The Caretaker Gazette March / April 2019

Alabama

VOLUNTEER RVing GATEHOUSE Attendant needed at [Contact info available to subscribers] from April 1 through November 30. [Contact info available to subscribers] is a shaded oasis on the banks of Holt Lake with 46 campsites, a protected swim beach, picnic area, and boat launch. It is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Tuscaloosa, AL (about 25 miles away); the area provides for some of the best fishing in western Alabama with excellent water quality. Volunteer duties will include visitor assistance, remain friendly and accommodating at all times, 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 recycling programs and special projects lead by Park Rangers. Hosts are required to work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday every other week (if two gatehouse attendants are present) or every week (if one gatehouse attendant is present). Open gates at 7:00 am and close gates at 10:00 pm. Gates must be opened for all emergencies. Gatehouse hours: 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Gatehouse hours are subject to change. Hosts will be required to operate ORMS software, make reservations, check in campers, collect fees, and issue various passes, post campsite and shelter reservations. Portray a positive image of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Training will be provided. Work will be performed according to safety guidelines provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For your 20 to 25 hours of work per week, we provide a RV campsite with water, electric, and sewer hookups free of charge; we also provide volunteer shirts and training for all new volunteers. If interested, please complete the volunteer form at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Alaska

IF THERE IS A PLACE in your mind’s eye that can clearly picture the perfect Alaska – and you yearn for it – then you should consider working for us. It is all here on the Kenai Peninsula, exactly as you pictured it: hundreds of square miles of impossible beauty and bounty; a seemingly endless expanse of rolling forests, mountain meadows, hidden lakes, whispering streams, turquoise glaciers – and all of it teeming with rare species of North American wildlife… including some of the largest game fish on earth. Maintenance is one of the most important aspects of our resort. We are looking for people with various skills. Problem solvers a must. Ability to work on a deadline, often long hours on a great team. Maintenance Manager – manage other maintenance staff and organize and run daily shuttle schedule. Strong background in vehicle/equipment maintenance and people skills required. “Can do” attitude a must. Ability to organize/prioritize and complete projects required. Vehicle maintenance/mechanic – varied, strong background in auto and other maintenance required. Able to replace motors. Outboard work a big plus. Grounds maintenance – lodge and surrounding property maintenance. Good work ethic and ability to work long hours with a smile a plus. Many of our guides and other managers began here. To apply before March 31, please email your resume and references to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include Alaska Opportunity in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes. Thanks.

Arizona

LOOKING FOR A CARETAKER, handyman, gardener, resourceful, creative person for a private healing retreat sanctuary in Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon, in exchange for living in a cozy, small trailer with an outdoor covered patio. Must be reliable, have your own vehicle and cell phone. Someone who loves nature, is kind to our guests, and animals, self-responsible, peaceful lifestyle and aware Presence. Eleven hours/week exchange for Caretakers Cubby, additional hours will be paid. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

WE ARE SEEKING AN AWESOME CARETAKER with their own RV, 5th Wheel, or travel trailer. One to three acres of land is offered rent-free in exchange for acting as the caretaker for the ranch. The property is located just 20 miles outside of Show Low on 40+ acres. It has an abundance of mature Pinon trees, rock outcroppings, and meadow/flat areas. The property offers privacy, seclusion, and nature at its best! Lots of birds, deer, antelope, and bear. It is a beautiful property, and shopping, dining, and services are a short drive away. There is a world class golf course (Crystal Creek) nearby. While we are in a semi-remote rural area, you will not be far from all that you need. Activities to be developed on the property are an organic garden, beekeeping/honey production, therapeutic riding, and an art program. If you enjoy living in a semi-remote area, off the grid and seek a sustainable lifestyle – we’d love to hear from you. Please read carefully, and make sure you are prepared to live off the grid. We will only respond to potential candidates whom we feel will be a match to become part of our family and ranch team. Your RV, 5th Wheel, or travel trailer must be in good condition and you must supply your own propane, power, and water. If you have horses you will be able to fence off (three acres) for living and pasture for the horses. Please email your resume and cover letter to [Contact info available to subscribers] The cover letter should be specific to the caretaker position, tell us the skill set and experience you have that directly relates to the position and why the caretaker position is a great fit for you. Please include the length of time you feel you will be available to fill this position. Six months, one year or longer, if it all works out. We all know things happen in life and all opportunities don’t always work out. If selected and you or I feel that it isn’t a good match we will part as friends and wish you well. We require that if the owner is on the property you give us a 48-hour notice that you will be withdrawing from acting as the caretaker. This will give us time to sign you out of the property and verify that any ranch property has been accounted for and the one acre lot is left in the same or improved condition. Caretaker duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: providing caretaking services and labor – this position could develop into the caretaker receiving a stipend and or a salary. You will be required to perform handyman/repairs, landscaping, clearing, land management, construction, customer service, electrical, solar system and wind turbine repair and management. Should be willing to learn or have experience. As we develop the ranch you will be called upon to learn beekeeping, organic gardening or other skills that will allow you to caretake/manage ranch operations. You should be a jack of all trades, able to troubleshoot, build and or fabricate parts if necessary. Initially, you will perform property checks and work closely with the owner to ensure the security and safety of any property assets. A plus to being the caretaker is you will enjoy the bountiful harvest from the organic garden, orchard, honey, and farm fresh eggs. There will be times when there is much to accomplish and other times when there will be plenty of free time to spend with your family, friends, recreational time or just enjoy the peace and quiet here. This position is best suited for a retired person with a retirement income or someone who has an outside job that won’t interfere with your caretaking responsibilities. You must be a team player in deed and word, honest, dependable, inventive, creative, troubleshooter and problem solver with a can-do attitude, personable, professional and respectful. As the caretaker you will enjoy the freedom to landscape, grow a garden, and bring your toys. You are allowed two cars, one truck, one or two ATV’s, one boat, one or two horses (will consider) one or two pets (will consider/no aggressive breeds). Must be willing to pass a background screening and drug check. If there is anything I need to know about you, please include it in your cover letter. Honesty is the best policy. All information will be kept private and confidential. If selected the first step in the selection process is a 1) Phone interview 2) Face-to-face interview 3) Tour of the property 4) Offer to become the caretaker.

Arkansas

house sitter NEEDED for my large home in [Contact info available to subscribers], on the western edge of Bentonville, AR. We are located right off of SW 28th Street. Will also need to care for my two beautiful dogs. Need the house sitter to start around March 1 with an indefinite time-period (at least six months while I’ll be out of the country). Can be a single person or couple (no children or other pets please). Must be dependable, trustworthy, and responsible with checkable references. Must be a nonsmoker/drinker/drug user, and in good health. Care for my home, dogs, and indoor plants. We have a weekly landscaper who takes care of our lawn and outdoor plants. Early retirees, retirees, or a part-time student would be OK. You can work in the home as I have a great Wi-Fi connection here. A small wage is possible. Must be a dog lover and be a homebody and spend most of your time on my property. Please email an introductory letter about why you would be interested in this to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Letters to the Editor

Hi Gary, I was just reading through some of my old issues of The Caretaker Gazette and decided I would like to renew for another year. I spend half the year in Costa Rica. I often meet tourists who ask me, “How did you end up living in Costa Rica?” I tell them it was thanks to The Caretaker Gazette when I took a house sitting position they’d advertised! I fell in love with Costa Rica because of you! Please sign me up for $29.95 for another year of online issues. Keep up the good work. Adam C., San Jose, CA

Adam, Thanks for your kind words. You are very fortunate to be able to experience the best of both worlds. Many of our subscribers have found similar opportunities like yours through the pages of The Caretaker Gazette.

Thanks to my help wanted ad for a caretaker I now have two wonderful seasonal caretakers for my retreat and vacation property. In exchange for the opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. the caretakers will be learning about owning and operating a retreat property, including giving workshops and classes to our guests here. This is the third set of caretakers I’ve found through your publication and already I can tell they’ll be as good as the previous ones. Happy results from your publication. Sarah W., Las Vegas, NV

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

Gary, I’ve noticed that so many listings in the Gazette contain only an email address for readers to use when responding to the ad. This is very frustrating because I don’t have a computer, and I wouldn’t know how to respond to an email address. Any suggestions? I’d really like to respond to some of the ads. Sam L., Deming, NM

Sam, the majority of our ads come to us via our website and the property owners often list only an email address. A major reason for this is privacy and some set up a separate email address for their ad or have ad responses come to us. Sometimes property owners like their applicants to have an email address so they can receive regular updates from their caretaker or house sitter regarding the property. We often suggest to our subscribers who don’t use email or computers to visit their public library and get set up with email on the computers there. I hope this helps.

Hi Gary, I have recently moved (by taking a long-term position via the Gazette) and my address has changed. My new address is PO Box, Cloudcroft, NM Jim. L., New York, NY

Dear Jim, thanks for sending us your new postal address. You could have saved your postage and time by making your own Change of Address online at www.caretaker.org. Our subscribers can sign in to www.caretaker.org in order to make their own changes and updates to their subscription record anytime. You can follow these four steps to log in anytime: 1) Go to www.caretaker.org 2) Type in your username in the first box on the upper right corner (your username is your email address). 3) Type in your password in the second box on the upper right hand corner. 4) Click on the Sign In Button Once you are logged in you can click on any of these features to update your subscription record, if you like: 1) Change Account Password and/or Email Address 2) Change My Mailing Address 3) Renew Your Subscription (we do not offer automatic renewals)

Australia

ONGOING CARETAKER POSITION AVAILABLE in a caravan park in Lakes Entrance in Victoria. We have a unique situation for the right couple. We require a couple who are retired but wanting to stay active during their retirement. We offer a house to live in exchange for assistance in running our park. Jobs consist of cleaning, office work (non-computerized) and assist in maintenance and park management. There is paid work also at certain times of the year plus a small retainer. So if you are ready to settle down in a beautiful part of the world, please call us on [Contact info available to subscribers]

COUPLE REQUIRED for part-time caretaking. This includes a gardening role on a small cattle prop north of Dalby in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. Cottage accommodation is available. Please phone [Contact info available to subscribers].

RURAL CARETAKER POSITION available. Looking for a semi-retired couple or single man to be a caretaker in the Armidale/Uralla District. Must be available to move cattle, do gardening, lawn mowing, etc. and feed the animals when the owners are away. Supplied is a new two bedroom cottage. The caretaker’s only cost is gas and half the power bill. References required. Must be reliable and honest. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER, CARETAKER COUPLE OR CARETAKER family required for a [Contact info available to subscribers] for 11 days in February. Accommodation, food, fuel and some remuneration provided. As well as caretaking opportunities here, we are always looking for help on station if this interests you please ring to register your interest. Please phone [Contact info available to subscribers] to discuss.

