The Caretaker Gazette May / June 2017

Alaska

CARETAKER WANTED for a remote lodge in southeastern Alaska. The lodge is located 50 miles north of Ketchikan in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. We are currently looking for a couple who is willing to re-locate and live a remote lifestyle. Ideally, the dynamic of the couple would consist of them having a strong background in household maintenance, construction, equipment maintenance, expertise in all clerical and house duties, and outdoor living. The position start date is this summer to be able to help with summer projects and to get acclimated to the lodge with the caretaking transitioning into the winter months where the routine check-ups of the lodge and necessary maintenance would be imperative to this position. Please send your resume and information to [Contact info available to subscribers] and please reference The Caretaker Gazette.

ASSISTANT INNKEEPER WANTED. Must have these attributes: friendliness, helpfulness enjoyment in working with people, kind considerate, polite. “Foodie” and loves to cook, travel. Faithful to work schedule and dependable. Have housekeeping skills or willing to learn them. Clean, neat appearance. Desire to spend time in Washington state and southeast Alaska. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

Argentina

PATAGONIA FRONTIER CALLING! Artist´s assistant and companion needed in the Andes of Northern Patagonia for a determined woman with Multiple Sclerosis. I need a commitment of a minimum of one month, the longer the better. I am an artist and an experienced horsewoman. I believe in the healing power of creativity, as well as the love of nature and her creatures. My ranch is located in a non-touristic part of beautiful Patagonia, nestled in the foothills of the Andes, in the heart of the real Gaucho culture. In the winter months (May through November) we may be changing locations. I will pay all expenses when together. This is not a salaried position, as it is a volunteer opportunity. In exchange for adventure, fun, basic food and housing, you will be my co-creator in art projects. Duties include, but are not limited to: help with the horses. Important that we enjoy each other’s company. Free time to be arranged as needed and wanted. You should have a mastery of English, Spanish a major plus, good computer skills, a driver’s license, and the ability to drive a manual/stick-shift. Please send a description of why you are interested, resume if you have one, something about yourself, your age and a photo to [Contact info available to subscribers] Please see my webpage at [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you for your interest. I look forward to sharing with you.

Arizona

LIVE-IN RANCH HELP needed in northcentral Arizona. Single or couple (EOE), vegan (preferred) or vegetarian for a no-kill environment. Secure, upscale location. Primary duty is animal care; secondary duties include repair/maintenance and grounds-keeping. Must have experience with horses (within last three years), intermediate riding skills (rider cannot weigh more than 150 lbs.) with the ability to diagnose and treat common injuries/ailments. Must be in good health, able to lift 50 lbs., walk up and down hills, and operate common ranch equipment. Valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle required. No smoking, no drugs, minimal alcohol. Salary (DOE/Q) plus a two bedroom, two bath home. Pets considered. References and background check required. Please email your qualifications and salary requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you.

SITE STEWARD/CARETAKER wanted at [Contact info available to subscribers], outside of Sedona, Arizona, in the area of Red Canyon. [Contact info available to subscribers] at Northern Arizona University needs a caretaker at [Contact info available to subscribers]. The site is approximately 10 miles west of Sedona, with views of the red rocks on a former ranch with a historic adobe house and other disused buildings/corals, at an elevation of 4,600 feet. It has power but no water/septic. Access to the property is via a dirt road. We’re looking for someone to stay on site in their own RV, or camper van, or 5th wheel for an extended period. In return for a free stay and power, we need you to keep an eye on our tree experiment inside a large fenced enclosure and other infrastructure. If you see any intruders or unauthorized folks on site you will need to call 911 and alert the project staff. You will also call us if there are any other problems, such as with wildlife/irrigation at the enclosure. There is also the possibility of some hourly paid work to help with tasks on the various research plots. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest and aptitude for this kind of work. For more details, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] with relevant information about yourself, your vehicle, work experience, and your contact info. Thanks.

