The Caretaker Gazette March / April 2014

Alabama

RVING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at the Burchfield Branch Campground in Northport, Alabama. Duties will include visitor assistance, remaining friendly and accommodating at all times, checking bathrooms frequently and cleaning when necessary, restocking toilet paper and hand towels. Pick up any litter and empty garbage cans. Check playgrounds a minimum of once a week for any hazards. Rake and prune campsites, walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Cleaning supplies, trash bags, and hand towels, rakes, and pruners will be provided. In parks that apply check and document the water meter daily. Monitor activities in the park with respect to violation of park regulations and notify ranger staff or county police of any problems if warranted. Assist with the recycling program and special projects lead by Park Rangers. Volunteers are required to work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week. Training will be provided. Work will be performed according to safety guidelines provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Volunteers with their own RV are provided a full service campsite, water, power, and sewer hook-up included. To apply, please go to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Alaska

BE PART OF THIS BEAUTIFUL ALASKA Resort on the Kenai Peninsula. Looking for an energetic, self-starting, financially secure, outgoing, retired couple with their own income to enjoy the Alaska experience. Best applicants will be detailed, organized, non-smokers, light to non-drinkers and eager to assist in maintaining and renting seven beautiful cabins within walking distance to the famous Kenai River near Soldotna. Duties include, but not limited to, greeting guests as they check in and out, interacting with guests, problem solving, cleaning cabins, ground maintenance, staining cabins, minor repairs, stacking firewood, building the evening fire pit, raking leaves, mowing grass, weeding, and be able to bend, stoop, carry, lift, etc. Handyman skills a plus. Will provide an RV hookup with sewer, water and electricity plus $500 month stipend and an additional bonus of $8 for each cabin cleaned. Time to fish and enjoy Alaska. Need to have this position filled from May 15th to September 15th. $500 end-of-season bonus. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for more info.

SPEND A YEAR at a Fly-In Paradise! Beautiful remote off grid lodge/retreat seeks a compatible couple to caretake. Needed August 15th through September 1st to train and to become familiar with area and tasks. In September remain solely in charge throughout the winter, especially during April 2015 when yearly fuel is delivered. Must be financially secure, have own health insurance and be looking for the adventure of a lifetime. Room, board and in-flight from Fairbanks provided. Must be familiar with basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, small engines, off road vehicles and computers. Basic understanding of off-grid systems (generators, inverters, and battery systems) extremely helpful. Must possess wilderness survival skills including first aid and have a good positive mental outlook to endure isolation. Nearest neighbor is 50 miles away – by air. Self-motivation is essential, as well as ability to follow instructions. Applicants must have neat, orderly personal and work habits in caring for this property. Hobbies useful. No health or dietary constraints, non-smoking, without alcohol or drug problems and in physically fit condition (background check will be required). Owners to come and go as needed. Recompense for September to May to be discussed depending on skills. Please respond to following email [Contact info available to subscribers] for further info. Include a full resume and references.

EXPERIENCE THE WONDER and beauty of Alaska! Enjoy world class fishing, great hiking trails and abundant wildlife. We are seeking energetic singles and couples as Campground Hosts in Alaska State Parks. Camp hosts receive a scenic campsite, stipend, and training for 30 – 40 hours/week. Job duties include monitoring fee compliance, site maintenance and visitor assistance. Season is mid-May to September, with a minimum four-week commitment. Please write to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Arizona

A SINGLE MAN is needed to help with maintenance and fence building on a large ranch in the Phoenix area. You will have the opportunity to learn how to work cattle and how to ride. Housing furnished, with utilities, meat, and a grocery card provided. If interested, please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A BEAUTIFUL SEMI-RURAL homestead near Tucson needs help with poultry and gardens and light maintenance in exchange for room and utilities. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER NEEDED for a Horse Rescue Facility in Sierra Vista. A long-term caretaker is needed to feed twice a day and clean stalls once a day for two to eight horses, depending upon how many are rescued at any given time. In exchange for the services provided (this is not a paid position) the caretaker is being provided a 28′ RV with pull out living room and bedroom. All utilities are included and in addition cable TV is available for $10 a month. Internet could be arranged at the caretaker’s expense. A stall is available for a horse if you have one and friendly pets are acceptable. The caretaker must be in good physical condition to move hay and feed, be animal oriented and be able to get along well with a variety of people. This is a great opportunity for a retired couple or single person. For more information please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

HELP NEEDED on my working cattle and dude ranch in the high desert in Arizona, with two lakes, campground, B&B, horse and cattle pastures, barns, miles of fence line, kennels, irrigation, organic gardens, fruit trees and a running river. Chores would include any or all of the above. Garden chores start in April. During the spring and summer there is a vast amount of yard work at the ranch and lake. Suggested stay starts at two weeks, then one month or longer. There are separate accommodations, three bedrooms with 1.5 baths, full kitchen etc. This is a remote location and you will need your own transportation or I can pick you up in Prescott – our nearest town. No children or pets. There is lots of organic meat, veggies and pizza, so whatever you like. Vegetarians are welcome when our gardens are producing. You can horseback ride, fish, swim, boat, hunt, hike, gold pan or go to an old western bar down the road. The nearest big town is 45 minutes away. We are surrounded by ranches and mountains. Workers are needed here year around. We work six to eight hour days, with two days off. We play hard. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Letters to the Editor

Gary, Thanks to you and The Caretaker Gazette I have the best couple of my long ownership (30 years) of the farm. So the need to seek or advertise is not there at the present time. I’ll email you again next time I need to find caretakers for my farm. I want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday. M. Z. Hudson,

Ny

Hi Marty, thanks for sharing the good news about finding excellent caretakers for your farm through our publication. Many of our subscribers who are property owners tell us that they have found the best caretakers for their properties via their advertisements in the Gazette. I hope you and your family had a happy holiday season.

Thanks for running my help-wanted ad in your Gazette. I still get about one response a month from my ad. One of them I engaged and they’ve been here five months now. Others I’ve corresponded with. Thanks for the great service you provide! B. F., Arroyo Hondo,

Nm

That’s great to hear, Bob. We’re glad that your ad was successful and one of our subscribers has been at your place for almost six months now. Sounds like a good match for both of you. Please let us know if you ever need future help for your property in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico.

Greetings Gary! Thanks for your reminders about my subscription. When I first became aware of your publication and began subscribing I was a middle manager at an insurance company call center, “living?” each day in a cubicle among hundreds of other cubicles. Having substantial practical skills, experience and an interest in the caretaking lifestyle, I found The Caretaker Gazette to be a captivating source of “escape” fantasies that helped me survive through a mind-numbing season of my life. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT!! I am now happily and sustainably retired in Asheville, living in a small “green” house on a small lot, a 10 minute walk from my wonderful daughter’s home. No further need for escape fantasies; my reality now feels like a dream come true. So, while I’m no longer interested in subscribing, I did want you to know how your good work helped me in ways unrelated to getting a gig as a caretaker. Thank you, again! G. W., Asheville, NC

Thanks for the update Gerry! I wish you the best at your new location and with your new life there in Asheville. Many of our subscribers are retirees who have the time to travel and explore life in a new locale – often as house sitters or caretakers – so maybe you’ll get the urge to travel somewhere down that long and winding road.

Congrats! Hey, Gary, your newsletter found me two excellent caretakers for my place in Baja, California. The one couple (and their kids) just left after three years. I don’t know if I want another caretaker anytime soon but we’ll see. FYI, I wrote about Caretaker Gazette in my book. Maybe I can advertise with you. I now run a B&B in Cambria. W.S., Cambria, CA

Hi Bill, good to hear from you again! Thanks for your nice message and update. I appreciate your mentioning the Gazette in your book. I’m glad you were able to find good, long-term caretakers for your place in Baja via the Gazette. Best of luck with your bed and breakfast in Cambria and please let me know if you decide to run an ad with us again.

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

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

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

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Arkansas

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS available at the [Contact info available to subscribers]. RVing volunteers will perform various light duty maintenance work to include: painting, staining; light carpentry work, replace screens in park restrooms/shower facilities; plant/water flowers and weed flowerbeds; plant and prune trees and shrubs; pick up litter throughout the project and debris along the shoreline; mowing and maintaining campgrounds; clean grills; maintain bulletin boards or similar other duties. Volunteers must be able to climb/walk uphill and lift 25 pounds with ease. Equipment maintenance/operation such as: brushing hogging, plowing, back hoe, skid loader operation is a plus. A pleasant personality, good safety habits, the ability to work with the maintenance operation staff or independently perform task with proper instructions is advantageous. A background check will be performed. The work schedule is 24 hours minimum per week for each position. The office is located at [Contact info available to subscribers] Arkansas. A free RV campsite, which includes electric, water, (sewer if available) is offered in lieu of payment for work. Please go to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Argentina

NORTHERN PATAGONIA RANCH WORK. Need an experienced hand with horses and cows as soon as possible. This is a remote location with a solitary life. Long-term possibilities. Spanish is a major asset. This is a paid position in pesos depending on experience. Room and board included. To see where you will be working please check [Contact info available to subscribers] Please send your qualifications to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Australia

CARETAKER REQUIRED for a Citrus property in the Barham, NSW area. Irrigation and light duties in return for a small wage and accommodation. This position would be suitable for an active pensioner or semi-retired person. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] to apply.

house sitter NEEDED in Bendigo, Victoria from August 31 through October 30, 2014. We have three large snow dogs that are used to having someone around, offering love and affection plus walks. We need a house sitter to look after our house and do minimal gardening. For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers], a working hostel, has a caretaker position available. One position (no couples) preferable a female, is needed in a busy working hostel in the Atherton Tablelands and must be available to start in early February, one hour drive from Cairns. The job is providing work for backpackers, in our regional area, so the backpackers can apply for their second year working visa extension. The position is a living on-site. A private room is provided. Duties of the caretaker include: transporting backpackers to and from work, housekeeping, and daily collecting of rent, complete working roster, general administration, stationary ordering, and work recruitment. Essential skills include: must have fluent English, must have full clean driver’s license, commit for a five month period or more, excellent customer service skills, be computer literate (must be experienced in Word, Excel and Outlook) and be polite with a friendly attitude. The preferred applicant to be between 25 – 31 years old. Successful applicants will receive an attractive wage package in addition to free on-site accommodation, laundry facilities and internet allowance. Please apply through [Contact info available to subscribers]

AN HONEST AND RELIABLE FARMHAND/CARETAKER is required for a sheep and cattle property located approximately 45 minutes from Armidale. Duties will include fencing; weed spraying, handling the livestock using motorbikes and general caretaker duties. Desirable skills include: experience with handling a chainsaw, welding skills and mechanical understanding. An understanding of organic or holistic farming approaches would also be an advantage. There is a three bedroom cottage on site and is on a local school bus run. This is a live-in position and would be part-time two to three days per week. A current car license is essential. All enquiries and resumes should be mailed to Reception at [Contact info available to subscribers] Please note when applying for this position, we will send you a Referral Form to complete. We are unable to process your application until we receive the completed form.