CARETAKER/COUPLE REQUIRED for a small cattle station in the Shire of Richmond in western Queensland. Fully kept and a small wage will be provided. Must be a keen gardener with cattle experience. An air-condoned furnished cottage will be provided. For full details, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER COUPLE WANTED for a large sheep station in the Gascoyne. This would suit a couple with previous station experience. Requirements of role include the care and maintenance of: livestock (sheep and goats), solar powered mills providing water supplies for sheep, daily mill runs, and frequent communication with the station manager. Features of this position include a comfortable homestead with air conditioning and 24 hour power, groceries included, new work Ute provided, Wi-Fi, and located 50 km to a private beach. Opportunity to enjoy wide open spaces, natural outback beauty and peace in a truly idyllic setting which reflects the charm and allure of outback Australia. This couple position is to start immediately and the compensation package can be worked out for the right couple. Prior station experience is essential. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

BUSH CARAVAN PARK CARETAKERS needed. We are a young bush holiday park in Coonawarra, in the beautiful southeast of South Australia, surrounded by vineyards, fishing, beaches and great food. We run glamping tents, cabins and rooms and have a lot of cleaning, laundry, lawns and gardening to do, as well as mechanical, electrical and other odd jobs from time to time. It is a relaxed environment where it will be busy for a week and then quiet for two weeks. We have a couple of onsite vans you can choose from, or preferably bring your own. You will not have to pay for electricity, gas or rent if you can do a minimum of 16 hours work for us each week. When you do more, you get paid more if you want to. It is a great lifestyle for the fit and healthy traveler to settle down for a while and lose the day-to-day stress of normal life. Couples or singles are OK. A minimum stay of two months is required (because we have to train you). $1,000 per month per person is average earnings. A smartphone is needed for the booking system. No trade unionist types, hour counters, whiners or complainers. No amphetamines on site ever – you must present well to the public. We need two pairs of caretakers now. If you are friendly and responsible, we are going to get on well! Please call me on [Contact info available to subscribers] to discuss.

CARETAKER/GARDENER NEEDED. Located 40km north of the small village of Taralga in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Active pensioner couple required for this Tablelands property. A comfortable three bedroom cottage with garage, power and telephone rental supplied in return for 10 hours gardening and maintenance around homesteads, plus caretaking when required. Up to eight hours paid housekeeping/week plus occasional paid farm work could be available. You need to have previously lived on a farm and have an affinity with rural life. Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers].

ON-SITE CARETAKERS NEEDED for the [Contact info available to subscribers], in Batchelor, Northern Territory. We are looking for a couple who have their own accommodation (i.e. caravan/motor home), and who would be interested in volunteering as On-Site Caretakers at the [Contact info available to subscribers] this year from April 1st to the end of September/October, depending on the weather. This is not a paid position. Your van site, power and water are free for you on the grounds of the [Contact info available to subscribers]. There is also a bathroom, fridge and small washing machine available. Batchelor is at the gateway to the beautiful Litchfield National Park and is a very historic little town of approximately 400 people, 50/50 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. Batchelor is only 100 kms from Darwin. There is a wonderful community spirit in the town and always lots of fun activities going on. Lawn bowls, a swimming pool, general store, beautiful Batchelor Oval with cricket pitch, many parks, monthly markets, monthly Quiz Nights, Op-shop, Anglican and Seventh Day Adventist Churches, Butterfly Farm and Rum Jungle Tavern with karaoke weekly are some of the activities you could become involved in during your stay at the [Contact info available to subscribers]. The more you give, the more you receive in Batchelor. You won’t want to leave! We are interested in a neat and friendly couple who are active and enjoy meeting and talking with people, most of whom are travelers such as you. There is a small shop/cafe in the entry building, selling Museum souvenirs, gift lines from local artists, ice creams, drinks, etc. The cafe is run by an independent person but there may be some hours of paid work available during the busy times. The main requirements are keeping the three buildings of the museum clean, opening and closing, and greeting visitors each day. Also, maintaining the museum grounds and driveways. Details of these activities will be forwarded upon application, with a run-sheet of a typical day. This is an easy and rewarding position for two people to share the day’s activities. The Museum is open seven days a week during the season and on request thereafter. Open hours are from 10am to 4pm. You would be required to be here five days per week, then two days off. This is flexible to suit different requirements. We are all volunteers, and as such, try to be flexible. We have a small yet dedicated group of Committee members and friends of the Museum who look after it on a regular basis to allow our valued caretakers to enjoy their time off. A keen interest in Australian history, in particular WWII would be great but not necessary. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Top End and the front line of our Australian WWII history; also the Rum Jungle Uranium Mine and the township of Batchelor in the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s. The Museum is fascinating and, whilst it has only been open since 2012, has been given great reviews and is on the to do list for the Northern Territory. It is constantly evolving, with new exhibits and information being added on a regular basis. If you are interested in keeping the history alive and would like more info, please phone [Contact info available to subscribers].

Belize

VOLUNTEER CARETAKER AND PETSITTER POSITION available on a small Caribbean Island off of Belize. We are searching for someone in good physical condition, who feels confident living alone with a pig immediately for four to six weeks on our remote island in very simple environment. Frugal dealing with resources is required. We have a small solar system for light and phone charging, drinking and using water is harvested from rain. Your job would be: being present on the island 24/7 and looking after and feeding Piggy, a free living, dominant and not castrated male pig, maintaining and controlling the systems, cleaning the beaches and trails, watering the plants and other small maintenance jobs. In your spare time you could watch the sky, sunsets, dolphins and rays, explore the island, go snorkeling or fishing around the island, find meditation or yoga spots or just seize the day. Accommodation is a little wooden beach hut with comfortable queen sized bed, kitchen corner with two burner gas stove and basic equipment. There is no boat on the island. All supplies you need, you have to bring when you come in a hired motorboat from the mainland. There is no delivery service! Depending on the weather, there could be lots of sandflies. There is a shower outside. Property has a compost toilet. We have perfect conditions for snorkeling and fishing in shallow waters around the island. Internet and cellphone service are available on the island! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

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

Bulgaria

HELP NEEDED at [Contact info available to subscribers] in Sofia. Come and join us in our popular hostel here in Bulgaria. You can learn more at [Contact info available to subscribers]. We have been established and highly rated in Hostel World & Booking.com since 2007, winning many awards. (The latest has been Hostel Worlds “Best in Bulgaria 2018”). Veliko Tarnovo is one of Europe’s best kept secrets, been the ancient capital of Bulgaria with its two fortress and old town surrounded by the Yantra River winding its way around the city in the valley below. This is a friendly social and laid back hostel with tons of character in a beautiful old city with plenty of activities to keep you busy on your days off, hiking, rock climbing, camping/swimming, exploring the old city and some cool Urban Exploration sites. During the busy season we often run full day trips, so you can join us on those as well. We need one helper now for general duties, such as keeping an eye on reception, cleaning, gardening, laundry and preparing breakfast for the guests. You need to be able to speak good English, any other languages would be great but not essential. We are asking for four to five hours a day and we can be flexible on this so you could work eight hours one day and have the next off, etc. We will provide breakfast and dinner (mostly vegetarian), a dorm bed, high speed internet and free laundry. If you’re in the area, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

California

NON-SALARIED YEAR ROUND CARETAKER POSITION available immediately in the San Jacinto Mountains on a beautiful 80 acre ranch. The nearest towns are Idyllwild, Palm Springs and Hemet. This is a very remote location at the end of a four mile dirt road. Live onsite, rent and utility free in a one bedroom cute house, off the grid. Minimal duties: be on site, feed three horses and report to the owner. Satellite internet and cell service available. Must be a self-starter and enjoy solitude. To view the property please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] and then to apply please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

NAPA, CA MOUNTAIN RANCH seeks a full-time caretaker for a 70-acre property in exchange for a two bedroom house on the property. Duties take 15-20 hours/week and include groundskeeping, water system management, irrigation, fence, tree and road maintenance, equipment upkeep, pool care, light construction, tending chickens and horses, security, and oversight of the major projects. Flexible work schedule available – not an 8-5 job. Please email a resume (PDF preferred) to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LOS ANGELES. Seeking a caretaker for a three bedroom Airbnb home, where individual rooms are rented out to guests nightly. Check in/out, laundry, cleaning, lawn mowing, pool and spa maintenance, and assist with a second nearby home occasionally. Preference to those who are handy. Living quarters provided and stipend to be determined. Flexible hours allow for other part-time or freelance opportunities. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER WANTED for a Lodge in the Sierras in Norden, CA. Located on Donner Summit (7,000 ft. elevation), and one mile from the Sugar Bowl ski resort in the tri-lodge area. This private lodge of a Bay Area international organization is looking for a dependable non-smoking caretaker. This club has a social component that would require the caretaker (can be a couple) to enjoy meeting new people and interacting with a variety of personalities, generations of families and friends. This position requires daily maintenance of the property. Qualifications required include: basic bookkeeping skills, being able to handle billing and make deposits, have the ability to follow written procedures, have good communication skills, be personable and comfortable with interacting with a variety of ages and personalities, be able to communicate with the lodge committee as issues arise, have basic handyman skills, and being able to maintain a clean environment of a large facility. Must be physically fit enough to shovel snow, must provide your own computer and be able to check emails on a regular basis and reply as needed, must be able to lift 80 lbs., must have a vehicle suited for the snow, and must be willing and able to feed the two cats that live on premises. Compensation will be $1,500/month. To apply, tell us a little bit about yourself by emailing your resume, cover letter, and recommendations to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER NEEDED FOR A SMALL PRIVATE MARINA on the Sacramento River! Position available for an individual or couple with their own RV to park on a pad overlooking the Sacramento River near downtown or for an individual to live in a studio apartment on the property. All utilities included, salary for approximately 20 hours a week of general maintenance and yard work. Good communication skills necessary to work with potential boat slip renters and existing tenants. Owners live on the property but are gone four to five months a year. Boating experience helpful but not necessary. Reliable, good references, no smoking or drugs. Must like dogs. Please send your interest and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Canada

HELP NEEDED ON OUR ORGANIC FARM. My wife Nadine and I own 1.5 acres of land along the Sproat River, near Port Alberni. We enjoy being in the outdoors, gardening, foraging and hanging out with our animals. We have a black lab, a mini schnauzer and a small cat. Nadine speaks German and I am learning. We need help with projects that include building and working gardens, yard maintenance, taking care of chickens and collecting eggs, pressure washing, planting and watering. planting shrubs, weeding, building sheds, raking leaves, and dog walking. Guest accommodation is a suite in our downstairs which includes a private bathroom, bedroom and living room with a TV. We have room for one person or a couple. If you have specific skills I can find projects to suit you best. We expect 20 hours of work per week per person in exchange for accommodation and food as well as help with cooking and cleanup when we eat together. For more information please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Colorado