HORSE CARETAKER needed for a private home, in town, in Payson. You must have and live in your own RV or trailer on my property. One horse, a retired, well-mannered show horse needs a loving and responsible caretaker. You will need a strong back for unloading hay/feed bags. Duties include feeding, cleaning manure, waters, blanketing, and shavings. This would be perfect for a retired man. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

A SMALL PRIVATE FAMILY Boarding Facility needs a responsible caretaker. The position is in beautiful Yuma. Some knowledge of horses a must! A very nice furnished two bedroom apartment is provided in exchange for feeding, turn-out of horses, and grounds maintenance (including some mowing). We are on five irrigated, secluded acres. We have lots of trees. Non-smoker or drinker and good people skills are a must. Apartment and utilities provided, no salary. Please reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Letters to the Editor

Greetings Caretaking Community, I am hopefully going to be joining the Community of Caretakers within the next few months. I’ve been a subscriber to The Caretaker Gazette on and off for years, living vicariously through the stories of the subscribers who have shared their experiences, fantasizing about the day I can join you. I am now at the point in my life to release the title of ‘Homeowner’ and take on the nomenclature of ‘Gypsy/Caretaker’. As I’ve been thinking through what this would entail, a conundrum presents itself. I know that ‘things happen’ in Life and at the most unpredictable and unexpected times. I’ve unfortunately had some major Life Crisis’s in my life, most recently the unexpected death of our son. That required us to emergently get on a plane to another region of the country and stay for a full week. We had to find immediate caretakers for our furry family and our neighbors graciously stepped up. I have healthy but elderly parents, and it’s not unreasonable to consider them needing me unexpectedly. So, you see where this is going – what does one do while on a caretaking assignment, especially if the care of animals is involved, if a Life Crisis occurs requiring one’s immediate presence? Is this potential situation discussed during the negotiation period and what has that experience been? What back-ups are put in place in anticipation of something like this? I’d like some feedback from those of you who may have experienced a Life Crisis while on assignment. How did you handle it? Were the people you were working for/helping out, amenable and helpful to your situation? What actions occurred to release you from your agreement so you could take care of your Life’s business? This is a very real potential situation and I’d like to go into this prepared to discuss these situations. Your input is appreciated. Safe and Wonderful Journeys, Michele G., Media, PA

Michele, I am very sorry to read of your losses but thank you for bringing up this important issue. You have some very valid points in your letter and I am sure there are other subscribers who have experienced a Life Crisis during their time as house sitters and caretakers. If any subscribers have experienced and coped with a Life Crisis in the form of family illness, death, or even their own illness while caretaking or house sitting and they are willing to share their experiences with Michele, please contact Michele at her email address: [Contact info available to subscribers] Thanks.

Hi Gary, I hope all is well with you and your family. Every time I deal with you, I feel like I’m dealing with friends. I’ve never taken a position from the ads, but have talked with, and know several people to this day, which I’ve met through your ads. Thanks for being there for so many people. You’re more well-known than you think. Doug H., Fairbanks, AK

Hi Doug, thank you for your nice message and subscription renewal. We are happy to have you back with us! Over the decades of publishing The Caretaker Gazette, we have been lucky to have met so many great subscribers such as yourself and we do consider you friends. Thanks again and best of luck to you.

Hi Gary and staff, my address has changed. My new address is [Contact info available to subscribers] St Apt 3, Buffalo, NY Lou. P., Buffalo, NY

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

Arkansas

house sitter needed for my new four bedroom/three bath home in Hot Springs, AR. You will also need to take care of my new puppy. I will be traveling on business, and out of the country from May 1 through August 1. The house sitter can live rent-free while I’m gone, and I will pay all utilities. Please email why you would be a good house and dog-sitter, along with your checkable references to [Contact info available to subscribers] Thanks.