Bahamas

LIVE FREE IN THE BAHAMAS! Man or a couple as house career/dog sitters needed for one to three months, but could become full time property managers sometime in that period. Must be neat and professional in appearance, no smoking, drinking. We are located on an out island where things work most of the time but you must be able to deal with inconvenience, sometimes. Have phone, Wi-Fi, direct TV. Outdoor camp or B&B managers ideal. Please email your resume and current photos to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Belize

FARM VOLUNTEERS WELCOME. I have two farms in the Coyo District, behind Spanish Lookout, close to Aguacate Lagoon. My farms border on one side of Mennonite cattle ranches. The other side borders a forest reserve. I am a produce and seed grower, owner of our heritage seed company, and have horses, cows, pigs, and chickens. I farm with a tractor and horses, and I grow seeds for the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. I could use up to four workers five days a week. I have two houses, two greenhouses, and have Wi-Fi. I will teach farming, horse riding and driving. I speak three dialects of German; speak English, and a little Spanish. There is no work on Saturdays. I have a sustainable old fashioned focus, and enjoy singing and playing instruments. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

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

Brazil

WE ARE LOOKING FOR HELPERS from May to August at our large beach house in the small beach city of Porto Seguro Bahia 1200km north of Rio. We are just one minute away from the beach. We require helpers to work for four hours a day in exchange for food, accommodation, and Internet. Helpers need to help renovate the house and gardens. No experience necessary but must be keen and able to help with building tasks. Basic English is needed, and you must be gay friendly. We are two guys from New Zealand with backgrounds in building, medical and restaurant careers. We are very friendly and offer a safe friendly fun place to visit. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

California

CARETAKER COUPLE POSITION AVAILABLE in Napa Valley, beginning in late February, 2014. Vineyard estate owners seek an experienced, mature caretaker couple or single for landscaping maintenance, pool care, housekeeping, light building maintenance, plus pet and property care in the owners’ absence. Attention to detail and initiative essential. A one bedroom apartment with utilities provided in exchange, plus some hourly pay. This is a potential long-term position for the right caretakers. No smoking or drugs. Clean driving records. No pets, but must love cats. Please send resumes and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

HELP NEEDED OUTDOORS. Winter/spring garden maintenance involves outdoor, often strenuous, physical work. Some experience is appreciated. Intuitive, self-directed help needed, although I usually work with you. A minimum of one week stay is preferred. Cool nights and mornings, sunny days are pleasant or hot! Need help with digging, mulching, brush clearance, chain saw and brush cutter. A comfy, roomy caravan (camper/trailer) will be provided as accommodation (heat and AC). Fresh air, nature, and lovely views are guaranteed for willing helpers who love the outdoors and physical kinds of tasks. This country place in lovely Mendocino County would offer hikes and exploration right here. The Mendocino beaches, wine country, Montgomery Redwoods, lots of parks are within driving distance during helpers’ free time if you have a car. Otherwise, for those who stay for at least 10 days, I provide “tours” to nearby sights. You will also accompany me into Ukiah for shopping, laundry and Wi-Fi. No television. This rural homestead is located 160 miles north of San Francisco. Ideally you should have your own transportation since Ukiah is 10 miles distant and this may seem remote if you need an active social life or wish to explore the area. Accommodation and three meals will be provided for four hours of work per day (28 hours week). The work schedule can be flexibly arranged. Only non-smokers (no cannabis and no cigarettes), no drugs of any kind are allowed on the property. For those who choose, wine or beer can be served with meals or when conversing by the woodstove fire. RV’s or campers could also be placed in a private campsite with electricity and privy. Healthy, hearty, happy and honest folks are very welcome. Regretfully, no pets or children allowed. Please write to [Contact info available to subscribers]

ASSISTANT CARETAKERS NEEDED on a ranch in Northeast San Diego County. We are looking for a hard working, positive couple to join our team! The position for one person will be full time. Duties will consist of landscape and building maintenance, improvement projects, vehicle maintenance and barn cleanup. Duties for the other person will include housekeeping and gardening. This position can be part time. Applicants must have experience in this line of work. Working weekends and some holidays may be necessary. No smoking, drinking or drugs. Must be physically fit and have a valid driver’s license. Pets will be considered. Hourly wage, nice home, paid utilities and other benefits provided. Please submit a cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER WANTED on 10 rural acres between Santa Rosa and Calistoga, CA. Must be able to help with three dogs, three horses, yard work and gardening. Eight hours a week in exchange for a private 40 foot pop-out trailer with satellite TV, heater, and washer-dryer. You pay for propane and Wi-Fi. We prefer a retired person, or one who works elsewhere only part-time. Clean record and references a must. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Canada

[Contact info available to subscribers]. is now hiring resident caretakers for various properties in the Winnipeg area. Duties will include cleaning, minor maintenance and alternating on-call duties. Applicants must live on-site and pets are not permitted. Interested applicants can mail their resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] No phone calls please.

HOUSE COUPLE NEEDED in a rural location near Calgary, Alberta. The housekeeping job responsibilities include: being responsible for the daily cleaning and maintaining the general appearance of the whole residence; care of fine furnishings, finishes and delicate surfaces; washing, ironing, steaming and linen care, including washing delicate fabrics; making beds and ironing sheets; wardrobe management for organization of closets, pack and unpack suitcases, seasonal rotations of closet contents; organizing and managing household inventories; meals planning, preparation, cooking and serving; fridge and pantry management; general errand running, including grocery shopping and dry cleaning; watering plants; assistance with private and social events; and handling of special requests and related duties as needed. The caretaker/houseman job responsibilities will include: day-to-day running of the property to maintain standards and efficiency; general handyman services and non-complex facilities maintenance; scheduling and supervision of household installations, trades and vendors for interior and exterior and seasonal projects; reporting any maintenance and repair needs; calendar management, coordinate and assisting with event planning; monitoring household inventories and a budget; greeting of guests and visitors; overall vehicle management and chauffeur duties, as required; pet care (dogs); handling of special requests and related duties as needed. The salary will be $110,000 to $130,000 per year (in Canadian dollars, gross); but may vary according to experience. Three weeks paid vacation; live-in during working days (private suite fully equipped); work days: four days per week (Thursday to Sunday); work hours: 10 hours/day (flexibility required). Please email your resume and references and mention that you are applying for Position Number ELNM00099 to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN APARTMENT BUILDING CARETAKER needed in Grand Falls-Windsor for a eight unit extended stay apartment building. Candidates would be responsible for the day-to-day operations. Responsibilities would include such tasks as taking reservations, registering guests, checking out guests, dealing with customers, and picking up supplies. The ideal candidate would be available to do housekeeping and/or light building maintenance, but not required. Please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE ARE LOOKING FOR HELPERS all year round. Brave the Alberta life spring, summer, fall and winter, caring and working with horses! We are looking for a helper who will stay on the farm for the fall and winter months. The farm manager/horse trainer has had a sports injury – “broken shoulder”. The farm chores would be feeding, watering horses daily, checking pasture horses, some household duties, like helping prepare meals, etc. Help prepare the farm for winter. Some snow shoveling of the walk way. Help with the grocery shopping once a week. Just need someone else on the farm with my husband and me and the horses, until I mend this winter. I will be back working horses in the spring. We are looking for persons interested in learning and working with horses all year round and staying for two to three months or longer. We have 20 horses. We live three hours from Jasper and 45 minutes from the West Edmonton Mall for weekend getaways. We are a Horse Boarding Stable on 160 acres of rolling hills, with wildlife on the property. You will learn as you go each day, if you have never worked with horses. There are miles of marked trail to enjoy on horseback or walking trails. At times we all go for a trail ride on a trustworthy school horse or start the beginner rider with lessons in the riding ring. The warmer months we spend lots of time outside playing with horses. Winter time we still care for the horses, cross country ski, snow shoe and if not to cold ride in the snow! We also take a day once a month to cut wood for the family/TV room. You will need very warm clothing/boots for the winters in Alberta! Your accommodations are in a bunkhouse that sleeps four or trailer/camper. All meals/showers are shared in the house. Must be non-smokers, non-drinkers only, and non vegetarian. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more info.