CARETAKER COUPLE NEEDED full-time, year-round, on-site for a high standard botanical grounds and elegant home (Elevation 8,500). Candidates late 30s through early 50s, should be active and fit, and knowledgeable and experienced at property management and maintenance. Household and guesthouse, cleaning, laundry, kitchen skills. Occasional weekend entertaining, flowers, vegetable gardens, greenhouse, barn, fish ponds, lawns. Use of small farm equipment, tools, tractor, irrigation, pumps, snow removal. Must love three big dogs, cats, horses, and be able to co-exist with established employees and vendors. Must have a current drivers license with a good driving record. No children, smoking, or drugs. Private on-site home, utilities, and salary provided. Background check required. Please contact via email at [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER/RANCH MANAGER needed in Durango. A retired couple seeks dedicated qualified help on a 100 acre hobby ranch and estate property. Occasional travel and work on ancillary agricultural real estate interests. Candidate will be responsible for all facets of operation and maintenance of land, cattle, irrigation (flood and pump), fencing, structures (homes, barns) vehicles, equipment and tools, etc. Full-time, year round, caretaker position available for a mature, experienced, healthy, drug free male with clean driving record. The right ‘fit’ would receive an annual package depending on experience. Some flexibility of hours/schedule allowing for personal interests and needs. On site caretaker house with some utilities available after a trial period. The correct applicant would be a ranch experienced take charge self-starter with strong work ethic, pride of accomplishment, respect for the land and environment and a desire to please. Please email your personal history (health, education, marital status, family information, etc.), complete resume of work experience, and salary history for consideration to [Contact info available to subscribers]

NEED A HOUSE CLEANER for a cabin north of the Taylor Reservoir on Matchless Mountain Road, between May and October. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Costa Rica

CARETAKER(S) NEEDED for a 185 acre Rainforest Preserve and Organic Farm in Costa Rica. Must speak basic Spanish, be able to coordinate volunteers and workers in animal, farm and land care. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER, HANDYMAN OR HANDYWOMAN, single or couple, needed ASAP for a hobby farm in an Upscale Area of Costa Rica. Located on two acres of Heaven Hills of Heredia with views and tranquility. Its mild and sunny with a not-too-hot climate. Nice housing provided, plus we pay for electricity, water, and trash pick-up. We have great Wi-Fi, plus pay $500 month (which goes far in Costa Rica.) This is an easy gig. You will need to feed and play each morning with five gentle dogs, and any easy odd jobs. This can be a long-term gig. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

England

COUPLE NEEDED a housekeeper and gardener/handyperson at Henley on Thames, on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border. A friendly and outgoing family require a hands-on, experienced couple for a large country house. Responsibilities include approximately 20 hours per week of general housekeeping, laundry, cleaning and possibly some baking and approximately 40 hours per week of gardening, general property maintenance, driving and dog walking for three Labradors. A separate two bedroom bungalow on the grounds will be provided, with all utilities paid. This position comes with good rates of pay for the right candidates. UK residents should apply with your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Florida

RESPONSIBLE, SKILLED CARETAKER NEEDED for a private southwest Florida coast property. Landscape and irrigation experience required. Must be able to operate and possibly repair common maintenance equipment. Interpersonal and communication skills needed, with the ability to text or email. Compensation package commensurate with experience, level of commitment and good fit. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER-WANTED. Seeking an honest, trustworthy, non-smoking, non-drug using, quiet/peaceful, preferably vegan, live-in housekeeper. Driver’s license and fluency in English preferable but not indispensable. I am a Real Estate Investor, and Adjunct Professor at a local college who is neat, organized, kind and respectful. This is an opportunity for a healthy, health minded lady to live peacefully and securely without virtually any distress. Lady shall have her own private bedroom, bath, study area and use of premises for her considerate and respectful use. Should be under 40 years of age to meet normal demands of full housekeeper position in a distinctive and secure townhome with no pets on a lake in Miami, Florida. Salary commensurate with experience. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you. Take care, Joseph

WE HAVE AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY for a live-in onsite caretaker/gardener/landscaper individual (or couple) in Homestead, FL on our private residence we call Compassion Farm – an eco-natural canopy with oversized trees, forest, walking paths and gardens. Our property is just 30 minutes from Miami Beach. The caretaker’s residence on the property consists of a private recently renovated two story villa with full kitchen and bath. Rent, electricity, water, garbage removal and internet are provided. Responsibilities will include: – Develop, update and execute a Land Management plan to ensure: – Invasive and non-indigenous plant life is removed and kept at bay – Plant life is maintained in healthy order without use of chemicals – Plant life is continually refreshed and added to – Taking care of the forest, gardens, property and buildings – Maintain trails and drives by trimming back growth – Remove all leaves and debris from paths and drives – Participation in creation of and executing a sustainable permaculture plan for the future – Tending to the forest by removing invasive and non-local species like air-potatoes and Brazilian peppers. – Monitor, maintain and repair (or if required arrange factory repair) the following: + Irrigation and wells + Fences and gates including the main property gate + Exterior lighting + Landscaping equipment – As required: perform miscellaneous building maintenance and repairs including painting, light carpentry, light plumbing and light electric and roof patches. The ideal candidate (or couple) has the following skills/background: – Have great communication skills and a team mindset to manage and work with us, volunteers, vendors, day labor and other resources and agencies as required. – Experienced and educated in plant and animal life native to Redland, Florida – 3+ plus years in a similar role in organic gardening and or farming practices – Organized and project oriented with willingness to perform work hands on – Able to analyze and resolve issues and problems – Possess a calm demeanor, a can do attitude, a collaborative and communicative nature – Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems – Expert knowledge on use and maintenance of landscape equipment and tools – Maintain a plant based diet – Be a non-smoker – Must be handy to fix/maintain equipment and facilities – Must have experience with agriculture, gardening, horticulture, planting fruit trees, vegetable and a strong interest in organic gardening and permaculture – Must love dogs and animals and positive training experience a plus. If interested, please apply for this position here: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Finland

AN INDEPENDENT TEXTILE ARTIST and Craft Maker/Luthier couple need help running projects and maintaining a large wooden riverside property in North Karelia, Finland. We are located in the most easterly region of the European Union, on the Russian border. If you are practical with good hand skills, and enjoy the sense of freedom that wide wild open spaces give, this could be the place for you! We are further north than Anchorage, Alaska, and further east than Istanbul, Turkey. Clean waters, pure air and endless forests and waterways are available to explore. We are on the Finnish border with Russia. We have white nights in the summer and northern lights in the winter. It is extremely quiet up here in a fairly isolated village. Karoliina is a working Textile Artist and Roderick mainly repairs stringed musical instruments (violins, cellos, etc.) but also makes a variety of craft including glass jewelry, ceramics, turned wood, etc. Things to do: as it is winter, not much! Help around the house, kitchen management, so cooking meals and taking care of supplies, redecorating and renovation inside the house and a bit of snow work when needed. We have geo-thermal heating so there is no need to chop wood except for the sauna. There is an Art/Craft/Ceramics workshop/studio available for your use by prior arrangement, including a DIY printing press and all the tools for intaglio, engraving, etc. We also have a variety of different musical instruments for you to play. You will have free use of a wood fired sauna, canoe, fishing gear and bicycles. For the winter we have a selection of traditional wooden skis for you and the local ski track starts from the front yard. Shared accommodation with your partner/buddy are available in the craft studio. Children are welcome! You will have your own kitchen, toilet and front door and shared shower/sauna. Free Wi-Fi, but streaming music or video is very sketchy out here on the edge of the Taiga, and is best not attempted. Basically self-catering, we’ll provide all the food you need according to your specification, but also, depending on what is going on, we share meals together. The nearest shops are 20km away, and you can use the car if you want to explore the area. There is a bus twice a day on school days, and we can pick you up/drop you off at the nearest railway station – no problem. We expect five hours per day of work, five days per week, and it is best suited to a stay of two weeks or more. We expect you to take responsibility for your working hours. No smoking inside the house please. The border crossing point to Russia is 4km away, so think about a Russian Visa while you are here. We drive across into Russia several times a month. We try hard to maintain our independence and integrity by sustainable practices, awareness of our global footprint and the privilege of being born and raised in the western world. We can’t do anything to change the state of the world, but we do what we can by helping in our own capacity the most vulnerable in our society. Please contact us via our website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

France

GUARDIANS REQUIRED for a spectacular 260 hectare country estate close to Carcassonne in the Corbieres, South of France. This area is renowned for spectacular views and natural beauty. We are looking for an energetic, resourceful, independent country and gardening-loving couple. Part-time work offered, including gardening, maintenance, swimming pool, and housekeeping for property guests. Remuneration of a small salary. A two bedroom, independent cottage with terrace supplied. Some knowledge of French would be helpful. Interviews to be held in London. To apply, please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Greece

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED near Karterados. We are a small homestead with gardens and animals with a surface of 3,000 square meters. We cultivate a lot of fruit (about 20 trees: orange, mandarin, apple, almond, olive, etc.), and vegetables. We have a lot of chickens (about 100) as well as nine cats and four dogs running around. Other than that, we try to produce a few organic products such as tomato paste, dried tomatoes and figs and make our own olives. My husband is a fisherman, so we have our own fresh fish to eat. We speak Greek, English, French and German. We have one room available for one to two volunteers, separate from our house. We prefer people over 21 years old who would like to stay for at least three weeks. Our house is located three kilometers from the beautiful village of Karterados and only 200 meters away from a quiet beach as we live on the non-touristic side of the island. To get to the city you will need to walk one kilometer along the beach to Monolythos, where you can get a bus to Fira, the main city of the island (five kilometers away) or you can easily walk. We would need some help in the garden (like watering, weeding, planting…) as well as maintenance work and if you like, you can help Panos as well cleaning his nets from fishing. Although it is important that you like dogs and cats. We would need help from March on. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]. We are looking forward hearing from you.

Hawaii

EAST MAUI: Seeking a long-term caretaker couple or single for a large wilderness property. This position entails intensive mowing, clearing, infrastructure and building maintenance in exchange for simple but private living accommodations and a small stipend. Our place on the side of Mt. Haleakala is far from development, powerlines, crowds and stores. It provides an ideal lifestyle for happy, independent, energetic, stable, discrete self-starters who thrive on hard outdoor physical activity. This is a rugged coast with ocean and mountain vistas, intense variable weather and nearby wild ocean access and undeveloped shoreline, hiking, fishing, hunting and waterfalls for the adventurous. Opportunities for growing natural food are endless, and several organic fruit and vegetable farms are located in the vicinity. Wild pigs, deer, goats and our flock of domestic chickens wander the property amongst the fruit trees and forest. Required experience and talents include operating and maintaining a heavy tractor, mower, weed whacker, chainsaw, 4WD vehicles and independent power and water systems, gardens and fruit trees in a rugged, wet and steep environment. Folks who attract drama or conflict or instability, or prefer town activities should not apply. Please send resumes and verifiable references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RESPONSIBLE SKILLED PERSON OR COUPLE needed on the Big Island. Maintenance and repair skills, electric, plumbing, wood working, carpentry, mechanical, vehicle maintenance, tropical gardening a MacGyver type of person! Work ethic, team player. If a couple, additional kitchen and cleaning skills an option. Retreat setting, oceanfront, remote, off grid (solar power). Work exchange plus potential for pay after training phase and additional benefits commensurate with level of experience, positive attitude and level of commitment and good Fit! Long-term preferred for right person(s). Please email your information, and recent photo to caretaker@caretaker.org and include Hawaii Position in the Subject Line for our forwarding purposes.