Australia

CARETAKER REQUIRED. Located 80 kilometers southwest of Mundubbera, a small town in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland. Duties will include checking waters, fences and other light duties. Local caretakers should call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER COUPLE needed for a beef property, located northeast of Goondiwindi, in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. Need a caretaker couple with livestock experience. A comfortable, air-conditioned home, workshop, and stables provided in exchange for light duties. This would be suitable for active retirees. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] to apply.

CARETAKER REQUIRED in the Gympie area. Will need to perform general caretaking duties in exchange for single accommodations and power. This position would be suitable for a pensioner. Farming/Dairy experience would be an advantage. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER REQUIRED. A two bedroom cottage, with air-conditioning, in Kaimkillenbun, Queensland is available. Located 24 kilometers from Dalby, on the way to the Bunya Mountains. Minimal rent and light duties required. Australian residents should call 0429 067 313.

CARETAKER COUPLE needed for a cattle property 30klms from Biloela, in the Shire of Banana, Central Queensland. You will need to check water, fences, maintain lawns and gardens, and other light duties. Mobile and internet available. Local Queensland residents, should call [Contact info available to subscribers] to apply for this position. Thanks.

CARETAKER COUPLE required for a Roma district property in South West Queensland, 515 km from Brisbane. It is situated at the junction of the Warrego and Carnarvon highways. We have beef, meat, sheep and goats. A comfortable air-conditioned house, meat, power, and phone provided. This would be a good position for pensioners. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

[Contact info available to subscribers] requires a full-time live in caretaker for its 100 acre property in Pokolbin, New South Wales. [Contact info available to subscribers] prides itself on providing a high quality environment for residents and visitors. The caretaker plays a pivotal role in coordinating various aspects of [Contact info available to subscribers] operations and acts as a contact point for owners on a variety of issues. The caretaker is responsible for maintenance and security of all community property. Roles and responsibilities will include: 1) liaise closely with the executive committee ensuring the efficient operation, security and maintenance of the estate and its facilities; 2) ensure all internal administrative requirements are fulfilled; 3) anticipate, isolate and solve any operational problems; 4) deal with any complaints or concerns from owners in a professional manner. Our requirements include being a good communicator, both oral and written, having farm experience and competency with farm equipment, and being computer literate. The remuneration for this role will be negotiated with the successful applicant but is expected to be in the $45,000 – $50,000/year. In addition, a three bedroom home on the estate is provided for the caretaker and his family, including utilities. Australian applications (with resumes) should be sent to [Contact info available to subscribers] for the attention of the Treasurer. Thank you.

CARETAKER COUPLE required for a cattle property west of Emerald, in the Central Highlands Region, Queensland. This is a part-time position for a couple who seek a rural lifestyle. Duties will include basic maintenance on pumps and machines, cooking, gardens and general property maintenance. Australian residents should email their resume and two references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER COUPLE required for a cattle property located 40 kilometers from Richmond, in western Queensland. A pensioner couple would be appropriate to look after our animals and check waters on weekends and while the owners are away. A small two bedroom cottage will be provided, along with mobile service. Locals should call [Contact info available to subscribers].

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO STAY IN AN OLD HISTORIC gaol, and meet a range of interesting people from all over the world? If you want a truly unique experience, the non-profit museum [Contact info available to subscribers] at the Old Alice Springs Gaol is looking for friendly caretaker couples to help with customer service and general maintenance/gardening during May – August. Six week minimum commitment, maximum 20 hours a week, with work mainly on weekends so there is plenty of time to explore the stunning landscapes of the red center during the week! Caretakers will normally work alongside volunteers, and will help to open and close the museum, welcome visitors, help at the shop and café, and complete minor grounds and maintenance work. Training provided. This is an unpaid position, and you will need your own caravan. We offer free rent and amenities, the chance to meet new people and explore Australia’s history, and a great location that is an easy walk to town. If you are interested, please give us a call on [Contact info available to subscribers] or write [Contact info available to subscribers]. We look forward to hearing from you!