Caribbean

I NEED PEOPLE with knowledge and skills in construction, especially in building the foundations, roof carpentry etc. The project includes building in earth, bamboo, tires, cans, earth and plaster in a small village called St Anne on Guadeloupe. It is a very charming place with a market, pubs, shops, etc. The beach is only 5km away. I am also looking particularly for people who have Permaculture design skills. We have some fruit trees, coconuts, mangos, bananas, etc. I have also started a vegetable garden. In return I can give you some instruction in eco-building techniques. You can stay in a wooden house with electricity and a water supply already installed. We are currently looking for volunteers. It is a good challenge! I ask for a participation of five hours per day, five days per week. For more details, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Colombia

THIS SMALL DUTCH-COLOMBIAN FOUNDATION in Paulato, Colombia is always looking for volunteers who want to help out. We’re always happy to know that people want to help us with our work and programs here in Colombia. On our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] you can find all the information about our foundation, the location, who we are, what we’re doing, activities and reviews of our volunteers from several countries. Besides our daily programs we have a new program special for children with Down Syndrome and small mental handicaps who don’t have the possibility to go to school because they live in the poor areas of Colombia. So we’ve started a project to build a daycare for those children. We also have programs like football training for boys and girls and the volunteers can organize their own games and recreational programs for the children. As you can see on our website there are a lot more programs and so there’s work for anyone and people of all ages are welcome. Hoping the information on our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] gives you a good overview of all things that we’re doing. If you have some questions, just let us know. I hope to hear from you soon.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Are you looking for permaculture? Situated in a beautiful valley near the village of Amaga. 45 minutes from downtown Medellin. This Hostel is a live Hostel – educational center/farm and showcase of best practices for sustainable living and alternatives energies. We offer an excellent opportunity to help, learn Spanish and permaculture! Free room for one to two months for our exchange program in Medellin. Your only requirements are to teach English to locals (one hour per day) and help maintain the organic gardens (only three hours per day) – so you only work four hours per day, with two days off. For those who want to travel and change people’s lives this is an excellent opportunity and also an ideal environment to learn Spanish as well! If all works well, we’ll offer you to stay longer. This is a program for volunteers who don’t speak fluent Spanish to enforce the English program. To learn more and to contact us, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Colorado

house sitter/PET-SITTER NEEDED outside of Denver. A single person or couple is wanted to look after six sheep, eleven chickens, two cats, and four dogs this March. We will be away from March 1 until March 31, 2014. You can stay rent-free, with all utilities paid, in a small cozy, centrally heated home at our isolated farm about 20 miles southwest of Denver. All of the animal feed will be left here for you to feed our animals. Only responsible people need apply. References are required. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] explaining why you would be interested in this, along with your references. Thank you.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for our 2014 Farm Internship program. Full-time farm intern to work with animals and the land in a conscientious environment in Loveland, Colorado. Includes on-the-job training, experiential learning and opportunities for leadership. This internship is a great work/trade with accommodations, daily gourmet meals, monthly stipend and many amenities in a conscious community, wellness resort and conference center. For more information please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Connecticut

house sitter needed for a north Stamford home, 30 miles from Manhattan. We have a Jacuzzi and private fenced backyard. Housesit for my two dogs, two birds, guinea pigs and aquariums – so you must like animals. This is an exchange for free rent for one month of house sitting from May 1 through June 1, 2014. The person(s) does not need to stay at the house all day but overnight is required. You do need a car to get around as I am not in an urban area. References required. Must be a non-smoker, no drugs, and no alcohol. To apply, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Costa Rica

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Our finca is a 15 hectare mixed-use finca in the low mountains on the western edge of the Central Plateau. Most of the farm is habitat, with small areas of organic crops… corn, beans, fruits, coffee… and a main house with three smaller rental houses. The smaller houses are usually rented to potentially relocating singles and couples, couples planning to have a baby near midwives and hospitals, and students at the nearby University for Peace. We would appreciate help with cleaning, maintenance, and repair of houses and outbuildings, including a planned re-roofing of a small house, as well as interior and exterior painting. Volunteers with knowledge of roofing, flooring, or stonework would be most welcome. We do not need yoga teachers, massage therapists, or healers. Vegetarians might want to look elsewhere for a stay as well… we raise animals (usually chickens and pigs) for the table, and are omnivores. I’m a serious cook and baker, so those bases (as they say in the US) are covered, although we’d welcome some prep help at times. Please, no smokers and no pets. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Croatia

YOU ARE WELCOME at [Contact info available to subscribers] (“Rich forest”), our eco initiative in nature. We left city life in The Netherlands to live on our organic homestead (15 hectares) on the top of a hill, inland Croatia, with forests all around. As a volunteer we expect you to be part of our family and daily routines, like cooking and cleaning, taking care of the animals and the garden. We work with Permaculture and the moon calendar to develop our garden, our forest garden to be, terraces on a hill side and our living fence (with berries and fruit trees). The approach to projects or tasks is to have fun together and deliver quality work. In all we ask ourselves everyday how we can do it in the best way possible. Usually we start the day with weeding the vegetable garden (as a slow start of the day) and after that, we work on something that is high on our priority list. Besides that, we can work on other (smaller) projects like pruning, composting, fencing the terrain, cleaning terrain, planting (fruit) trees and shrubs, harvesting, processing the harvest (drying in solar dryer, making jam/syrup/wine/liqueur) and sometimes some light construction work. The work that you will do, of course depends on the season of your visit and on our list of priorities. It is a start-up project and has all the aspects you can expect of something starting. Construction work going on, materials lying all around, messiness, jungle, many ideas… and slowly we develop. Many valuable mistakes brought us to our place as it is now. We trust that the experimental atmosphere will be appreciated by you as it has been by most of those before you. Please write us about yourself (please don’t make yourself look nicer than you are), and we can send you our extended information. If [Contact info available to subscribers] seems appealing to you, think twice if you don’t like children. Or don’t want to get dirty hands. And please don’t come if your motivation is only cost reduction of travelling. If we still fit in there, have a go! And don’t forget to take a bag of fun with you! We’re looking for volunteers that want to stay for at least four weeks. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Dominican Republic

HELP NEEDED! Do you have some time available? Do you like the Tropics? Do you want to improve the life of others in the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we need you. You may just discover what will lead to a rewarding and fulfilling human experience. You are welcome to join a volunteer vacation program and participate in one of our six projects to help the impoverished community of Munoz. You can also enjoy the different tourist excursions of this beautiful island. We need volunteers of all ages and there are no specific qualifications required. You will be greatly appreciated here among the Dominican and Haitian communities. Your schedule will be flexible and there are many different ways to help. Teaching languages is the most popular because it qualifies them to work in tourism. We are just across the beach and tourist complex of Playa Dorada (14 hotels). The economical lodging facilities of SunCampDR are located at the end of this community, by the Munoz River, and a natural pool. You will receive a personalized welcome at the Puerto Plata airport. You will have the option to take Spanish or Creole lessons. Please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details.

England

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER/COUPLE needed. A full-time, live-in housekeeper or couple is needed for a large home in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. The position requires common sense, energy, flexibility and a friendly attitude for the informal busy family. General duties include cleaning, laundry, a small amount of cooking, babysitting/aftercare for the grandchildren. Must be animal friendly as dog walking would be part of the duties. Various other duties are possible for a partner including general maintenance, driving etc. Accommodation at The Lodge – a separate three bedroom property within the grounds of the Estate. A driving license is essential. Please send a covering letter and your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Florida

GARDENING HELP NEEDED in the Tampa area. Last year was my first garden, and I am not an experienced gardener, so I learned a lot. If you are a gardener, you can teach me. I could use help that is basic for a trade relationship, such as cooking, cleaning, and general labor work around the house, collecting eggs, etc. The projects at hand are soil cultivation and renewing the beds. I could use any skilled or semi-skilled worker. There is a list of projects I need help with. There is a small group of folks that are having discussions on co-housing here. I am part of several groups of creative types, and we meet often to brainstorm about co-creating lives together. There is not a cable connection to the Internet, so you will need your own air card for internet access. The nearest stores are 7 to 15 miles away, depending on what is needed. It is all good. I am open to your co-creation. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CENTRAL FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS need an experienced non-smoking couple for caretaking of our house and cats from April 2014 through November 2014. Must have previously owned and loved cats. You will need your own source of income as this is not a paid position. We will need you to mow the lawn and keep up with common Florida household maintenance along with keeping the interior clean. We have a pool and request that there be no extra guests for insurance reasons. We need people that will take care of our property and keep it in the great shape that it’s in when you arrive We require good communication skills via email, texting and phone (photos also). Our job allows us to come home occasionally and you are welcome to stay at the house with us or be able to travel a little. We require three references and will perform a background check on you. Please submit your info to [Contact info available to subscribers]

France

HELP NEEDED. We are an English family trying to live the good life on a large smallholding producing food for the table, with pigs, sheep, dairy goats, bees and poultry. The property consists of 2.2 hectors with a two bedroom cottage, two barns – one turned into a shop/butchery with a flat above and the other in need of restoration. We have a large hoop greenhouse and other outbuildings. As well as a large 400-year-old house that we are now restoring. We live on the edge of a national park and have wonderful countryside, stunning sites and history all around us. We are non-smokers. We are looking for help for four hours a day in exchange for food and lodgings from March until the end of October. We need help in all areas from the farm to the buildings and normally find a project for people to do and finish whilst staying. We have bicycles available for your use. We will be happy to hear from you. We have just bought a very nice caravan which gives us more sleeping space. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Georgia

COASTAL CARETAKING POSITION available. This is a full-time position. Boat handling skills are a must. Necessary skills: power tools, chain saws, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and carpentry. Other requirements: responsible, trustworthy, hospitable, hardworking, and creative problem solving. This is not a management position. Salary, housing and full benefits provided. Please email your cover letter, resume, and five references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LONG-TERM house sitter wanted in Perry, GA. A spacious apartment will be available for a handyman/handywoman prepared to invest two working days per week helping with sanding, repainting, and tiling. You can watch over and just housesit the apartment the other five days per week. Part of the work has been completed by house sitters who have other commitments and will be moving on to their next assignment. You can start ASAP. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

A PRIVATE PARK on Lake Allatoona in North Georgia is seeking a caretaker, gate-checking, security, couple or individual with a camper or RV. Campground provided with hookups and free Wi-Fi. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] for details.

