family pets. Enjoy quiet locations and familiar with the responsibilities and labor that are required to maintain the property and home. Discreet, conscientious, hardworking, self-starter, who easily adapts to employer’s preferences. Please inquire at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Help Available in California! Creative, joyful, multitalented, hardworking couple seeking an equally joyful opportunity to help in the Wine Country. Mike is a construction professional who bridges architecture and construction. Master at reading/interpreting plans, budgeting, and scheduling/master carpenter. Bonnie has been a personal assistant, quasi photographer, and writer – both cared for our Veteran Father recently. Collectively, we are passionate humans who care, have the ability to figure out situations, manage property, and care for people and animals. Our goal is to make life better daily. Housing included, please. For more information, please email Bonnie at [Contact info available to subscribers]. Happy, Real Humans welcome. You know who you are…

Spry 60-year-old female seeking a caretaker or house sitter position in the Denver area. Have oodles of experience running a property, passed FBI/Military background check and have outstanding references. My service dog must be welcome (very trained), Vaccine required is a deal breaker. Please reach out and let me know what I can do for you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Ornamental Horticulturalist with a strong background in property management looking for an Estate Caretaker position. My name is Kyle Mike and you can contact me by email at [Contact info available to subscribers]. Current resume and professional contacts are available upon request. Willing and able to relocate.

Energetic and responsible couple seek caretaker/house sitter position. Temporary or long-term, preferably in the lower 48, communities not greater than 50,000. Live-in or separate cottage. We exercise daily at a local gym to include sauna/swimming. We eat healthy, no drugs or smoking, just an occasional glass of wine. Outdoors and nature minded during all seasons, realizing it is good medicine for health and well-being. We pay attention to current events without being consumed by it. We are both retired nurses, having experienced numerous fields of medicine and caregiving. Ralph has prior service as an Army medic. His past experiences consist of fire fighter, farming to include small garden tractors to large track equipment, automotive with general repairs and maintenance, machine shop, sheriff’s posse unit, VFW, worked in two separate correctional facilities during medical career, significant travel experiences. Vicki’s other experiences include having been a landlady of up to eight rental units over the course of 40 years, having large vegetable/flower gardens to include canning, freezing, pickles, jams and of course maple syrup, cooking and baking. She also operated chainsaws, split and put up firewood, did extensive travel and volunteering. We both enjoy camping/hiking/biking, animals of all kinds, learning new things and enjoying life in general. We expect to be able to relocate in September, following the closing on the sale of our log home. We may respectfully request occasional small blocks of time off throughout our tenure for personal vacation/travel. Work history and character references available. Thank you, and please feel free to contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Handyman looking for work with housing. Geographically flexible. Services include: yard cleaning, carpentry, painting, tree trimming, fence mending, some auto repair, landscaping, and irrigation and plumbing. I do not smoke, drink, or do drugs. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Property Caretaker Available In New York City. I am an Irish lady and looking to be a property caretaker in NYC or Long Beach, NY. I can handle the mail or phone calls, take out the garbage, do some gardening, and light cleaning. For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Healthy, active and honest retired couple looking for house-sitting or a property caretaker position in the Richmond, VA area for the winter months (January – March 2023). Trade caretaker and handy-man skills for free housing. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

A hardworking, organized young couple is seeking a long-term house sitting or caretaking position in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. We are a clean and quiet couple who can manage a busy schedule, keep on track, and complete a multitude of tasks. We have years of experience with hospitality, pet care, cleaning, wood-working and general upkeep. We are trustworthy with excellent references. If interested, please reach out to us at vanessaxenia@gmail.com Thank you.

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

The Nanny Poppins Agency wwww.nannypoppinsagency.com Full Serviced Domestic Staffing Agency since 1995. Inquire for services or you can apply online at www.nannypoppinsagency.com or call (888) 849-6090 for a no obligation consultation. Let us find you the perfect fit for your household or home office staffing needs. Apply for job opportunities today! Placing caretakers, estate management, office management, caregivers, chefs, housekeepers, etc. nannies, private household and office staff since 1995. Live-in and/or out. Full Service Private Staffing Agency. Covering All Areas. No Registration Fee.

XENIA STUDIO began with the quest to find a beautiful yet simple pair of earrings that was affordable but not fast-fashion. When owner Vanessa couldn’t find what she was looking for, she taught herself how to make her own jewelry. The result is a line of unique statement jewelry that focuses on harmonious combinations of shapes in pleasing color palettes. Xenia Studio’s mission is to provide affordable jewelry that is expressive and transformative, simple yet meaningful. Special adornments to accompany you wherever life takes you. To learn more, please visit etsy.com/shop/thexeniastudio and use code “CARETAKER” at checkout for 20% off your purchase.

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. My wife and I dropped our current medical insurance when the premiums jumped to $2,000 per month with a $12,000 annual deductible. We switched to a $354 per month healthcare program for 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. Always free and unlimited with Medi-Share: · 24/7 Telehealth · TeleCounseling · Dental and Vision Discounts · Prayer and Encouragement If you would like to learn more, please go to http://join.medishare.com/caretaker or please call Myles Lilley who is a Member Development Specialist at Christian Care Ministry at 800-772-5623 extension 2224. Take care, Gary C. Dunn, Publisher THE CARETAKER GAZETTE

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. In 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 intro with many colored pictures at lastdkcowboy.com or write lastdkslashcowboy@gmail.com