CARETAKER COUPLE needed in Caloundra, on the Sunshine Coast in southeast Queensland. This position would be suitable for a pensioner. Located close to the beach and fishing. A fully furnished, very large caravan with hard annex provided, with an ensuite shower/toilet. Some work needed here in lieu of rent. Local caretakers should call [Contact info available to subscribers].

WE ARE SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE to look after our place and dog from around April 8th to April 23rd in Western Australia. We are in the plantation district, just outside of Carnarvon, at the mouth of the Gascoyne River on the Indian Ocean. Duties include looking after the dog, and checking that our reticulation system is working. Repair if necessary. We may also need assistance from the same person with some management duties (e.g. grounds work or washing, etc.) at our short stay accommodation in the town center, if there are bookings during this period. Duties would include making sure that everything is prepared prior to arrival, meet and greet with keys, possible washing of sheets, remake beds, clean if there are other guests arriving. Keep the pool clean and monitor for the month. We do have a lady who will likely do all these duties, but may need some assistance here and there. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] to further discuss. Thanks.

CARETAKER needed on a farm with cattle and horses in the Toowoomba region. This position would be ideal for a recently retired couple. House and gardening duties required. A good house with electricity will be provided. Please apply in writing to [Contact info available to subscribers] Australia.

LIVE-IN CARETAKER needed for the [Contact info available to subscribers] in Queensland. We seek a proficient and experienced handyman/person and sound workplace references, to manage the day-to-day operations of a community hall, which includes general cleaning and maintenance with some groundskeeping work. A two bedroom house, with a single lock up garage next to our hall, is offered rent free to the successful applicants as remuneration in exchange for the duties required. In the first instance, all enquiries should be directed to [Contact info available to subscribers] strictly between the hours of 9am – 4pm daily, Monday – Sunday. Please – no text or voice messages.

Belize

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

Brazil

INTERESTED IN SELF-SUFFICIENCY? Want to help build a community? Love the sea? There’s a lot to do and we are on the hunt for short-term/short-notice volunteers. We are looking for people who are happy to get stuck into whatever needs doing, which at the moment, unless you have specific boat-building/welding skills, is cooking, and general clean-up and maintenance. We are also looking for people with knowledge of gaff rigs and skills related to boating. Sailing the farm is now in Cape Verde ready to cross to Brazil with four crew onboard. If you want to join us we have space in April for South America. Everything is going well. She sails really well in the trade winds. Out of last eight days, we have averaged more than five knots (for a 23 ton boat). Next stop will be Salvador, Brazil. Thank you all for your support! Please send an email to [Contact info available to subscribers] explaining why you would be interested in our community and please place this in the Subject Line: Sea Gypsy Application so we know you have been reading this. Love from [Contact info available to subscribers] – a sea gypsy tribe of tomorrow!

Bulgaria

VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED. My name is Moise and I am a young vibrant English teacher living in a village in the North of Bulgaria trying to make my life more eco-friendly and self-sufficient. I have recently moved into a house on the top of a hill in a little village near Ruse. I am looking for a volunteer who is willing to help in and around the house with little jobs like painting, fixing minor things in the house and a little decoration. Also someone who likes working in the garden, preferably with some experience in planting and growing vegetables. My house has three spare bedrooms at the moment; it’s in two separate parts, the downstairs has a main open room used as a dining area, a kitchen a bathroom and my room which I use as an office, lounge and bedroom. The upstairs part of the house, consists of three rooms a hall and a bathroom. Also I have a high speed fiber optic internet connection, so no worries there. I will probably be working in the U.K. this summer, so I am looking for a person who would be up for house sitting while I am gone. This will be from July to August, if that becomes longer I will let you know. I speak English, French and Spanish. My Mother is French and Father English so I am of mixed upbringing. I have travelled extensively having been to nearly 40 countries I am open to people from any country or culture. I love all kinds of food and can’t wait to discover new cuisine and styles of living. If you have experience in building, I would love to learn some new methods and techniques. In the future I intend to build an Eco-friendly Community Centre on my other plot of land. I hope to talk to you soon if you are interested in coming to stay with me. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