SEEKING A MATURE, EXPERIENCED COUPLE with knowledge of gardening and off-grid systems, preferably in the tropics, to manage/caretake a small organic farm on 55 acres in rural Kaupo, Maui, Hawaii. Will need to maintain/operate the electrical infrastructure: wind, solar, hydro, well, irrigation systems, equipment: tractor, mowers, chainsaws, yard, gardens, orchards, chickens, do record-keeping and communication with the owner. Light carpentry, handyperson-type repairs. Supervise part-time helpers. Charming house provided. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience. Start immediately: overlap with current caretakers. No hustlers, stoners, or snowflakes. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Illinois

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Galena, Illinois is seeking a full-time, live-in couple. Need an aspiring couple to take control of operations starting in February 2019. The ideal team will be responsible, flexible and hands-on in all aspects of the business including breakfast service for up to 14 guests, general maintenance and small repairs. Good communication, exceptional customer service, and organizational skills required. Responsibilities include managing guest experience from the reservation, check-in to check-out, food preparation, managing the housekeeping staff, and backing them up when required. Other duties include some laundry, light repairs and maintenance as well as gardening during the summer months. A live-in Innkeepers quarters provided, as well as incentives. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Maine

SUMMER COORDINATOR POSITION available on a 45-acre privately-owned island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. The island includes three houses that are rented on a weekly basis and two houses used by family and friends. Other facilities include wharf and boathouse, barn, tennis court, and miscellaneous accessory structures. Some of the structures have limited solar electricity however none of the structures have running water or plumbing. The coordinator prepares island buildings and the harbor area for summer operation. During the summer the coordinator provides weekly preparation of three rental houses, assisting renters with arrivals and departures, mail boat trips, and other related activities. Other tasks include building maintenance and upkeep as well as mowing of lawns, fields and tree clearing. In September the coordinator assists with house close-up for the winter. Requisite skills include carpentry, machinery, and congenial interaction with guests. Boating skills arent required but desired; a boat will be at the coordinators disposal. Salary and benefits: $1,000 per week for approximately 40-hour work week, for a 12-14 week season, outstanding island location. Living facility included as coordinator benefit. Additional earnings possible for special projects. For inquiries, please send a text to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Massachusetts

A LARGE FAMILY living north of Boston seeks a highly energetic, live-in couple for their beautiful 12,000 sq. ft. home on eight breathtaking acres. This is a dynamic family with four beautiful children. Her responsibilities will include housecleaning, laundry, ironing, family meals, and occasional food prep for small dinner parties, grocery shopping, running errands, and indoor plant care. His responsibilities will include lawn mowing and yard cleanup, trash removal, coordinating with contractors, care for eight automobiles, occasional chauffeuring, snowplowing (truck provided), occasional bartending, and care of two dogs and two cats. Important qualities for this couple include experience in a large family home, self-starting with great energy, discretion, flexibility, can-do and willing attitudes, nonsmoking, and child friendly. The family owns two additional homes in Maine and Vermont, to which they travel frequently. When the family is in residence, the couple will work 10-hour days with a schedule of 10 days-on, four days-off. Salary is commensurate with skills and experience and includes health insurance benefits, paid holidays and two weeks’ vacation, and a newly-renovated carriage house apartment. To apply, please email your resume and references to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include Massachusetts Couple Position in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes. Thanks.

Michigan

THE [Contact info available to subscribers] in Leland is seeking an Innkeeper couple or an Innkeeper who is comfortable with a potential live-in assistant (at least for the summer peak summer months, if that route is chosen/preferred). Please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] to read the full description and application instructions. The owners are friendly and supportive, live nearby, and will be highly involved in ensuring the Innkeeper(s) get off to a great start with plenty of training. This is a wonderful 18 unit waterfront hotel on five acres.

Minnesota

ASSISTANT INNKEEPERS needed for award winning 7-room Inn, [Contact info available to subscribers], in Duluth, MN. Owners will train and develop the right couple who have a proven love of people and hospitality and interest in running all aspects of a small lodging property long-term. Applicants must be non-smokers, physically fit, possess a warm and friendly demeanor while being organized and timely in handling guests requests. Knowledge of computers, social media and reservations systems is essential. This is not a shift job; rather a life choice, but does include a 1,100 sq. ft. apartment with balcony and view of Lake Superior, days off, base salary and incentive plan, and the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business from the owners. To be considered, please submit your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] showing actual hospitality lodging experience and a cover letter introducing yourself. No pets or children, please. (No phone calls).

Montana

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A COUPLE to manage [Contact info available to subscribers] for this summer, 2019. We are a high-end Bed and Breakfast Lodge in the mountains of Northwest Montana. We need a couple who will take over the day-to-day management and operations of our Lodge starting sometime in April and working it until the end of September 2019. They would be taking care of both the guests and the facility while enjoying the time and benefits that our place has to offer. You can check out our place at [Contact info available to subscribers] and if interested, email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Property Caretaker Profile

Villa di Corliano Livin the Villa Loca Address: [Contact info available to subscribers] Interests: travel, snowshoeing, hiking (doing the Portuguese Camino in May), reading, paragliding, red wine, good coffee Quotes: Just do it! Nike. And in the end, we only regret the chances we didnt take Lewis Carroll

Cindy Sheahan

I’d been talking with friends about unplugging from real life and traveling the world. While reading The Caretaker Gazette, I saw a listing for a caretaker in Tuscany. My friend excitedly said, “this has your name written all over it!”. A 15th-century villa in Tuscany, between Pisa and Lucca, was seeking two-month commitments for caretaking at the estate. All that was required was to contact the Count (yes, a Count!) and let him know you were interested and go from there to see what happens… A quick email to Agostino letting him know I was beyond interested…he asked for two letters of recommendation, a photo and a quick bio if available, and a short email detailing why I was interested. The job consisted of watering the estate’s trees and flowers every day, picking up litter every morning from the previous nights’ festivities, and occasionally assisting for an hour or so at weddings and other fancy events held at the villa from time to time. These chores might take two hours or so each day, and then I was free to explore the area, making sure I was back by 8 pm each evening for security purposes. And I was free from these duties one day each week in case I wanted to leave the villa overnight. In exchange for these simple tasks, I’d be given a small studio apartment up the spiral staircase above the kitchen (like Cinderella!), complete with bed, desk, tiny kitchenette and private bath. I was intrigued! I had seen a profile in another issue of The Caretaker Gazette featuring a previous caretaker, Linda, and contacted her with a couple of questions I had about the caretaker’s position. She was happy to answer and give me some insight as to what was expected on a daily basis. After reviewing my submission and keeping me on pins and needles for a few months, Agostino let me know that August and September 2018 was available, was I? Um, yes! We agreed, discussed some details, and I got busy making plans to spend the summer in Tuscany. I landed here in Tuscany in an incredibly amazing 15th century villa as a caretaker for two months, with free accommodations and my very own room, all for spending just a couple of hours each day doing some flower watering and picking up any bits of trash that may have blown in.

Villa di Corliano is a gem, owned by the same family since the mid-1500s and situated halfway between Pisa and Lucca – two delightful, important and historic cities in the Tuscan region of Italy. Agostino Agostini (the Count) and his wife Roseanna (a Countess now by marriage, but a Baroness in her own right!) own the property and take such pride in making sure everything is well run and beautifully kept. They live in nearby Pisa, but stop by almost every day to check on things (maybe to check on me and my not-so-amazing watering and gardening skills!). Many famous people have stayed at the Villa throughout history, including the poets Byron and Shelley, assorted kings, dukes and titled nobility from around Europe, Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, and possibly the toddler Galileo Galilei, who Agostino believes was here with his parents many, many years ago in the 1500s. The estate consists of the main house with an imposing entry hall, grand ballroom, formal office/study, the owners deluxe apartment for when they stay overnight or when the bride and groom stay after their fairy tale wedding at the villa; a large well-equipped cucina (kitchen) downstairs, charming breakfast room, assorted other rooms, and 10 beautiful bedrooms available to rent from the lovely Leonardo and vivacious Veronica who contract with Agostino to run a bed and breakfast within the estate. A couple of lucky people live onsite at the Villa full time Maximillian, a lanky, tall, bespectacled and always cheerful Italian man who does yoga every evening in the gardens at sunset and keeps forgetting that I dont speak Italian, and an older man whose name I dont know, who smiles and bobs his head enthusiastically and says Bongiorno!!! every time I see him. Theres an old stable, used now for storing the gardening tools, riding mower and the many, many chairs and tables on hand for le nozze (weddings), celebrations and parties that can be held at the Villa. Theres also a chapel onsite with a small crypt below. Another outbuilding is the oil mill. A beautiful classic edifice, the roof has fallen in and rendered it unusable. There are old stone baths in this building a thermal spring runs under the property and once, the baths were used as soaking tubs for taking the waters but now this building is used for storage as well (Side note San Giuliano Terme, a cute little village with the world-renowned bagne (thermal springs and baths) is just about a mile down the road from the Villa, and has a 5-star hotel with spa services, soaking pools, mud baths and other dreamy services available, which I will avail myself of soon).