Guatemala

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER with [Contact info available to subscribers]. We are a cooperative of Guatemalan women, a registered Guatemalan non-profit and a pending 501(c)3 – an association of family, friends and neighbors who serve their community and nature. Every cent that enters our programs and projects goes directly to communities, programs and projects that cultivate good things, buenas cosas. Volunteers work four hours per day, five days per week and assist as needed. Your help will be needed in any of our projects, chickens, gardens, goats, general up-keep and maintenance. You’ll be assigned where you’re needed most. Please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hawaii

A MOTIVATED COUPLE OR SMALL FAMILY WANTED to caretake eight acres of farm and a few off-the-grid cabins in Opihikao on the Big Island. We are close to hot ponds, the sea, surf and beaches. The commitment is for eight months starting in April. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] Aloha.

SEEKING A LONG-TERM CARETAKER COUPLE (can be twenty-something’s to forty-something’s) to caretake our beachfront farmstead on the Big Island of Hawaii starting January1, 2014. This is a live-in, property management, work/trade position for room and board, with a stipend, on an off grid, eco-sustainable organic farmstead. We need a couple who are mature, health conscious, drug free, responsible, energetic, disciplined, fit, stable, and committed to deep ecology, and Permaculture. We are an off grid eco sustainable organic farmstead that incorporates organic sustainable, agro ecology, Permaculture, agro forestry, and regenerative agriculture in order to live within the means/carrying capacity of the land and within the earth fair share ecofootprint, so we co-create/responsibly steward a more fair, sustainable, and healthy planet. We live more simply so others (human and other species) can simply live. Rick is a physician and needs help so that he can finish writing a book and educate rather than medicate about creating a fair, responsible, healthy and sustainable Earth. Do you feel the pulse of the planet? Have you heard the voice of Ishmael the Gorilla? The chores involve collecting/chopping coconuts, milking goats (up to five), coppicing nitrogen fixing trees for green manure and fodder, garden/structure maintenance, and making dog food. We use only hand tools such as loppers, bow saws, pruning saws, axes, hatchets and transport fodder, green/animal manures in wheelbarrows and also utilize a pasture part of the day for forage. Bulk organic food, (soy beans, rice, millet, oats, lentils) extra milk, eggs, fruits, veggies and nuts will be provided. The land has panoramic ocean and mountain views (Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa). We are on rain water catchment stored in ferro-cement tanks, drinking water is filtered with a big berkey water purification system, solar hot shower, refrigerator (run by photovoltaic’s), have two “all American sun ovens” solar cookers, three rocket stoves, fuel stove (as a third line back up), wireless internet, surfing four miles away, and snorkeling one mile away. County bus transportation is two dollars. Live local, think global and be hopeful. We are living in interesting times when Mother Nature is colliding with father greed, which is creating grand scale havoc on all beings lives. This could be a great opportunity to create grand scale positive shifts. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

WORKING ALPACA RANCH on the Big Island of Hawaii needs a responsible couple/small family to manage the operations on our 15 acres for at least one year, beginning mid-March 2013. Responsibilities include the care of animals, mowing pastures, and shipping supplies/products. Work is 10 – 15 hours per week. This is a secluded/private location within one mile of a village, and a 30 minute drive to a bigger town. The beach is a 30 minute drive. The residence is a well-built “Tiny House” that looks out onto a 180 degree ocean view. There is a queen bed below and two twins in a small loft. There is a full kitchen. Please contact the owners for more information by emailing [Contact info available to subscribers]

Iceland

[Contact info available to subscribers] VOLUNTEERS needed in the Botanic Garden in Reykjavík from May 25 through June 7, 2014. The Botanic Garden is an outdoor collection of living plants, founded in 1961 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. The garden’s main role is to conserve plants for education, research and delight. It conserves some 5,000 plant species in eight plant collections. The collections give an idea of the enormous diversity of vegetation in the northern temperate zone. In summer there is a variety of events in the Botanic Garden and group receptions are available throughout the year. [Contact info available to subscribers] volunteers will be doing general garden work, attending the flowers, trees and other plants. Volunteers will assist in organising and carrying out special events that might be planned with a short notice but they will all be related to the general aim and work of the garden. The work may be repetitive as general gardening tasks tend to be. The project starts early every week day, working hours are from 8:00 – 15:30, so volunteers have to be motivated to work early in the morning. You will stay in a well equipped house, in a beautiful setting inside the Botanical Gardens, which are located about four kilometres from the centre of the city. Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms/dorms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening. Visitors to Reykjavík experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland’s capital city – whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife. In the summer, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon before it makes its way up again. Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes, even though summer is around the corner, it might still be cold and hats and gloves might be necessary. To learn more, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Idaho

FARM INTERN WANTED. [Contact info available to subscribers] is seeking help starting March 1 with animals, building construction, special projects toward self-sufficiency, gardens (all stages), and property maintenance on our hillside acreage. No chemicals. Herb gardens, medicinal and culinary, are in process, and with an interested helper will expand and take to the next level of growth and preparation. Permaculture. Beautiful mountain and evergreen tree scenery, 2,400 elevation, in north central Idaho. One hour away from a college and two Universities. Retired behavioral economist and psychotherapist, writing and exploring human nature in relationship with the universe, spiritual, not religious, enjoying our animals, and the fruits of our small farm living. Aspiring toward self-sustainability, eventual resources to share, can’t keep up with it all despite week-end help from friends. Exchange room (small trailer) and board; information from experience in basics of small homestead self-sustainability; and exploring anything you are interested in that we know, for 20 hours a week of you sharing your efforts of caring responsibility for whatever needs doing. We have expectations of sharing our life with someone who has a strong interest in the land and animals, homesteading self-sustainability and all that entails, interest in learning, has a good attitude and okay with farm work (including shoveling manure and building fences), and applying their best efforts. Dialogues on life, love, nature, the Universe, and the pursuits of happiness a plus! References please. Experience: let’s talk about it. Requires strength enough to dig holes, push filled wheelbarrows up hills, pound fence posts, carry feedbags, move small hay bales, rototill; and compassion enough to recognize that animals are people too. Length of stay: negotiable, and dependent on mutual compatibility. For more info, please write to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Caretaker Profile

Ranch Caretaking – Do You Have What It Takes? Marty Aubin is 62, and Renée-Lucie Benoit is 63 Interests: writing essays and short stories, pastel painting and charcoal drawing, travel, cooking, gardening, horseback riding Quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” Mark Twain

Marty and Renee

My partner Marty and I decided we needed to make a move out of the city four years ago. We didn’t want to make a rash decision so we took some time to think about what our core values were and what we liked to do best. In this article I am going to share with you some highlights of our process to help you decide if the route we took would be right for you. First we made an inventory of our strengths and weaknesses. It turns out that ranch caretaking fits our personalities and our experience. Through The Caretaker Gazette we got a job on a cattle ranch in northern California. Since we did our homework and used all our job hunting skills we were able to find a job that suits us perfectly. There are a lot of things that go into making a good ranch caretaker. These jobs are varied but the basic personality traits and skills needed are the same. One of the most important things is to be able to pass a background check. Next don’t “chaw ta-baccy” or drink to excess. Do you think we’re joking? Some employees think this is OK but most employers don’t. In fact some employers will not even like cigarette smoking. But don’t give up on the idea. Just have a plan for how you’re going to deal with the question if it comes up. We found that potential employers were pleased that Marty is a retired police officer. Since security is important to many employers they like to see that kind of experience. Marty is also a heavy equipment operator, a cowboy and jack-of-all-trades. This is also good experience to have. If you think a ranch caretaker just rides horses all day long you are wrong. There’s always something that needs fixing so if you can do light carpentry and repair water systems you will be miles ahead of the rest. Ranches will have horses to train and ride but that will be the smallest part of the job. Have a reliable outside income. Most caretaker jobs don’t pay a lot and ranch caretaker jobs are no exception. Since you will undoubtedly be somewhere far off the beaten path it will be hard to find extra work. In this economy it is doubly true. The way we supplement our income is through social security. So if you’re older and retired don’t sweat it. Actually if you’re in good health many potential employers like that you’re older. You are likely more sensible and stable. You have life experience. Don’t count yourself out. Usually some kind of housing is offered. We were lucky enough to find a job that provides a large house with free utilities in addition to our stipend. This is because we have skills and a great track record. If you don’t, don’t worry. Just start somewhere simple and build on that. If you do your job well you will move up as time goes along. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Here’s a laundry list of what we do: take care of chickens, horses, dogs, cats, a pea hen, retired bull, fallow cow, and two burros. We repair fences and plumbing including stock water delivery system. We patrol the property and provide security. We know how to safely handle a pistol and rifle for rattlesnakes or coyotes. We repair the ranch vehicles and maintain them. We’re handy setting up electric fencing with solar chargers. We cut and split fire wood. We do handy work including electrical repair and carpentry. This spring we will be enlarging the chicken run. This past fall we re-built the main compound fence. We coordinate outside labor and then work alongside them. For example we are in the midst of removing 15 mature trees from around the ponds. Be good and safe with a chainsaw. We ride the ranch horses and keep them in shape for the owners. During cow/calf season we keep an eye on them, feed and doctor them. For this basic labor we are rewarded with free time and a natural rhythm that is healthy and refreshing. In summer we go to the lake and have it to ourselves. We hike along the creek, look up and see a bald eagle or an osprey flying over head. In winter we drive into the mountains and have our pick of the best Christmas trees growing wild. We enjoy the hills covered with a pristine layer of snow. There is never a traffic jam. We frequently think, wow, people are sitting at their desks right now trapped indoors and have no choice. I hope this gives you a better idea of what ranch caretaking can be like and what skills can help you get a good job. Our dream came true and so can yours. My parting words are: team up with the folks at Caretaker’s Gazette and don’t miss a single issue.