California

house sitter NEEDED long-term for my small home in Santa Cruz. I have a single-family 1930’s home with two bedrooms and one full bathroom, and plenty of space for a garden, on a quiet street, and only 11 blocks to Sunny Cove Beach. Need someone to sit our house and our two dogs. They are in and out kind of dogs, and spoiled rotten too. Need plants watered too. For more details, please email Jim at [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER POSITION AVAILABLE at Point Arena in Mendocino County. Requires expert handyman and all round jack of trades for a 20 acre, second home property in the beautiful redwood forest. Requires impeccable references for work experience and character. Maintain a water storage tank, make modest repairs to equipment, irrigation system and extensive hand watering of many fruit trees and flower gardens. Must be in good health and have high energy and a sense of initiative. Small one bedroom apartment provided. On site interviews to be scheduled in three to four weeks. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM needed in the Albany/El Cerrito area. We are a family of five and live in a large home in the East Bay Hills, in El Cerrito. We appreciate the Asian cultures and are looking for an Asian caretaker husband and wife team. We offer to you a wonderfully located one bedroom live-in apartment with a balcony, a separate entry and sweeping views of the Bay in exchange for light home and garden work. If you are interested please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

house sitter WANTED for our home in La Jolla, for an immediate year round position. This is a long-term house and pet sitting assignment. We work out of the country, and have an older cat. house sitter will need to feed and provide meds to our cat. Some yard maintenance and plant watering is required. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CARETAKER/INNKEEPER for a five bedroom guesthouse in Anderson Valley, Northern California. We have three outside cats who will need care. We can offer accommodation and a small stipend. This is an opportunity to gain experience in the hospitality industry. House cleaning and small maintenance/repairs will be part of this position. This might be suitable for a couple. Besides the five bedroom house, there is a fully equipped cabin on the property, which could be used for accommodation. This position requires, dependability and great follow through skills, as well as computer skills. Please, only very serious applicants should apply. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Canada

A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY in River Heights is seeking a couple for a live-in caretaker position. The selected candidates will be responsible for after hours, weekends, holidays and emergency and non-emergencies. Previous caretaking experience an asset. Must enjoy working with seniors. Canadian residents should reply to [Contact info available to subscribers]

BUTLER WITH COOKING SKILLS needed for our client’s homes in Canada, Spain and the Bahamas. The job responsibilities will include: ensuring that one elderly principal is not left alone, monitoring his well-being, managing all household food, including cooking, grocery shopping, providing quality food and beverage service, table service and settings in traditional Butler service, wardrobe management and valet service for principals, assisting the principals pack/unpack suitcases, running household errands, and personal shopping as required, providing Personal Assistant duties to include finalizing flight details, booking cars etc., liaising with the principal’s Personal Assistant on any other requests, ensuring the home is welcoming and enjoyable as possible for the principals and guests, ensuring that the day-to-day running of the residences maintains the owner’s standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and organization, supervising other staff to ensure they perform their duties to the correct standard, light cleaning and detailing of the households on the cleaners days off, answering the phone and taking messages as needed, answering the door, greeting guests and visitors as needed, scheduling and supervising all trades and vendors, ensuring that all work on the property is completed in the best way possible, conducting evening detailing and security check of the entire property, organizing flowers twice weekly, ensuring the proper maintenance of household automobiles, including managing the cleanliness of the cars, and booking regular maintenance checks, assisting with event planning for social and seasonal events, keeping all cupboards and storage in the household organized, managing all internet purchases and returns of goods, and manage and monitor household inventories, working with existing manuals and programs. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and live-in residences provided in Canada (Toronto), Spain and The Bahamas. Please email your resume and references and mention that you are applying for [Contact info available to subscribers]