A view of Villa Corliano

Artwork dating to the 16th century in the Villa

The grounds, about three hectares (7+ acres) are lush and green. Palm trees (I, for one, did not realize palm trees grew in Italy!), ancient cedar trees, lush hydrangea bushes with plump pink-spotted flowers causing the stems to bow from their weight, pink, white and red wild roses, English ivy, potted flowering plants and shrubs (which all need to be watered every day by me!) and two stone fountains – one with a plethora of goldfish and a couple of croaking frogs watched over by an ancient crumbling statue of a young boy, the other small pond containing seven nervous turtles who, immediately upon hearing me approach, nosedive into the murky water to avoid being seen. Theres a spectacular ginormous tree, said to be planted in the early 1800s, called The Freedom Tree, under which you can sip espresso or cappuccino and enjoy a cantuccini or sfogliatine (Italian pastries) outside the caf in back. And everywhere on the estate, geckos of all sizes can be found some as tiny as a childs finger colorful, prehistoric-looking lizards that scurry up the stucco walls of the estate and dart into the bushes, annoyed to have been splashed and disturbed from basking in the sun as I water the flowers each evening. But the main attraction at this palazzo is the artwork to be found within (and upon) the walls here. Frescoes cover the ceilings, the hallways, the entryway, the ballroom walls even the outside walls are decorated with graffiti. Painted by Andrea Boscoli in 1592 and Nicola Matraini in 1750, these original murals are simply incredible. Many of the paintings are allegorical, and some feature astrological and mythological beings and gods and goddesses. There are dragons, cherubs, nymphs, minotaurs, tortoises, unicorns, angels, lions, fruit, princesses, centaurs, winged creatures, satyrs, kings and more. As well as the frescoes, there are statues, busts, family crests, old photos and delightful dcor around every corner and in every nook and cranny. Even the steep spiral stairway to my tiny room has beautiful frescoes covering the old stone walls. In the sitting room is a concave wall in which a fountain has been created using seashells. Water flowed and cascaded down the various levels of shells until it reached the bottom. In the center of the fountain, there is a dragon above a mythological face. A few feet away, above the mantel of the fireplace, is a lever in the wall that the host could twist to enable smoke to come out of the dragons nose. An amazing party trick in its day, I am sure! My accommodations are so much more modest than the rest of the villa a simple terracotta tiled floor in a stark stucco room with a tiny single bed upon a wooden platform (think convent). A desk, microwave and toaster oven from the 1980s, a convection hotplate from IKEA, two dishes, two glasses, a few mismatched bowls, a wine glass that I pilfered from the coffee shop downstairs, a dorm-sized fridge, an ancient 12 TV that may or may not be connected to cable (I havent tried turning it on yet), and a small bathroom with bidet and a shower stall. This tiny room is where I sleep, make salads and write, and like Cinderella, I must be back at the villa every day by 8 pm in case guests have questions or will be late arrivals, so that Leonardo and Veronica can head home and know that someone is onsite for such a situation. And when weddings are here at the manor, I am expected to assist with guests, pointing them in the direction of il bagno (the bathroom) or showing where parking is available. I am able to take off from these ever-so-pressing responsibilities one day a week, and have planned a couple of overnights in Florence, the Cinque Terre, Siena and Verona so that I can explore at my leisure without having to hurry back on the last bus of the day, which is around 7 pm. Meals are not included. I make my own coffee and breakfast and a big salad for lunch, then grab cheap pizza or pasta for dinner (10 for pasta and vino). The rest is whatever youd spend for fun bus to Pisa, train to Florence for the day Ahh. Did I mention the place is haunted? Of course it is. An ancient legend says that the ghost of Teresa della Seta Bocca Gaetani still roams the halls of the villa. She was a beautiful woman from an ancient Pisa family who married Count Cosimo Baldassarre Agostini in 1755. She visits occasionally, moving the tapestries and draperies in the villa, or slamming doors and windows. During a full moon, she has been seen in the driveway, guiding a carriage drawn by six splendid horses, and her laughter can be heard in the cellar and kitchen of the villa. Ghost Hunters International, an Italian paranormal TV shows, filmed a couple of episodes here, complete with electro-magnetic field radiation detectors, ambient temp sensors and other ghost-tracking devices. If youre so inclined you can find these on YouTube. Meeting the Count and his lovely wife, hanging out with Leonardo and Veronica, Alyssia and Oriana from the B&B and meeting people from all over the world that came to stay at the villa was an experience I’ll never forget. Being able to explore the Tuscan countryside, pop over to Florence for the day, spend an overnight in Verona to see Andrea Bocelli at the Arena Coliseum and hike the Cinque Terre were experiences beyond compare. The Gazette offers life-changing opportunities to those willing to say “yes!” I’m scouring the latest issue to find my next unforgettable experience…

Detail of the Villa’s exterior

Nevada

CARETAKER/HORSE CARE POSITION AVAILABLE for northern Nevada on a 17-acre gated property. A nicely furnished two bedroom, one bathroom/laundry room apartment, plus utilities, will be provided in exchange for 24 hours/week work with horses. Must be experienced in handling and grooming horses. Ability to ride a plus, but not necessary. Duties include barn chores, turnout, feeding, and maintenance of pastures, arena and RP. Some landscape maintenance, flood irrigation, and other odd jobs paid on an hourly basis. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and move 100 lb. bales of hay. Non-smokers, no drugs, or alcohol problems. This is an ideal position for a retired couple or single man. A background check and references are required. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

RANCH house sitter needed this Spring. Our Nevada home and ranch land are located near Reno, with breathtaking views of the mountains around the ranch. We have five horses on the ranch, so well need a house sitter who can care for our horses. We have a four bedroom/three bath home that well need the house sitter for while we are out of the country. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] and let us know if you can start house sitting from the end of March until the end of June. Thanks.

CARETAKER WANTED by an absentee owner for a small Ranch/Farm in Pahrump, NV, near Las Vegas. Duties consist of light maintenance, keeping the property secure and the landscaping, etc. alive and well. This is a non-compensated position, but there is a space available, including utilities, for your Mobile/Camper/Motor home. If you do not have your own, there are two small mobiles that could be made livable, with a little of your work. An opportunity for income exists for a handyman, Jack-of-all-Trades on other Pahrump rental properties, which the owner has. There are some chickens, etc. now and if you want to, you are welcome to expand them and/or do your own gardening or farming, etc. Your horses are OK, as there are three inactive pastures. For more information, please contact Marty at [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Hampshire

EXPERIENCED PROPERTY CARETAKER needed. A New Hampshire Property is searching for a very well-qualified, experienced caretaker who is a self-starter, self-motivated, enjoys working alone and outdoors in all seasons, and a person who takes pride in all the work that they do. Candidates must have knowledge of building maintenance, opening and closing seasonal cottages, equipment usage and their maintenance, landscaping skills, sprinkler operation, and handyman skills. This position entails living and working on the property, supervision of the property, and security of the property and all of its buildings. Salary, housing, and other benefits are available. Please send your resume and best contact information to [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration.

[Contact info available to subscribers] is seeking an energetic new Innkeeper (this would be ideal for a couple or family). We are situated on a 105 acre working farm. This would be a great position for a couple/family seeking to work and reside on a working pasture-based farm. The candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of daily operations. Responsibilities include: training and managing a small staff, breakfast prep, housekeeping, laundry, guest room prep, purchasing supplies, guest relations, managing phone and online reservations, maintaining excellent customer reviews, property maintenance (lawn care and snow removal), social media, website upkeep, organizing farm tours, and event planning. This position is contracted and accommodations, utilities, internet, and farm-raised products (meat and eggs) are provided as part of compensation in addition to a salary with performance-based bonus. Please respond by emailing your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] You can visit our website to explore the property at [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Mexico

A PRIVATE FAMILY OWNED RANCH located 34 miles from Santa Fe is seeking an experienced full-time caretaker. We are looking for a responsible, energetic, self-starter kind of individual with a good working knowledge of general maintenance issues such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, welding and painting. Must have a love for the outdoors. Room and board possible for the right candidate. Salary will be $36,000. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RVing MAINTENANCE VOLUNTEER needed for 20 primitive campsites from June 1 through September 15, 2019 at the Conchas Dam (located approximately 32 miles northwest of Tucumcari, NM). Must have your own RV. Duties will include: Visitor outreach and interpretive programs, routine maintenance projects, trail work, assisting visitors with park rules and regulations and all questions, and assist Corps staff. Work with the camp host on major maintenance and cleanup projects, and help provide aquatic invasive species and boat safety inspections, and assist the park staff as needed. The maintenance volunteer can obtain a full electric and sewer campsite for their RV in return for 25 to 30 hours per week volunteer services. Please apply at [Contact info available to subscribers]

SILVER CITY, NM. Caretaker needed for a remote ranch. Live off the grid surrounded by Forest and BLM land. Duties include maintaining livestock waters, electric fence, feeding livestock guardian dogs, opening and closing corral gates morning and evening. Large RV with all utilities furnished. Ten hours of work per week in trade of living quarters and wages offered if extra work is performed. Starts early April to November. For more information please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

New York

LONGTIME INNKEEPERS DESIRE TO STEP BACK but not out. We are an established, award winning Inn in the Village of Lake Luzerne, NY, southern Adirondacks/Lake George/Saratoga Springs area. We are seeking the right person or couple to oversee the daily operation of our 12 bedroom Inn. The applicant(s) must have a willingness to learn all aspects of the business and the reality of Innkeeping. Abilities should include the knowledge of breakfast cooking, and baking would be a plus. Applicant(s) should have the physical ability to learn the Housekeeping/laundry end of the business and to oversee and step in as needed. Must have good people skills to handle check-in duties day or night. Computer knowledge and social media knowledge a plus. A one bedroom apartment in the Main Inns 1890 building is included. Please email your resume and a statement why you would be right for this position to [Contact info available to subscribers]

house sitter needed for our large home and acreage in Westchester County, New York. Need an honest and trustworthy person to stay here. This would be ideal for a college student who lives nearby, or a retired person. This can turn into a long-term position, as we plan on foreign travel for months at a time for many years in the future and will always need help with our property. Our next trip will be from April 10 through August 15. A one bedroom/one bathroom cottage on our property will be provided to the house sitter. Must check on the main house daily, bring in the mail, and make sure that the gardener and pool person show up each week. If interested, please email some information about yourself and your references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN DOMESTIC COUPLE needed in Water Mill, NY. An executive couple with a secondary residence in Water Mill seeks to hire an experienced and capable Domestic Couple to take charge of the residence and provide personal service while the principals are in residence. Past experience working in a fine home required. The ideal candidates will be hard-working, have excellent cooking and cleaning skills, and will love dogs. The primary responsibilities for the couple will include daily hands-on cleaning of the residence, managing vendors and contractors to maintain the residence, coordinating events, providing guest service, and preparing quality daily meals for the principals while they are in residence using fresh ingredients. The ability to cook for small dinner parties and prepare a range of cuisines is required. This is a full-time, year-round position, with a Thursday through Monday schedule in-season. Accommodations in the residence are provided. Joint compensation up to $175,000 offered, depending on experience, plus a full benefits package. Please apply for consideration. Early spring start date available. Please apply [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration (please fill out one application per person). Must have at least three years of experience working in private service. Qualified applicants will be contacted.