Morning light on the barn

Japan

FRUIT PICKERS NEEDED. We are growing various kinds of fruits all year round and doing fruit picking as a business here in Yamanashi, Japan. Mt. Fuji is located here in Yamanashi. We have nice accommodations for all volunteers; we created four bedrooms downstairs and two Japanese tatami rooms upstairs. In each room, we put a bunk bed so that eight people can stay downstairs and possibly six to eight more people can stay upstairs. We created two shower rooms, a mini-kitchen, two toilets, and a washroom and provided all necessary items such as a fridge, microwave, bikes for all volunteers, two washing machines and so on. If you want to know more about us, and see photos you can visit our volunteer page that I created in English at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Kansas

A SEASONAL CARETAKER is needed to help maintain the landscape of our camp and buildings at [Contact info available to subscribers] from May 15 to July 31. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, this position will be responsible for mowing, trimming, and the general upkeep of the grounds; weekly cleaning of the cabins and daily cleaning of the common buildings. He/she will be required to perform any other appropriate duties as assigned by the Executive Director. The staff at all times is representative of the philosophy, mission and goals of the [Contact info available to subscribers] and its Camping Program. Staff must strive to work cooperatively with the fellow employees to achieve the goals and objectives of [Contact info available to subscribers]. Requirements: must be an example of good moral behavior, must be able to build positive relationships with staff and campers, and must be able to pass a background check. Physical and mental requirements: must be able to lift 50 lbs. minimum. Must be able to be trained in the proper use and maintenance of all mowing equipment, including, but not limited to, riding mowers, weed eaters, tractors and shredders, and understanding of how to clean thoroughly. Must be alert to children’s activities to recognize potential hazards and accidents. Safe decision making skills required, putting guest safety and needs first. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mexico

FREE FOOD AND ACCOMODATION available for a few hours of work on a beautiful Mexican beach! First we need a chef as soon as possible! Urgent! We are a camping and trailer park with over thirty years of experience, named Boca Beach, located on a beach called [Contact info available to subscribers] in the state of Jalisco, on the west coast of Mexico.(three hours from Puerto Vallarta). The weather is pretty nice, the beach is beautiful and the ocean pristine and warm all year long. Near here there is another town, typical of Mexico, where you can find, traditional food, nice and interesting people and lots of fun. The food is great here and there is a big selection of it. There are a lot of activities you can do here, among others, like snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, tours in this bay and many more in the zone, night bonfires, and many more. We offer food and accommodation in camping houses in exchange of four to eight hours of work a day (in a friendly environment), five days a week, with two days off. We are looking forward to hearing from you after you visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Michigan

SINGLE CARETAKER OR CARETAKER COUPLE needed. We are seeking a live-in caretaker for a Northern Michigan private family lodge. The primary duties will include grounds and building maintenance, general house cleaning, light cooking and “guest-ready” up-keep of the lodge. Separate private living quarters are provided along with a salary and other benefits. This is a non-smoking environment. Applicants should have an exemplary work record and excellent references. If you would like to apply, please email a letter briefly outlining your work history and income requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Minnesota

A MINNESOTA CHARMING FARMHOUSE is seeking a person or couple willing to exchange construction work and vacation-rental/B&B turnovers for rent. For info/interest, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

A PART-TIME CARETAKER is needed at [Contact info available to subscribers] in East Grand Forks. Town Square Apartments, an 81 unit property, has an opening available for an experienced caretaker or caretaker team. Duties will include cleaning, turnovers, and grounds work. Must live on-site. Please respond in person with your resume and contact information at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Montana

DO YOU LOVE NATURE? Is your idea of the perfect job one which takes you off-the-beaten-path? Do you want a little adventure this summer? Do you enjoy people? Does the challenge of making someone’s vacation a bit better sound invigorating? Does the word remote appeal? Are you energetic? Flexible? If so, our [Contact info available to subscribers] is looking for someone just like you for the summer of 2014! Employment begins around Memorial Day and ends sometime after Labor Day. For more information, please check out our employment web page at: [Contact info available to subscribers]

HOME SCHOOL TUTOR/NANNY needed in Havre, MT. Our client is searching for a live-in tutor/nanny to home school their 7-year-old daughter. Currently the child is attending a main stream school but would benefit from a one-on-one setting. She has some developmental delays so a background in special education would be beneficial. You will be responsible for following the required curriculum as well as engaging and encouraging social and academic growth. Kind, caring, patient and dedicated would describe your personality. The family is looking for a long-term commitment. Separate housing is provided, plus a car for work related use. The family lives on a large ranch approximately a one hour drive from the closest town. Please send your resume and cover letter to [Contact info available to subscribers] stating why this position is of interest to you. Accommodation provided. Salary open.

INTERNS NEEDED at [Contact info available to subscribers], located in the Bitterroot Valley just north of Hamilton, MT. There are three hoop houses which provide space to start bedding plants and grow produce in the early and late season as well as about an acre of row crops. There is a small orchard which will not produce for a few more years. We also have a flock of about 60 laying hens and a few ducks and turkeys. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation within a few miles from the farm. Potential interns must be willing to work hard, listen to instruction, and be committed to having a good attitude. No farming experience is necessary, but having experience with working hard and long hours would be helpful. It is key that any applicant for this position be willing and able to work early in the morning and when necessary during the heat of the day. It is also important that potential interns be able to take care of themselves in a way that allows them to be healthy in this situation. Interns will be involved in the everyday operation of the farm. This will include bed prep, planting, weeding, harvest, and preparation of produce for sale. Interns will work Tuesday through Friday leaving three day weekends for backpacking or other adventures. Work days can range from four to six hours a day for short time visitors to 10 hours or more for a full season intern receiving a stipend. There can also be a paid opportunity to assist with farmers market on Saturday’s for most of the season for long term interns. Farm visits can range from a two week visit to a full six month internship which is preferred. Helping on the farm will get you a place to stay and one meal a day on days that you work. For the rest of meals anything produced on the farm and some bulk foods are available. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER/WORKING MANAGER needed year-round for a southwestern Montana grazing ranch with extensive flood irrigation. Looking for a mature couple (children gone). No haying or working cattle. Year-round maintenance of yards and buildings. Recently remodeled Manager’s house provided (no smoking). Limited horse pasture/barn available plus reimbursement for your pickup use on ranch business. ATV furnished. Hunting and fishing. Owner is not always available for day-to-day management but is very concerned about the condition and appearance of improvements and equipment. Applicant must be a self-motivated, steady working type person who wants every job done right. Must be clean and neat, sober, drug free with a reputation for honesty. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nebraska

POSITION AVAILABLE on a diversified ranch near Valentine, NE. You will need experience with alfalfa and equipment/shop maintenance. Good character is essential. No horses. This is a full-time position with housing provided. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED FARM/RANCH in the panhandle of Western Nebraska has a full-time position available. We are searching for a farm/ranch assistant that has general farm/ranch experience and is able to take directions, follow a plan and be dependable. Duties include but not limited to: tractor work for crops raised – corn, wheat, soybeans and hay. A cow-calf operation that requires help with calving, weaning, and fencing. Housing is available and furnished. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during our interview. Serious and experienced applicants, please fax your information, resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Jersey

BASKING RIDGE AREA – house sitter needed from March through July, to look after four dogs, two cats, seven goldfish, roses, and our garden. You will be responsible for feeding our animals, and watering the indoor plants, no exercise required for the pets. Would prefer a live-in house sitter, but will also consider twice daily visits to our home for feeding/watering duties from any local applicants. Please email why you would be interested in house sitting and taking care of our pets, and provide at least three checkable references. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nepal

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at the [Contact info available to subscribers] in Chitwan, Nepal. This organization was established in 2000 and we began serving 16 children from all over Nepal. The main objectives of our organization are to provide shelter, food, proper education, and preparation for vocational and/or college education. We serve children who are homeless, poor, and have been abandoned. For more information about our center and how you can help please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] We accept volunteers from all around the world throughout the year. We are grateful to have you stay as a volunteer for a minimum of one week or as long as you like. You are also welcome to stop by and visit us any time. For more information, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nevada

RANCH HELP needed in a very remote area in the mountains of central Nevada. The ranch is off-the-grid and operates on hydro and solar. The always present work projects are: fencing, wood cutting, cooking, cleaning and landscaping. You will have a good deal of say as to what we do and how long we do it. You won’t be working for me; you will be working with me. I am appreciative of any help I get. If you like animals and enjoy the outdoors, you will like it here. We have three cats, two donkeys, and a goat. Wild horses often wander onto the property. Antelope, elk, and deer are present in the area. Lodging is very comfortable and I can cook or you can. The menu we can decide on together, in advance if you like. The nearest town is about 70 miles away, so there isn’t much of a social life here. The few neighbors are great and colorful people. I can pick you up in Las Vegas or Reno (both about 300 miles away), if you are staying long enough to make it worthwhile. Otherwise you need to have your own vehicle. For more information, please write to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Mexico