[Contact info available to subscribers], in Kingsville ON seeks an exceptional Innkeeper. Adjacent to Lake Erie, ferries to Ohio, DTW, and your presence will enhance our exceptional reputation and continue the success of tourism in Canada’s Deep South. Fully restored, five guestrooms with ensuites, in Canada’s newest wine region. Minimum four week contract. References please. [Contact info available to subscribers]

Colorado

SEEKING A COUPLE to help manage an 11-year-old top rated B&B in the mountain resort town of Ouray, Colorado. The Black Bear Manor will provide lodging, breakfast, plus pay. A couple is preferred, with experience in cooking, some cleaning, and light maintenance. Please email your resume or details to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Connecticut

MAINTENANCE HAND NEEDED for a private wooden boat yard on the Mystic River. Available April-May 2017. We are a professional maritime family with a non-commercial facility set on two peaceful acres and a commercial property/dock in downtown Mystic. Seeking a balanced, competent, discreet, reliable person with a strong body, basic seamanship, carpentry, painting and mechanical skills required for a full-time year-round position. We are looking for someone who is near the beginning of their career trajectory and will grow into the position long-term. Accommodation included, work vehicle during business hours and a variety of small wooden craft to use on your time off. Located 1/3 mile to Downtown Mystic. Salary depends on skill level and willingness to learn. We offer fair wages. Pet friendly within reason. Please email your resume or work history to [Contact info available to subscribers]

house sitter/PETSITTER needed in the Stamford area from May 1 through September 1, 2017. I am looking for someone to look after our house and three dogs while we are away. You need to be a dog-lover and have experience looking after them. Must have your own vehicle and driver’s license. Please provide references we can contact. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Costa Rica

[Contact info available to subscribers] needs a volunteer. In [Contact info available to subscribers], we offer a work exchange program. Please contact us if you want to stay for free as a basic volunteer and work four hours per day/five days a week. Use of all facilities is included. Child care, kitchen cleaning, maintenance/garden and reception are the positions we offer. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

England

AN EXPERIENCED, LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER/COOK COUPLE is needed for a large family home in Wensleydale, Yorkshire. Key responsibilities will include: housekeeping, general cleaning and household laundry/ironing, maintenance of cleaning equipment, care of antique books, paintings and furniture, flower arranging, supervision of household and external event staff, ensure house security, looking after family dogs and cats, including walking and cleaning, table service and waitressing, cooking, preparation and serving of informal meals, light lunches, dinner parties and shoot lunches, baking and preparation of cakes/puddings/desserts, making of preserves, pickles and cordials, and organizing the home-grown fruit, vegetables and meat. Candidates must be willing to have a flexible approach to working hours and be willing to work out of hours on occasions of dinner parties and evening charity events. Candidates must have these essential attributes: honesty, integrity, discretion, reliability and flexibility, good planning and organizational skills, ability to communicate with the family as well as other staff and work as part of a team, caring and confident with animals, and a full driving license. The position is a live-in post and accommodation comprises of a large spacious self-contained flat within the main house. Salary will be dependent on experience, references and whether the role is part-time five mornings a week, or full-time. To start as soon as possible. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

GARDENER/CARETAKER AND HOUSEKEEPER/COOK couple needed for a couple’s weekend residence on a family estate in West Sussex with easy access to the M23. The Gardener/Caretaker position involves primarily sole gardening, but also swimming pool maintenance, some caretaking and occasional driving. Some additional garden help is available, but experience is absolutely essential for this mature garden of borders, lawns, roses, orchard, greenhouse and conservatory. The Housekeeper/Cook requires strong organizational skills and is responsible for cleaning, laundry, shopping and cooking to a good standard. This job requires weekend work when the owners are in residence with two weekdays off. A separate three-bedroom cottage and car will be provided. Both candidates must have fluent English, driver’s licenses and experience in private household service. The last two couples stayed for a total of 16 years and six years! Late April/early May start date if possible. Salary is negotiable based on experience. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Florida