New Zealand

URGENT HELP NEEDED in Whangarei, a city in the Northland region of New Zealand’s North Island. We are about a 10 minute drive from Parua Bay and Whangarei Heads Road beaches. We have a small, hilltop sheep farm and need urgent help planting avocado trees and a summer vegetable garden, maintaining the paddocks, weeding and trail clearing on the path to the small waterfall, and general help around the house and property. Your accommodation is a separate two bedroom flat, with views out to the bay, and a little patio at the front. It’s equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, stereo, books and games. I serve yummy, wholesome meals and cater to all diets. If you don’t have a car/van we can pick you up at the bus station in Whangarei. There’s not much to do at night but read and relax and enjoy the beautiful night sky and listen to the call of the Moorporks! We need 4 hours per day help in exchange for your accommodation and meals. Currently we can accommodate up to four people. We speak French and conversational Spanish, and love helping travelers perfect their English and enjoy meeting new people. If youre in the area, please call us at [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information. Thanks.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN OUTGOING, ACTIVE HEALTHY person to join our family in a rural area just an hour north of Auckland. We are a young, fit and active family, with both parents being self-employed. The area we live in is surrounded by beautiful beaches, bush walks, a small village close by, and the larger town of Warkworth just a 20 minutes drive away. Your main job will be cleaning a small holiday cottage on our property (after guests have stayed), basic housework and gardening around the house during the day, and looking after our two young kids after school during the week, and in the school holidays. You need to be good with children, being able to play with them, but also be a positive influence and have the ability to help with homework etc. We have a boy (8 years) and girl (6.5 years), both at school, very outgoing, happy, confident kids. We will provide full board including all meals, your own good sized bedroom with king size bed, shared bathroom with the kids, the use of a car, Wi-Fi, and the flexibility to find other local paid work (such as restaurant work) as long it doesnt interfere with your household duties. You will only be required during the week, so weekends will be free for you to travel or to get a paid job at the local village which has restaurants and cafes. 20 hours work per week covers board and food, any hours over this would be paid. We lead an active, healthy lifestyle, we love the outdoors and make the most of the beautiful local beaches. We live in a rural setting surrounded by native bush and farmland, and have a number of animals, including a dog, two cats, chickens and sheep. We are close to Matakana Village and beautiful beaches including Omaha, Pakiri and Goat Island. The successful applicant needs to be over 20, honest, fit and healthy, non-smoking, active and enjoy the outdoors, and have a good sense of humor. You must be able to clean and do housework to a high standard. Also must be okay with animals. You will need a drivers license and be confident driving in NZ. Please contact Clair with any questions, and if suitable we will set up an interview. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] if you wish to ask any questions or chat about the job. Thanks.

CARETAKERS NEEDED in West Auckland. We are located a short drive from the Auckland City Center, and less than 30km from the Auckland International Airport. This is a unique caretaking opportunity available at the Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club. A naturist lifestyle is not necessary. This would be ideally suited for New Zealand residents who are retired or a semi-retired couple. We are an established private club tucked away on 25 acres of a stunning park-like setting in West Auckland. The position starts immediately so if this sparks some interest and you would like to know more, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]. Thanks.

North Carolina

FULL-TIME CARETAKER needed in Corapeake, NC. I need someone to take care of my house and dogs (I breed Great Danes) while I work. You would have a private room and bath, full run of the house, washer/dryer/dishwasher; everything that is needed for the house and dogs, food, Wi-Fi, and I can even put satellite reception in your room. For this I expect the house to be kept tidy, dogs fed and watered and let out of the house, care of any puppies that are in the house, outside pens cleaned up every day, and the outside yard taken care of during the growing season. We are located in Corapeake NC just south of Suffolk VA, a stones throw across the North Carolina line. I will not tolerate drugs/alcohol/drama or smoking in the house. Please email me at [Contact info available to subscribers] with your phone number and lets talk if you think you might be a good match for this position. You will be treated like part of the family.

Ohio

A UNIQUE AND REWARDING FULL-TIME, year-round opportunity is available for a highly experienced private estate head manager for our home in Grandview Heights. This management position will provide many diverse situations requiring well developed people and estate management skills. The qualified applicant will possess 8 – 10 years of direct estate management experience on high end properties. Strong people management and organizational skills are mandatory. A goal oriented approach to projects, issues and challenges is essential. The proper maintenance and pristine care of the many residential buildings, structures and expansive grounds will require this manager to make independent and sound recommendations while maintaining the highest degree of quality standards. There is an opportunity for a spouse, as a part-time, seasonal cook during the summer months. The focus of this 20 – 25 hour/week cooking position would be the preparation of meals using fresh vegetables and fruits from the familys large garden. Experience in canning and preserving is required. The workplace is a respectful and productive environment. Excellent pay, free housing, and a generous benefits package are available and commensurate with experience. Please email a letter of qualifications with salary requirements and resume to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include Grandview Heights Position in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes. Thanks.

Oklahoma

SEARCHING FOR A RANCH HOME CARETAKER COUPLE in Southern Oklahoma. Must be a mature live on-site couple. The ranch provides a beautiful caretaker home with paid utilities. Salary based on experience. Need to have advanced culinary skills. General housekeeping, and general and grounds maintenance skills also required. Must be non-smokers. This is a long-term position. References from previous employers required. We prefer at least one to two years of experience. Please forward your bio and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RVING MAINTENANCE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED from April 1 through October 31, 2019 at Canton Lake in Canton, OK. A full-time volunteer with their own RV is needed in a Class A campground to do painting, flowerbed maintenance, and other minor maintenance tasks. Must be able to physically paint, weed, water flowerbeds, and do light maintenance. Services exchanged for designated volunteer RV campsite with 30 amp electric and water hookup. Please apply at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Oregon

LIVE AND WORK IN THE OREGON WILDERNESS! As the Facilities Assistant for [Contact info available to subscribers], you are responsible for maintaining and upgrading the education facilities at Jawbone Flats alongside the Facilities Manager. As a team of two, there are times that you are solely responsible for all systems and buildings while the Facilities Manager is out. This is a residential position, and you will live on-site in private cabin-style housing provided by Opal Creek. For more details on the place and the position, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

MANAGEMENT TEAM NEEDED. Located 40 miles southeast of Crater Lake National Park, our 130 acre ranch has 2+ miles of riverfront. We have had 23 years of successful lodging and a fly fishing operation with two guest houses. Senior owners are looking for a team to manage all aspects. Ranch skills needed: handyman; plumbing; electrical; equipment maintenance; and gardening. Office skills needed: computer; internet; reservations; and registration. Cleaning skills needed: meticulous eye for detail; and energy. People skills needed: interact with guests to provide an exceptional vacation experience. May through October is our busy season full-time. Compensation includes a house, utilities, ranch lifestyle, and a modest salary with opportunity for performance bonuses. Please only email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

PART-TIME VOLUNTEER PARK HOST/CARETAKER needed in Eugene. Are you a people person? Do you like fresh air and the great outdoors? [Contact info available to subscribers] is taking applications for qualified park hosts/caretakers who have had previous hosting experience and a camping rig 2000 or newer – no tents. Applicants must be able to pass a background check. If interested, please complete an application at [Contact info available to subscribers] by clicking on Applications/Brochures/Permits and then choose Park Host Application and complete the application.

Scotland

FULL-TIME, LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER needed. A capable and professional housekeeper is required for a large country home on a rural estate in stunning Angus. A friendly, responsible and trustworthy person is needed. The successful candidate will be responsive and efficient. They should be comfortable working alone and as part of a team, as necessary, with oversight for the smooth running of the house. The house is a baronial mansion with 13 bedrooms over three floors. It is an informal and friendly family home with four adults and two children over three generations in permanent residence, living over two households. Other family members and friends visit regularly. Duties to ensure a smooth running of the household include general cleaning, tidying and upkeep of the home including care of antiques, silver and fabrics, laundry and ironing, help hiring and managing a part-time cleaning employee, setting the wood stove and fires, managing the supply of logs, occasional food preparation – from family meals to help with formal dinners, table setting and occasional table service, dealing with tradesmen, reporting maintenance issues to appropriate estate staff, have alarm and fire systems knowledge with an awareness of house security, and overseeing, monitoring and management of the biomass heating system to ensure it is fueled and working efficiently. Live in accommodation is a two bedroom self-contained flat within the house. It is possible a second role is available on the estate for a partner with the right skills. Please apply with your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Tennessee

LIVE-IN CARETAKERS WANTED for a Nashville lake property. Married couple wanted to help maintain a 9-10 acre lake property in return for a three-bedroom apartment plus electric, plus Internet. This is an ideal situation for a couple who already have a supplemental income. Looking for caretakers interested in a long-term situation only. Must be diligent, trustworthy, hard-working self-starters who like working outdoors and are very handy with things like lawn care, basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Must also be able to pass an extensive background check. No drinkers/smokers. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Texas

WORKING COUPLE NEEDED for a Recreational Ranch in the Texas Hill Country in Concan, TX. Responsibilities include grounds maintenance, repairs, housekeeping and providing hospitality services for our family when present. Hospitality services may include preparing, serving and cleaning up meals for a maximum of 16 people per day. Experience with minor carpentry, electrical, plumbing and small engine repair is preferred. Experience with the restaurant/hotel/resort/B&B is a plus. Compensation includes a three bedroom private home, utilities, satellite, Wi-Fi, medical insurance and salary commensurate with experience. Paid vacation provided after a probationary period. Important qualities and characteristics include for this full-time job: self-motivated, friendly, ability to complete work without supervision, reliable, honest, hardworking, and organized. Primary responsibilities will include: lawn and grounds maintenance, general cleaning and maintenance of large home, care of swimming pool, guest services cleaning up common areas during booking, preparing and serving meals, maintenance of tractors, vehicles, lawn equipment, etc. Specific requirements include: a drivers license, willingness to be drug tested as needed, and the ability to pass a background check. Pets may be allowed based on circumstances. Interested? Please send a cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER, GROOM, HORSE EXERCISER needed for a private 310 acre ranch in Lipan, TX. You must have the following experience, qualifications, a clean background, and a valid Texas drivers license, and social security card. Other than a family ranch, you have lived on and worked full-time caring for horses, cattle, dogs, and cats, tractor work, mowing, fence repair, general maintenance of equipment and property. Must know how to load and haul horses and cattle, and recognize sickness, injury, and emergencies regarding animals. Be able to administer medications – maintenance, routine and emergency. You do not need to ride for this job, but must have expertise with exercising, lunging, bathing, grooming, and tacking horses. A one bedroom/bath private furnished apartment, utilities, satellite, Wi-Fi, washer and dryer will be provided. Salary to be determined, and a yearly bonus provided. Workers compensation, and health insurance provided after 90 days. A ranch truck is available for ranch errands. You will have off on major holidays, however, the majority of days off are during the week not weekends as we are gone many weekends. Five days and nights on, two days off. You will get paid vacation time. For more info please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE for a motivated couple with a great work ethic. Multiple businesses – Beautiful Texas Hill Country location of 26 years: Antiques/Garden area, Award winning Bistro, Cabins/Vintage trailers For Sale or Rent! Ideally one would help manage the Antique shops, with experience in all aspects of retail from pricing, selling, cleaning to display with attention to detail. Marketing, computer skills and social media a Plus. Perks are traveling to Round Top Texas Antique shows (Packing/Setting up/Selling). Your skilled carpenter partner would love our complete Workshop – helping in all areas of restoration. Construction/general maintenance skills a plus. Must love Animals ours are like family as well as attractions that share our work space. Applicants must be physically able to perform job descriptions. Background checks, references – smoke/drug free environment, long-term, full-time. We are proud of what our hard work has accomplished and want help to continue to improve. Compensation, bonuses, and incentives will include a full RV site. After visiting this unique opportunity at [Contact info available to subscribers] please share your resume and how you feel we can meet each others objectives. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL-TIME FARM CARETAKER COUPLE POSITION available in trade for housing and utilities in DeWitt County, TX. It is best suited for a retired pensioner or veteran couple with a steady outside income. The position requires approximately 20+ working hours per week in exchange for a two bedroom, one bath home. This is new position for our family, so the job description is our best guess and will evolve with time and needs of the owner. There will be some heavy lifting (50lbs or better) required as well as other physical labor, yard maintenance, fencing repair duties and other items that come up on a country property as needed. Knowledge of farm machinery and maintenance is helpful, but not a deal breaker if people are willing to learn. Animal experience, especially with cattle, dogs and chickens is a plus. Caretakers should not expect many vacation days, especially during the holidays, but short-term visitors are welcome. Approximately 45 minutes to one hour morning and evening work every day will be required to care for the place. Other duties might include, letting workmen on the property, running an occasional errand, and checking the mail box. The owner will live on the property in a separate house. Other work on the home will be negotiated on a project by project basis. Good communication skills and an organized, self-starter personality are very much appreciated. For more information, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Thailand