FREE RENT provided for a Guest House in Galisteo, NM (30 minutes to Santa Fe), and $350/month salary for horse care. Horse experience required. A beautiful one bedroom, 800 sq. ft., 20 acre property, with tile, vigas, radiant heat, Wi-Fi, and natural light. Four horses whose feed times are five to seven days/week, two times a day: 7am and 6pm. Day off with fill in possible. Requires two individuals to share live/work. Grooming, blanketing, etc. Pets okay. Non-smoking. Utilities extra. One year lease. A security deposit of $850 is required. References required. Must be two individuals. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

MUSTANG TRAINING HELP needed. This year we will be getting wild horses ready for adoption. We will have gentle horses caught by the USFS in New Mexico or the BLM in other western states and get them into adoptive homes. There are a limited number of spaces for volunteer ranch helpers. As a helper, besides helping with the horses, you will be also doing work to support the program such as building fences or working in the garden. You will definitely need boots and work gloves. We no longer provide a free course in animal training but there is still an opportunity to learn a lot by observing what we do, sitting in on classes, and using our library of materials. Smokers, substance abusers, Mountain Dew addicts, people needing psychiatric medications, and compulsively reckless people should not apply. Please write to [Contact info available to subscribers]

SANTA FE, NM. An elderly couple in their 80s is looking for an experienced live-in caregiver in Santa Fe. Duties: cooking light, well-prepared meals; keeping an immaculate kitchen; shopping; scheduling and driving to appointments; tending to duties involving small dog, monitoring the couple to ensure safety and fall prevention. Five days per week are required, two days off. Room plus board and salary apply. Only non-smokers, non-drinkers, experienced, providers with excellent references should apply. A background check on serious applicants will be performed. New Mexico applicants preferred but not required. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for details.

New York

[Contact info available to subscribers], a 600 acre rustic retreat overlooking Piseco Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, seeks a full-time innkeeping couple to start May 5, 2014. At least three years of hospitality experience, or a degree in Hotel Management is strongly preferred. Skills in managing reservations, bookkeeping software, social media, and fostering customer satisfaction are essential. Expertise in supervising staff, maintaining high standards for housekeeping/condition of buildings and grounds, and communication skills is necessary. Experience in providing food service and light carpentry repair is needed. Compensation includes an apartment with paid utilities, monthly salary, paid vacation, share of tips with staff, and a performance-based bonus. Please submit a current resume along with contact information for three professional references by February 21, 2014 to [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Phoenicia, NY is seeking seasonal Front of House, Kitchen, Garden, Facilities, and Housekeeping staff for our upcoming retreat season. We are looking for hardworking, self-motivated, enthusiastic people who are flexible, upbeat and have a desire to work for a worthy cause in a remarkable natural setting. Working at [Contact info available to subscribers] requires a positive attitude, attention to detail, dependability, and the ability to multi-task and communicate well with others. All positions may be called to work in other departments as needed. Must be able to work flexible hours. Service industry and prior retreat center experience a plus but not required. You may apply for either a full-time residential stipend position or a part-to-full-time non-residential hourly position. Please indicate your preference in your application. Compensation: Residential Positions: includes room and board plus weekly stipend of $175/week. Non-residential Positions: $8 – $11/hour depending on experience and position. After work enjoy the hiking trails, swimming pool, meditation sanctuary and other facilities. Staff is also invited to attend programs (schedule permitting). [Contact info available to subscribers] is operated by [Contact info available to subscribers] and is located 20 minutes from Woodstock in the beautiful Catskills Mountains. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for job descriptions and an application packet.

SEEKING PRIVATE LODGE MANAGER for [Contact info available to subscribers] in Old Forge, NY. 120-year-old private family recreation club seeks a full-time permanent live-in manager(s). Couple preferred, with a late April start date. Busy summer season with caretaking duties in winter. In season operation includes, small store, four rental cabins, Saturday night picnic for 80-100 guests, maintenance, grounds, and member services. 30 privately owned camps on the lake. Compensation includes annual salary, vacation/sick, 401K, family medical benefits, private housing, holiday bonus, and limited use of the club vehicle. Please send your resume and cover letter to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Zealand

HOLIDAY PARK ASSISTANTS needed. Share a four bed dorm for 2.5 hours work per day. Enjoy stunning scenery and great weather. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay a minimum of two to three weeks. Jobs vary and can include housekeeping such as cleaning rooms, cabins and facilities. Work in the gardens includes weeding, landscaping, and planting. Paid work may also be available in the village of Russell. We are an Enviro Gold holiday park so sustainable practices and caring for our native bush and bird life is at the heart of our practices. Our holiday park is home to four rare birds including kiwis. We are looking for a solid work ethic, mature volunteers, preferably with previous work experience. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE to help on our property on the mountains overlooking beautiful Golden Bay. No experience necessary. The work includes helping around the house and gardens, tree planting, building, whatever you are good at. You will get your own room with fantastic views overlooking Golden Bay. Food and accommodation will be provided in exchange for four to five hours of work each day. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] to apply.

WE NEED HELP with a bit of everything. We own a large sheep and beef farm at [Contact info available to subscribers]. We require a hard working couple or single to help with a bit of everything around the Farmstay. Gardening, cleaning and maybe some farm work/building if you are interested and capable. You would live in our four bedroom farm cottage with our 19-year-old Sheppard. Most meals, accommodation and Internet will be provided. If you are very capable some paid work may be available over and above your five to six hours. Hard working, fun loving applicants only. You must also have a good level of English. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] and then email a photo and details of what you can offer us. Thanks.

[Contact info available to subscribers] is New Zealand’s number one tourist destination and we are offering two people the amazing opportunity to spend some time here, right in Fiordland National Park. We are offering food and accommodation in exchange for four hours a day help in turning over the lodge (making beds, cleaning and other odd jobs). Milford is extremely remote and unique but most of all beautiful! This is for an immediate start only and a minimum stay of 10 days. If you are available now please call us at [Contact info available to subscribers] with your phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

Nicaragua

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

Norway

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

Ohio

FULL-TIME CARETAKER NEEDED at the [Contact info available to subscribers]. You will be responsible for security, maintenance, and visitor services support. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] We are an equal opportunity employer.

Oklahoma

house sitter NEEDED from April 10th to July 12th, 2014 for our three-bedroom home in the Oklahoma City area. We need a dog-lover to look after our two cute Poodles, who need cuddles (and food), and to be walked twice each day. Our home is very close to the I40, and just 20 minutes by car to the city. A large park is a short walk away, along with walking trails and tennis courts. You must keep our house in good shape while we are away, because we expect it to be the same when we return. If you are interested, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

TOP RANCH FOREMAN WANTED to maintain my ranch in Osage County, Oklahoma and take care of steers, winter and summer. Applicants need to be 40+ years old. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Oregon

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY for people who are open-minded and willing to work hard while having time to explore or relax. When the work is done, there are bicycles provided to take advantage of the many back country hiking and cycling trails, sand volleyball court, horse shoes, croquet, internet, etc. The work consists of planting, cultivating, weeding, processing and selling vegetables at the local Saturday market. We are a 325 acre hay and cattle ranch and organic farm focused on healthy, alternative, ecologically harmonious lifestyle. We are open to all races, religions and are gay and lesbian friendly. Situated in beautiful Goose Lake Valley at an elevation of 4,620 ft., the ranch consists of a 117 acre wildlife statuary, alfalfa and grass hay fields, heirloom fruit orchard, organic vegetable garden, vegetable greenhouse, hammocks, creek, historic buildings. We have started hosting healing retreats this year. Additional work may involve some construction, fence building and removal, irrigation, beer brewing, mowing, building trails, developing campsites and working with animals. We ask for 20 hours per week of work with a small stipend for additional hours. Sorry, no children, pets, alcoholics or smokers. There are more pictures on our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] where you can email us.

DO YOU LOVE PEOPLE AND HOSPITALITY, the outdoor Western life style as well as rural living in a breathtaking spot? If so, our small destination [Contact info available to subscribers] is looking for a mature couple and possibly one other person to help run our seasonal business. We specialize in “glamping” in authentic tipis along with a small restaurant. We have many wonderful reviews! Successful applicants will be hands-on in all phases of our business and are those who possess most (if not all) of the following: extroverts who love hospitality, are service and detail oriented, team players with strong time management skills, able to cheerfully anticipate guest needs, have some culinary experience/foodies, strong cleaning skills, are computer savvy, with photography adobe Photoshop helpful. Must be non-smoking and problem solving. Couples or singles with experience and no children or pets preferred. In return we offer a monthly stipend, tips, RV housing (or bring yours), day off, all living expenses plus many other perks. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Pennsylvania

CARETAKER COUPLE needed for a large estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, midway between Philadelphia and New York City. Duties include landscaping maintenance, housekeeping, minor farming, and animal care, lawn and pool maintenance. Benefits include health and dental insurance, an apartment, auto, and vacation. Must have experience. Salaries negotiable. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A GLADWYNE, PENNSYLVANIA JEWISH FAMILY seeks a couple for their new casual home. The family includes four children ages 13, 11, 7, and 4, but no pets. This is an outstanding family with a history of keeping staff for a long time. You will be replacing an employee who was with them for six years because of their move to a new, larger home. They have also employed a full-time nanny for the past 11 years. Responsibilities of this position includes healthy meal preparations, menu planning, serving, and clean-up; all housecleaning; chauffeuring of children; running errands; laundry and ironing; gardening; home security; some record keeping; decorating for parties; caring for guests; organization of closets and supplies; and caring for marble, antiques, paintings, interior windows, crystal, metals, the spa, and other high-end items requiring specific knowledge. They will not accept smokers and offer Sundays and Mondays off. They will train you on how to do kosher cooking. Previous experience working in a home of wealth or equivalent in professional training is required. Salary commensurate to skills (up to $110,000) and experience and includes a 1,058 sq. ft. apartment with private entrance as well as half contribution towards health insurance, six paid holidays, and two weeks’ paid vacation each year. If interested, please submit a resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Peru