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Our Project is located outside a little village in the northeast of Thailand. Well off the beaten track of tourism, we offer an opportunity for everybody to join in a fascinating project where we combine vipassana meditation, yoga, natural building and ecological gardening (especially permaculture) to a system of personal growth and care for nature. We want to show that the path inside and sustainable living can be very lively, joyful and fun. We rock the garden! Our project is deeply rooted in the Thai community, so you can experience an authentic insight into Thai culture and really be part of it. Our teacher is the Abbot of a Monastery in the nearest city and as such, living mindfully and observing the Buddha`s teaching is very much at the heart of this project. We have a deep connection with the village monastery and the Buddhist community and enjoy sharing in ceremonies and festivals together. Each day you will have meditation training and Buddhist teachings as well as learning tools to work and live peacefully as a community. Please note; as we work on behalf of the monastery, this is a drug and alcohol free place! Although we are connected with a Buddhist monastery, we are not aiming to convert anybody to Buddhism. We want to find a way to live harmoniously together no matter what one believes, where he comes from, or where he is going. We are looking for people with very open minds, who want to get involved and make a positive change. We have built a beautiful large open air shelter for sleeping with a tin roof and bamboo mats for the flooring. We have lots of double mosquito nets for everyone. Our semi-outdoor kitchen is fully functional and we have built beautiful thatched showers and separate toilets. The accommodation is basic, but also fun! We are at a stage where we are looking to take the project to the next level and expand! Which gives you the opportunity to participate in the makings of a self-sustainable community. This is an incredibly exciting time in the growing process and great time to learn! We have basic facilities and provide two hearty vegetarian meals a day. Right now we are focused on earthen buildings, maintaining beautiful gardens and implementing systems to improve soil quality and retain water. We also have on going mosaic projects and we`re more than open to hear your creative ideas. So come join us and get inspired! All open minds are welcome at our project. We also run regular workshops varying from making your own organic skin care products to raw cooking or harvesting kombucha and we encourage volunteers to share their knowledge with the group too. Now is the time to learn share and grow together. Our project is located 30 kilometers away from the third largest city of Thailand. The city is a student town with a great night markets and beautiful restaurants set around the lake. Even as a large city, its always a surprise if you see tourists. A monastery environment is a very special place to be so if you`re interested drop us a message and we`ll happily send you more information on our schedule, our responsibilities and how to register your space. Thank you so much and we look forward to getting to know you! May all beings be happy. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

Vermont

LEAD HOUSEKEEPER ON A BEAUTIFUL FARM needed at [Contact info available to subscribers] in Hartland, Vermont. We are looking to hire someone with high standards to clean our cabins, manage the laundry, and ensure that all cabin supplies are maintained. Over time, this person may take on additional responsibility on both the cabin and farm side to increase his or her compensation. We provide free housing, internet, and all utilities in a small furnished studio apartment with private entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. The studio apartment has a beautiful view of the Vermont Mountains. You will have access to amazing farm produce, fresh eggs, and artisan cheese subject to availability. In addition to free housing, starting pay for the first six months will be $8.50/hour. After a successful first six months, we will offer a raise, bonus, and paid vacation depending on performance. You must be physically capable of pulling the cleaning cart with supplies, equipment, and laundry between the various buildings in all weather conditions. The ideal candidate will enjoy living on a beautiful farm, meeting new people and is interested in taking advantage of all the attractions, good food, and activities this area has to offer (see our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] for “Things to do”). Please send your resume and a letter of interest (no phone calls please) to [Contact info available to subscribers]

SEEKING CO-MANAGERS FOR A HOLISTIC ECO-RETREAT Center, Organic Farm, and Conscious Community in Vermont. Year-round residential position co-managing a stunning, secluded, 120 acre organic homestead and retreat center, with ponds, gardens, trails, woods, fields, and hills. Vegetarian, spiritually oriented community of three to six residents focused on personal growth, meditation, and conscious communication. Requires integrity, self-discipline, clean living, commitment to self-awareness and health – plus skills in business management, digital marketing, homesteading, building maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, retreat hosting, directing interns, and community living. Includes private cabin, food, utilities, internet, $500/month starting, plus long-term opportunity for profit sharing and business co-ownership. Couples welcome. Cannot accommodate children, dogs, pot smoking, debt, or addictions. To learn more please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] or email us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

STAY IN A SUNNY, BRAND NEW STUDIO APARTMENT attached to the main house in Jamaica, Vermont from May 10th – June 21st, 2019. This is a smoke free space, with smoking permitted outside only. Caretaking duties include: grass and yard maintenance, trash and recycling removal, Airbnb caretaking including: laundry, trash/recycling removal, compost to chickens, and cleaning the tiny house rental if the cleaner is unavailable. Feed and interact with animals two well-behaved cats and 50+ chickens. Interested parties should forward a brief biography, references, and a picture of yourself or couple to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Virginia

CARETAKER and Animal-Lover(s) needed for a private residence in Northern Virginia, 20 minutes from Washington, DC. This is a resort-style 9, 000 sq. ft. home with a pool in a secluded location, but I spend most of my time 45 minutes away in Virginia developing my dream horse farm on 240 acres. Help is needed with my two cats and two dogs, so I can gain some flexibility, while also keeping my home in perfect shape. Some yard work, house cleaning, laundry and general organization is expected from maybe a couple who wants to share my precious life. I am German, also spending a lot of time abroad. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wales

CURRENTLY WE HAVE SPACE FOR VOLUNTEERS as follows: One to two volunteers are needed to help clean the house and look after the cats and chickens and gardens – please note this can be a cold climate we do not yet have central heating and facilities are really basic compared to modern living! We have lots of blankets though! We are at the early stages of restoring an old, large and characterful building, parts of which date to the 14th Century, with a walled garden, orchard and vegetable patch. We`ll be creating a small yoga studio, accommodation rooms and community spaces. In the medium to long-term we hope the site will host retreats and small scale events. We need help with all kinds of work, including: helping with chores, keeping the house clean and tidy, looking after the greenhouse and veg patch, taking care of the chickens and cats, roofing type work – fitting tin roofs to workshop outbuildings, repairing walls and lintels, making curtains, carpentry type work – fixing dilapidated gates and doors, determining feasibility of solar/ground source/wood heating and electricity sources, documenting the building structures during renovation, digging trenches for drainage, and designing a permaculture strategy for the site. We can offer accommodation in the house in shared rooms with other volunteers, and three meals a day, in return for an average of five hours of work a day across the time you`re here. Please note you`ll also be expected to help wash up (or help cook) the meals we eat together. Food is predominantly locally sourced. We eat meat sparingly, but can feed vegans and veges (but please tell us in advance if you have dietary restrictions as it is hard to find specialist products in rural areas). Were learning Aga cookery and are into stews and soups. Claire`s a keen fermenter of pickled vegetables. We`re conveniently located within a quarter of an hour by car or taxi from Holyhead, from where there are connections to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Dublin. Ynys Mon (known in English as Anglesey) is an island with attractive beaches, historic sacred sites and distant views of the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). The site itself is in the village of Llanfachraeth, which has a local shop and pub, and Holyhead has other shops and amenities. We typically have one or two volunteers staying most of the time, for up to a fortnight initially, or long weekends are also possible. When you get in contact, please let us know if there are particular projects you`d like to help with. Your hosts are [Contact info available to subscribers] likes: designing, plants, cooking and yoga. She is currently learning about: growing things, taking care of animals, Welsh language and culture. [Contact info available to subscribers] likes: building, fixing, energy and water systems, railways and engineering of all kinds. He is currently learning about: lime plasters and renewable energy sources. At times there are cats, chickens, relatives, visitors, lodgers, guests and students on site too. At other times it can be very quiet! To see photos and contact us, please go to our Facebook Page at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Washington

SEEKING A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/CARETAKER couple for the[Contact info available to subscribers], located in Arlington, Washington, on about 6.9 acres of property. The key themes of local pioneer life, logging and farming are woven into many of the museum displays. We also have a series of outbuildings for acquisitions too large to display in the museum, including printing presses, tractors, trucks, and early farming machines. The museum is open three days a week and frequently hosts special tours and other community events throughout each year. We need a full-time property management/caretaker couple to be responsible for the daily on-site management of the appearance, cleanliness and security of the Museum, Pioneer Hall, outbuildings and grounds including administration of all rental activities. This will include routine lawn mowing and grounds maintenance; light janitorial duties; able to lift up to 70 pounds; daily trips up/down multiple stairs and walking the grounds (unassisted); purchasing necessary maintenance supplies (reimbursed); English language proficiency; making, being present for and managing rental appointments; explaining and administering rental contracts; collecting and accounting for rental deposits and fees; rental record keeping; enforcement of property and rental rules; routine hazard mitigation; general security and initial response for fire and intrusion alarms; writing reports when required. As our daily, on-site Agents, you (each) must have professional appearances and demeanors, excellent interpersonal communication skills, current drivers licenses and no criminal records. Free on-site living quarters are provided (an unfurnished 1,200 sq. ft., two bedroom apartment), with basic utilities included. However, there are no pay or health insurance benefits, so you must have an existing outside source of income to cover your personal expenses (retirement, Social Security, etc., or other employment that will not conflict with the daily property management/caretaker duties). This position is year-round (not seasonal), with two weeks of vacation per year. As our current property managers/caretakers are planning to move out of state, this position is estimated to be vacant/available in April (or later) 2019. To apply, a resume and cover letter should be mailed to [Contact info available to subscribers].

CAT/house sitter WANTED for about a month in February 2019. Must love cats. Housing available in exchange. Have acreage near Port Townsend, WA. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

West Virginia

SEEKING A CARETAKER FOR PROPERTY OVERSIGHT and paid cleaning and chores in Capon Bridge, WV – free apartment, utilities, internet and more. Details and photos are available at [Contact info available to subscribers] Please click on About Us then click on Business Opp’s and then click on the Caretaker document. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wisconsin

A RETIRED EXECUTIVE COUPLE with a waterfront summer home in the southeastern Wisconsin resort city of Lake Geneva is seeking an experienced caretaker couple to live on their property. The estate owners are long-term employers who are in residence on weekends in the summer. The home is well staffed and used for family and social events. The ideal candidates will be mechanically inclined and experienced with sophisticated mechanical and IT systems, have strong organizational and administrative skills and have successfully managed vendors and a staff. A separate, newly remodeled apartment on the property will be provided along with a competitive compensation and benefits package. Flexible start date. Please apply [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration (please fill out one application per person). Must have at least three years of experience working in private service. Qualified applicants will be contacted.