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

Portugal

WE NEED HELP for all the different kinds of work, e.g. clearing the ground, cutting, potting plants at a small Mediterranean plant nursery. Beside this, we do have some animals and we do need help for clearing our land, the fences and some small jobs in the horse stable. The accommodation for a helper will always be together with a bathroom, depending of the time of the year, it will be a guest-room or a caravan. We do live eight km away from the next beach and we can offer a bike for the free time to get there. Our farm is situated near Faro Airport. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at [Contact info available to subscribers], an Eco-project and Open Learning centre, a project from the Happiness Everywhere association. [Contact info available to subscribers] is born out of a dream of reconnecting with nature and ourselves, to share knowledge and experience with each other, and to live a sustainable life. We receive volunteers and guests from all over the world, who come to help in the creation of this project, and to participate in our open learning/non-formal education activities. Permaculture including natural building, natural gardening, food forest and healing are our main focuses. We have activities on a regular basis such as meditation, yoga, talking circles, improvisations of music and dance. We are located 3km from Nisa, in the district of Portalegre in the North Alentejo of Portugal. To learn more and to see photos, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Seychelles

URGENT! Looking to hire a caretaker couple for six months in Seychelles – gardening, maintaining the place, paying the utilities bills, and making sure it is secure. Free board – just take care of the place, serious, reliable and experienced only please. Please contact[Contact info available to subscribers] with your resume and pictures.

South Dakota

A LOCAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FIRM is searching for a caretaker for a large apartment community in Rapid City. This is an entry level position and affords opportunities for advancement. Prior experience in cleaning, use of cleaning chemicals, a general understanding of safety along with a general understanding of how to apply cleaning chemicals sagely – is a must. If you are dependable, hard-working, possess a strong desire to succeed and have a customer service attitude then we are looking for you! Apply in person Monday through Friday between 10am and 5pm, or on Saturday or Sunday between 12pm and 3pm at [Contact info available to subscribers] Excellent starting wage, benefits, vacation and 401(k) provided.

Spain

house sitter NEEDED as soon as possible in Andalusia, Spain. house sitter wanted in Spain, one hour from Granada, in a cave house. There are no pets, I mainly need the house sitter to just look after the cave/property, and do some of the weeding. Long and short term time periods are of interest. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

HELP NEEDED after February 15th. This would suit two or three friends or a couple with energy, stamina and the strength to clear ground for planting and for general garden tidying and maintenance on difficult land. Must be comfortable around dogs and cats. We have room for two or three helpers (en suite room with two single beds and a pull down bed). This would suit a couple or friends who can cook most of their own meals in a small kitchen and who can offer both light and heavy work clearing land, collecting, cutting and stacking wood and if possible pruning olive trees. We have a small organic finca mainly growing almonds and olives. We moved here in September 2006 with our two cats. We have since been adopted by five more cats and a dog. Our background is in teaching and alternative health. If you can teach us gardening skills relevant to Spain that would be great! We are non-smokers however, smokers are welcome if you respect our rooms and smoke outside. We expect about 30 hours work a week which may be five hours a day for six days or six hours a day for five days. We’re open to negotiation for free hours or days. In exchange we offer comfortable accommodation and food, and some prepared meals. Finca Colina is about a two hour walk across mountains to the nearest pueblo which is Almogia so this is not the place for you if you need lots of social activity. The nearest bus stops in Almogia but runs only a few times a day. We will give you lifts to Almogia when needed. Internet access at the finca is limited. The scenery is spectacular and the night skies are amazing. For more details, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Tennessee

SEEKING CARETAKER, CAREGIVER with Alzheimer credentials, for a very special octogenarian who still loves having fun, staying busy, shopping at auctions or antique malls, or working in the yard. Must like dogs, only one, but also very special (sorry, no additional pets allowed). A beautiful room, board, and salary commensurate with skills, will be provided. Non-smoker, non-drinker, bondable, able to pass a thorough background check and drug test. Clean MVR, as you would be driving her for groceries and outings. Individual preferred, will consider couple with one working outside the home. Located in southern middle Tennessee. Please respond to [Contact info available to subscribers] with resume, references and contact information.

Texas

THIS IS AN IDEAL POSITION for a semi-retired person or couple to be a live-in caretaker on our eco-homestead property, just outside of San Antonio. We have a 50-acre property that is also home to our outdoor education school. We need a caretaker to do basic gardening, small building projects, animal care and grounds maintenance in exchange for a place to live, utilities, select free classes on sustainability and outdoor skills, access to a free herbal clinic once a month, and monthly community barter day. Caretakers can also grow their own plot in a fenced in garden area and raise chickens, rabbits or other small livestock animals as well. Must have own RV and pass a background check. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

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

CARETAKER NEEDED to take care of a beautiful old ranch house located out in the country. Person/persons would get to live in a 5,000 square foot house in exchange for $300 a month plus some upkeep on the house. The upkeep would include painting, chopping wood, and putting in ceramic tile in kitchen. If you are interested in being out in the fresh air and drinking pure underground spring water with no pollution and no city noises please give me a call at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Thailand

VOLUNTEER TO HELP at [Contact info available to subscribers] located outside of the city called Mae Rim. We are looking for volunteers who will participate with their heart, are motivated and willing to help! Volunteering for us is an opportunity to integrate with authentic northern Thai culture and looking for people who are open minded and interested in learning the Thai ways of life. We’re looking for nature lovers from anywhere in the world to join us in making art and staying with us. You would learn how to live the Thai lifestyle, share and eat what we eat and cook, share and plant your own vegetables, etc. We really do like to share a part of our rural lives. We do not need to spend or make much money for living here. Everybody is rich in the nature which provided us with plenty of food and everything. These are some of the responsibilities you might have as our volunteer: help with eco project at [Contact info available to subscribers], organic orchards gardening, general maintenance, cooking, shopping, building and making an art project. We need you to be willing and able to take on any work we might have for you! Don’t worry! It’s not too much work every day. Just give us your free hands. You will have your own free times. Volunteers must understand the rules and adapt quickly to the variety of tasks they may be responsible for. Please contact us for more details at Skype: [Contact info available to subscribers] in Thailand.

WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER(S) (couples and groups also welcome) to work at our dog centre in Bang Saphan, Thailand for one year (we will still accept people for shorter stays of course). We are a small dog rescue centre which cares for 50 plus dogs at our centre and around fifty more at a local temple. We aim to have these dogs adopted within months of their arrival unless they have medical problems, in which case we would keep them at the centre and care for them. We also neuter and treat local street dogs. You would be given your own accommodation (this is only available if you can commit for more than six months) for a year in exchange for helping us in our effort to have all of our dogs adopted within the year and eventually close the centre. Your day-to-day work will include helping with adoptions (spreading awareness), treating and caring for the dogs (feeding, cleaning, etc), helping with rescues and fundraising. Headrock Dogs Rescue will still exist once the centre dogs have been adopted but we will only treat and care for the dogs at the temple and on the street beyond this point. Bang Saphan is a well hidden secret and we want to keep it that way except for volunteers who appreciate the natural beauty of Thailand and a peaceful harmonious place to stay that makes you think of paradise. If you would like to come and volunteer with us we will help you organize your trip. We can arrange transportation to the area, advise you on flights, supply information about where to eat and what is good for trips, etc. We don’t charge you for coming to volunteer; we just appreciate your help. Please read the thoughts of past volunteers at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Utah

A house sitting POSITION is available in suburban Salt Lake City from February 15 through May 2014, while the owners are out of the country. It’s a large, five bedroom, fully furnished house with all amenities in an upscale neighborhood, near schools and shopping centers, and close to the I-15. Very light duties are expected and include watering the plants, taking care of the yard and communicating with the owners via email, or by cell phone if any emergencies develop. If interested, please email Sally at [Contact info available to subscribers] Please include references and your past house sitting experience. Thank you.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED on 150 acres of land in amazing red rock canyons in the juniper and pinion forest and canyon lands of the high desert on the Colorado Plateau. The year-round creek bisects the property with a grove of cottonwoods. Almost 20 Anasazi sites are scattered around the property, with cliff ruins, petroglyphs and pictographs decorating the canyon walls. 21 acres of grape vines, a thousand fruit and nut trees, and a prolific garden make up the main work to be done on the property. Length of stay is up to you, ranging from a couple of weeks, to all summer. Working months are between the 1st of March and end of November, the beginning and end of the frost free days. Average group size is six to eight, and accommodations are in a cabin built by volunteers. Everyone is expected to spend six hours on weekdays learning how to prune and take care of grape vines or fruit and nut trees, weed, harvest, and work on any variety of other projects. Since we are 15 miles from the nearest town (10 on dirt roads) we try to carpool as much as possible, so just hop a ride whenever someone is going to town. I am a 27-year-old graduate of UC Santa Cruz, and I decided to turn the ranch into a viable organic farm and vineyard. I provide three meals a day plus snacks, showers, and comfortable beds. The weekends are spent exploring the national parks or the endless high desert wilderness around the property. Ideal volunteers are adventurous, hardworking, and can be kind and respectful in a group environment. Last minute volunteers welcome. Come out and enjoy a glass of red wine sitting around a campfire under the stars with a great group of people. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Virginia

HOUSE/APARTMENT TRADE OPPORTUNITY. New York City three bedroom apartment wanted for exchange or rent, preferably on the Upper West Side, for one year, beginning June/July 2014 in exchange for a lovely, spacious three to four bedroom house with a fenced yard near the downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] with New York City/Charlottesville, VA Trade in the Subject Line.

Washington

MOUNTAIN MAN NEEDED to steward our 60 acre old growth forest, in the central Cascades, Washington. This is ideal for a fit, retired person, with a small cabin in a beautiful setting. The Whitewater River is 200 yards from your doorstep, and a half-mile to a wilderness hot spring. Salary $700/month for one hour of hiking daily and additional part-time work is available at $10/hour. Off grid with satellite internet connection; propane cooking, and wood heat. This is available annually, from May to November. You can start May, 2014. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING a mature and professional resident management couple with at least three to five years of management experience of Inn Keeping experience. This is a hands-on position to operate and manage a small motel in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State. We are looking for a hardworking, honest couple to assume the full-time management of our motel – manage a small staff, oversee the front office, reservations, housekeeping, pool care and light maintenance. Compensation includes salary (depends on experience), a one-bedroom apartment with utilities. For a full job description please email [Contact info available to subscribers] You can email or fax your resume and references. Our fax is [Contact info available to subscribers]

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED in a rustic resort and retreat center in the San Juan Islands. Your primary job functions might include but are not limited to weeding, care and maintenance of landscaped areas, maintenance and development of campsites and trails, and general grounds work. Opportunities exist to get involved in a variety of different projects depending on your skill level and the needs of the resort. Some priority projects include harvesting and utilizing driftwood and other natural materials from the resort property for landscaping purposes, driftwood and cedar fence building, and preparation for our annual summer music festival. For 30 hours of work per week you will receive a weekly stipend of $100 for use in our Cafe and Store (credit – not cash). While in season, produce may be available to you if harvests permit. You will work 30 hours per week with four to five days on and two to three consecutive days off. We offer free accommodations, mostly ground camping in “Tent City.” In the colder months a rustic shared cabin will be provided. You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, bedding, etc. The stay is a minimum of three weeks and up to three months. The first two weeks are a trial period. If interested, please fax your info to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wisconsin

PET AND HOUSESIT on 300 acres, located 15 minutes from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. There are three cats, and two dogs. It is very private property with lots of wildlife and natural beauty. A private one bedroom garage apartment, all utilities plus car and Satellite TV furnished. You should have an outside source of income, as we provide a small salary in addition to living quarters. The owner is absent during the winter months. If interested please send background and contact information to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wyoming

FARM/RANCH HAND NEEDED. Looking for an all-around hand for farm/ranch work in southeastern Wyoming/Nebraska. Duties to include but not limited to hay production, calving, fencing, irrigation (pivot), maintenance, and some farming. Must be motivated, a self starter, and a team player. Housing provided. Pay will depend on experience. To apply, please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A REMOTE LODGE in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming is looking for help. A single person or couple is OK. Maintenance, snow removal, kitchen, housekeeping are included in the varied duties. The property is only accessible by an over-the-snow vehicle in the winter. Base pay plus room and board provided. Can start immediately. To apply, please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Situations-wanted Ads

Female military Veteran and former homemaker seeking a house or pet-sitters position. No stipend required, however assistance with travel helpful. Have household skills, am conscientious, diligent and willing to learn if new skills required. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] Available immediately.

Responsible mature Male seeks winter caretaker position starting in the fall 2014. Alaska hunting/fishing lodge setting preferred, but will consider all areas of the country. I am a current Alaska resident, with considerable bush experience. Salaried position required. Must be able to have my dog with me. I am in good physical condition. I am a non drinker/smoker. References available upon request. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Retired yes… (37 years teaching HS biology) but not dead! In fact very much alive. We are ready to take care of you, your property and your loved ones (animals). We are in great shape (non-smokers/non-drinkers). I am no stranger to a hammer, a paintbrush, a chainsaw or a machete. I can keep your lawns green, pool blue and your trees trimmed while at the same time keeping your “neighbors” out and your animals in. All my wife and I need is a comfortable place to dream. We have great references (ex. nine week “job” in Costa Rica), and others. Faraway places are calling us, or maybe not so far away places. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

South Florida – mature couple available for area assignments. Have 15 years experience in South Florida. Husband is retired; wife is a teacher in Broward Schools. Familiar with maintenance, business, animals and horticulture. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Responsible, capable person seeks house sit or caretaker position in the Sierra Foothills, California; short or long term. Skills include gardening, house management, and animal husbandry. Excellent references. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Estate caretaker for 25 years looking to move upstate NY or CT. Can do it all. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Caretaker/Property Manager seeks a live-in position. Ran successful B&B for three years in Boston, while managing large historic property and lot. Extensive food and culinary experience. Proficient gardening and landscaping skills; expertise with edibles, pruning, native plants, and four-season. Excellent with handy-work, customer service, administrative tasks, addressing problems, cooperation, creativity, attention to detail, self-direction, and driving. I’m a young 39, strong, agile, energetic, and healthy. I have a great sense of humor and open mind. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] with questions and for references.

Retired hospice caregiver is seeking a peaceful, yet active, caretaking situation. I am 56, single, with no commitments, strong, hardworking, with good work ethics. Trustworthy and humble with extensive references. My background also includes dog training and loving care for any and all animals, security, outreach work, and various volunteer endeavors. I enjoy the outdoors, yoga, and meditation. Please contact Robin at [Contact info available to subscribers] if you have further interest. Love and Light!

Tired of working a treadmill “job”. Must return to serenity; solitude of nature. Have time to write; pursue photography. Want to do something different/interesting: Cemetery caretaker; lighthouse keeper; live on a houseboat; prune roses. Partial to Oregon. Long-term. Need housing/pay. Have dog. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mom with two young kids and big dog seeks employment as caretaker/estate manager in California (coast and/or mountains). Wide range of skills. Please contact for me for my resume by calling [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mature responsible female seeks house sitting/caretaking in Evergreen, Colorado and the surrounding area. Retired nurse with previous experience as a caretaker, excellent references available. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Professional-Personal Executive and Assistant available to help with Estate-Property Management, Travel Plans, etc. (You tell me!) I am a worldwide traveler, fit, friendly and flexible. Plan to leave high stress consulting practice for another path in life that would be pleasing, productive, and expand my horizons. References that support my integrity and capability include a US Ambassador, a US Congressman, and a lifelong friend who is an insurance executive. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Responsible, trustworthy, friendly Canadian coming to Europe! Looking for house-sit or other adventures in Germany, Spain or where the winds take me. In Usedom, Germany till June 6th. Possibly exploring Spain after that. Open to offers. Speak some German. Professional Organizer: [Contact info available to subscribers] Saved my last house sit from disastrous sewer back up.

Family of six, with four energetic young girls ages 4 to 10, is seeking an opportunity to take care of your farmhouse, rural property, small farm, or similar situation. We want to spend a year getting closer to nature, and each other, while getting our hands dirty. We want to learn something about growing food and taking care of a property, and maybe even some animals. We’d be willing to contribute to the rent, while partially earning our keep as well. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Excellent experienced single lady available to manage your property. Educated, organized, trustworthy caretaker who enjoys gardening too. Multi-lingual, world traveler, non-smoker. Have passport, will travel. Photos and international references. Please contact Eleni at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Experienced and certified horticulturist and estate caretaker hailing from Massachusetts seeks estate management (or similar) position. Possesses a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and English literature from UNH. Three years as Grounds Restoration Manager at the Hunnewell Prize award-winning Glen Magna Farms in Danvers, MA. Excellent with children and pets. Great references/resume provided upon request. Please feel free to inquire anytime. Please contact Zachary at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mature, responsible professional woman looking to house sit in the Boston Area all or part of the summer. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] to discuss options. Flexible and open to location and time.

Active 60-year-old female relocating to San Francisco or north in Marin or Sonoma. Seeking house sitting, caretaking position immediately. Plant care, love pets, Very responsible, nonsmoker, completely honest, reliable and loyal, happy to provide references. Please email Sam at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Do you need a reliable person to watch over your primary home while you’re away or your second home on the northern Oregon/ southern Washington coast? I’m a retired gentleman with impeccable references who will look in on your home in your absence, will be on site when contractors are working, and, if you’re planning a visit, send me your shopping list and the kitchen will be ready when you arrive. I am building a client list. Let me be there for you. Please call Ken at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Award-winning journalist/experienced caretaker/pet-sitter seeks a house-sit on/near the Oregon coast. Trustworthy-Responsible-Mature-Nonsmoker. Excellent references/background check plus income. See profile/photos in the January/February 2014 issue of The Caretaker Gazette. Please contact Catherine by calling [Contact info available to subscribers]

Quiet Single Male is seeking a long-term house sitting or caretaking position in Austin, Texas. I have handyman, maintenance and technical skills and am very good at fixing things. I have experience with hospitality, pet care, gardening and landscaping. I will consider all types of housing. No kids, pets, smoking, drinking, or drugs. Excellent references can be provided. Please email me at [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you.

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We are relocating to the Grand Rapids Area. We are a family with two children under the age of five. We are looking for a home to housesit and taking care of animals is OK, since my wife and I both grew up with farm animals. This is our first house sitting search as a family. My wife did some house sitting in Alaska and has great references. We are very responsible and promise to take good care of your home. We are looking for something long-term and as soon as possible. Thank you, Aaron Schmude. You may contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

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