Situations-wanted Ads

Tutor, teacher, trainer available in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, but open to other areas if private housing is included. Have experience with all subject areas except upper level Math and Science. Have a Master’s in ESL, ELL and Literacy. Have taught pre-K through 12, University, Teacher Training, Military, NATO Generals, Algerian Special ops, Italian Nuclear Physicist, Company presidents, Economic University Faculty, and have done so in 11 countries. Speak passable Spanish, basic Japanese, Bosnian, and Turkish, and a polite level of numerous other languages. Extremely good with motivating students of all ages and stages in education and career. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Retired male with lifetime building, handyman, groundskeeping, and maintenance skills looking for post-retirement employment/adventure. Detail oriented, able to work unsupervised in any condition, with very good customer/communication skills. Extensive lifetime references, spotless driving record, non-smoker, with a valid passport. Single – Celibate – Christian. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] (sorry, but no computer, internet, text, fax, or email available).

Have Tools Will Travel! Hello, Im a single 67-year-old renaissance man (in excellent shape) in need of a place to hang my hat for a few years. I spent 44 (half-years) as an independent high-end carpenter, plumber, electrician and handyman working specialty projects. The other half of those 44 years as owner/operator of a first-class whitewater rafting company in Washington and Oregon. Im sincere, honest, kind, continually curious, politically liberal and occasionally funny. Im also a published singer/songwriter. Thats the short version. Im in semi-retirement mode now and looking for a property that is in development or needs attention that would appreciate my skill set remodeling or maintaining structures. It could be a private estate or a boutique resort. Im fond of the western states but could spend time in the tropics as well. I dont need much space to live in, of equal concern though, Im seeking sufficient shop space to store and work with my tools while I continue to write and develop my musical aspirations and internet business. Im not interested in a full-time job, working for free or house sitting. Im not a ranch or farm hand dealing with livestock or landscaping labor. I would like to contribute to an established estate or thriving enterprise in the tourism sector but not likely to go with a full-time corporate hustle unless what youre doing is intriguing enough to hold my interest. Looking to relocate in March-April-May 2019. Excellent references and full resume available by email here: [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you for your time.

Life Coach (French/English), Retreats On The Path, SPA Estate Manager/Massage Therapist in Palm Springs CA will relocate. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

Seeking a Caretaker Position. Tiny house owner with off-grid solar and compost toilet needs a potable water hook-up. Retired – excellent health. Seeking place to park and manage property. Experienced managing – milking goats, making cheese. Experience in carpentry, plumbing and various fence building repair. Experience in all types of organic and sustainable gardening. Prefer living in the West Sonoma or Mendocino county areas of Northern California, but open to alternative locations. References available. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] and please use the word caretaker in the Subject Line. Thanks.

Common sense is my number one asset. Im reliable, honest, non-smoking, clean and ready to take care of your property needs. Have some tools and handyman skills. Have my own income and valid drivers license. Looking for a quiet, rural setting. Will exchange work for a cottage or small house, plus utilities for 20 hours of work per week. Willing to work extra for a stipend. Can do mowing, weed-wacking, low tree maintenance, some snow removal, as well as general cleaning. Im neat and clean, with your security in mind at all times. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Caretaker position wanted. 53-year-old retired firefighter, with an Associates in Ornamental Horticulture and M.S. in education. Have 30 years experience with all mechanicals including solar. Currently management/caretaker of Sunset Cottages, in Sylvan Beach, NY. Responsible for daily care and repairs for 24 vacation cottages plus emergency repairs for a large restaurant and surf bar. The business has been sold. Will consider short or long positions. Non-smoker, non-drinker, athlete. A people person…motivated with a smile! Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Experienced caretaker couple seeking a live-on situation in Northern Baltimore or Harford County, Maryland. He: Angies List A rated handyman/carpenter/painter and lawn service since 2007. Former marina and horse farm manager. She: member of the managerial team at a large local animal hospital 20+ years, and expert pet care provider. Us: married 31 years, empty-nesters, we were part-time, live-on caretakers for 15 years on a private estate and vineyard in Sparks. We are looking for a comfortable place to live in exchange for doing whatever needs to be done. Salary not necessary if part-time, although full-time paid position(s) would be considered. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for more info.

Married Christian couple, mid-40s, with no children, seek a long-term, reduced rent/lease situation in exchange for part-time caretaking (grounds, maintenance, security, admin, etc.). Guest cabin, caretakers home, unoccupied house, second home or estate? We are open to ideas! Anywhere in the U.S. We want to live in a beautiful secluded, rural area with green forests, fishing, hiking, and hunting. We have our own reliable, verifiable income from virtual businesses, so internet is a must. Healthy non-smokers, non-drinkers, professionals with excellent references. Let’s talk! Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

Mature Husband and Wife in Omaha, Nebraska looking for a paid, long-term caretaking opportunity. We are both former teachers. We love animals. We have two domesticated (indoor only) cats. We are both handy with a hammer as well as grounds maintenance and administration. We are non-smokers/non-drinkers. We are not financially independent and would need an income from the job, but that income is negotiable. We want to live somewhere beautiful and be of service. Excellent references available. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Houseman/Estate Manager with ten years experience and excellent references seeks a long-term live-in position. Willing to relocate. Comprehensive skillset: Solution/Results oriented in housekeeping, laundry, pet care, garden/lawn and pool maintenance, carpentry, electrical, managing staff/vendors and vehicle detailing/maintenance. Professional demeanor, non-smoker and have a clean drivers license. I look forward to an interview and sharing my resume portfolio with you. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Estate Manager, Guardian Couple, Caretakers. Married couple seeking our next adventure! Let us care for your castle, estate or farm. We are discreet, honest, detail oriented and have an excellent work ethic. My wife (of 20 years) and I are seeking long-term, professional, and salaried position or positions starting close to September 2019. I am currently the Facility Manager (I hold a certificate from Rutgers University), AV Manager, and Worship Coordinator of a church in Manasquan, New Jersey (since 2005). I am a dynamic individual with many ideas and I use evidence and critical thinking to solve problems. I grew up in a B&B that my parents owned in Spring Lake, New Jersey and I participated in all aspects – managing, house maintenance, cleaning, cooking, etc. I spent four years in the Marine Corps and returned to New Jersey where I met my wife. We both worked at the B&B from 1996 to 2002. My resume includes work in sunroom assembly, cabinet making, environmental remediation, and as a private chauffeur. My interests include sailing, kayaking, hiking, sustainable farming and forestry, environmental stewardship, passive solar energy, off grid power systems, permaculture. My Wife holds a Masters Degree in Education. She worked at a public school for 14 years, and homeschooled our two children, who are now 16 and 18. She has worked at several B&Bs over the years and works as a personal assistant and caretaker, companion to the elderly. Her interests include raising chickens and goats, organic gardening, and horseback riding. Our daughter is now in France studying the language and culture as an Au Pair, and our son is looking forward to a new adventure with us. Please contact Todd for more information at [Contact info available to subscribers].

I am seeking a caretaking position near the ocean or Front Royal, Virginia, with a spiritually directed person who has more property than they can manage alone. I want to share co-creative stewardship of the property working with Nature Intelligence in exchange for a small yurt home on the property. I have over 30 years experience caring for rural properties, homes and animals and have excellent references. If interested or know of someone, thank you for contacting me: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Seeking Southern Maine York County: Professional woman, 57, offers caretaker assistance in exchange for rent: assist with tenants, gardening, farming, greenhouses, yard work, animals, house sitting, and painting. Former real estate agent, property manager, landlord, real estate investor, homeowner for 11 years. Bought/renovated fixer uppers, acted as contractor. Live-in Elder Caretaker twice. Non-smoker. Car/cat. Organized, mature, grounded, intelligent, self-starter. Great references. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

Retired couple looking for a caretaker position with housing. Will take care of your animals and property in exchange for housing. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Fun Canadian Couple looking for six month to one year adventure. We are in our mid 40s/early 50s. Fit, young at heart, responsible, hardworking, well-travelled. Above average skills in hospitality, event management, administration, promotion and radio. Currently becoming ESL instructors. Looking for new challenges anywhere in the world. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Couple looking for Caretaker/Estate manager on site position in the United States. Experienced in property management, event coordination, bookkeeping, baker, AFC Certified Sous Chef, property maintenance, (carpentry, plumbing, painting, installing tile, laminate, vinyl, HVAC, swimming pools, dock work), lawn maintenance, dyke and floodgate maintenance, heavy equipment operator, breeder of flight birds (quail, pheasants, turkeys, ducks), hunt guide, concierge service, and great customer service skills. Good credit and clean background checks. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for full resume or questions.

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

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

I’m a long time subscriber of The Caretaker Gazette with years of wilderness, off-grid living experience and I’ve had lots of time to come up with some pretty impressive inventive ideas! I would love to share some of my ideas with an investor looking for something original, unique and useful to manufacture and market. I am seeking an investor that would be willing to discuss license agreements or royalties. If you’re a serious investor looking for some fresh new ideas and willing to sign non-disclosure agreements, let’s talk! Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKING QUESTIONS WANTED: Property owners, caretakers. Writing about eight caretaking experiences in 15 years. How it fell into my lap, scenarios, red flags, the approach to ensure success. FREE BOOK if question(s) used. Anonymity respected. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

An Alternative to Costly Medical Insurance

Over the decades many of our advertisers and subscribers, both property owners and caretakers/house sitters, have discussed their healthcare situation and possible insurance options/alternatives with us. We recently dropped our current medical insurance when the premiums jumped to $2,000 per month with a $12,000 annual deductible. We switched to a $354 per month healthcare program called Medi-Share. I wanted to share some information with you about Medi-Share as I thought you might be interested in their affordable healthcare. Like us, you and your family could join their community of 250,000+ who share in each other’s medical burdens. Since 1993 more than $2 Billion in medical expenses have been shared and discounted by Medi-Share members. With Medi-Share you and your family won’t need to worry about the mandate to purchase health insurance or pay costly penalties and fees, since members are exempt through a special provision in the Affordable Care Act. If you would like to learn more, please go to http://bit.ly/2gvMroU or please call Myles Lilley who is a Member Development Specialist at Christian Care Ministry at 800-772-5623 extension 2224. I hope this helps! Take care, Gary C. Dunn, Publisher THE CARETAKER GAZETTE

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

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

West Valley Island Cultural Festival Announces Availability of Sponsorship Opportunities. The next festival takes place in October 2019 in Surprise, Arizona. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] and then email Sponsors[Contact info available to subscribers] with any questions. Thanks.

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