LIVE-IN, FULL-TIME CARETAKER needed in Sebring, FL. Caretaker needed for an older gentleman. Driver’s license required. This is a live-in position. For more information, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

IMMEDIATE OPENING for a property caretaker/handyman. This is a long-term employment opportunity. This position would be great for a retired husband/wife team on a 24-acre estate in Yulee, FL. Duties will include mowing the grass, light maintenance, painting and be willing to do whatever is required on the property. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license and a clean motor vehicle record, and pass a background check. Live in the home on the property. EEOC and drug free. Random drug testing will be done. Please submit your job history and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

LONG-TERM CARETAKING COUPLE needed in northwest Florida for the [Contact info available to subscribers]. Must have maintenance and people skills. Housing furnished. No smoking, no pets. Please send your resume with references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN PROFESSIONAL HOUSEKEEPER/Family Assistant needed in the Miami area. A professional couple with three children living on Fisher Island, FL needs additional help. Other staff includes nannies. Duties will include overseeing that the details of the home and needs of the family are met in a timely and organized way, cleaning residence to a high standard, laundry, assisting with cooking, some involvement with the children, oversight of vendors, and various errands. The ideal person will have good energy, be neat, organized, on time, polite and loves working with children. The candidate should be career oriented in domestic private service. Must have experience in a private home. Will need 3+ years of relevant experience of paid private home professional housekeeping experience and have the ability to maintain confidentiality of the household and the owners’ affairs, and be courteous, discreet, honest and a responsible character. Must have good communication skills verbal and written, be computer savvy, be well groomed, non-drug user, physically able to perform the duties of the position and willing to take a pre-commencement physical, be English speaking, be able to sign and adhere to confidentiality agreement, be of good background, legal to work in the USA and willing to submit to pre-employment background, security and medical check as requested, and be a non-smoker. The Housekeeper/Family Assistant will generally be on duty Monday through Friday, with an occasional Friday or Saturday night. A flexible professional private service attitude that puts the employer’s needs at a premium is expected and highly valued. The tone and tenor of the relationship will be mutual respect. Accommodations will be a private room with en suite bathroom, with your own separate access. Hourly compensation provided with health insurance after a trial period. To apply, please email your resume to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include “Fisher Island Position” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes.

HOUSECLEANER/COOK needed for a diabetic senior couple who live in Sanibel Island, FL in the winter time and Piely Island (Lake Erie) in the summer time. Hours are 9am to 5pm weekdays. This is a wonderful couple who need your help. Responsibilities will include housecleaning, caring for a small sweet dog, laundry, ironing, preparing some meals, etc. They are very private people who like to keep to themselves. So no “Chatty-Cathy’s” please. Please send your resume, photo, and copy of driver’s license to [Contact info available to subscribers]. No phones calls please. Private living accommodations are provided.

France

DOMESTIC COUPLE needed in Paris. A foreign ultra-high net worth couple is looking for a domestic couple to take care of their flat in Paris. The flat has approximately 875 m2, and is located in the 1st district of Paris. The flat is under 24 hour surveillance, and there is also a housekeeper who looks after the property throughout the year. The owners visit the flat several times a month and spend approximately four to seven days in a row. The domestic couple will serve the employers and will be in charge of the overall maintenance and management of the apartment. The couple will have to be flexible and work at the property on the weekends. The position is live-out but a flat may be provided for the break times. A uniform will be provided. This position requires experience working for private families as a domestic couple, speaking both English and French, being excellent at multitasking, being flexible and discreet. The duties and responsibilities will include: managing the flat, general maintenance of the flat (parquet, windows, furniture), shopping for groceries and household items, shopping for the employers, managing subcontractors, reporting on the expenses and affairs to the family office, table setting and table service, making windows and cleaning bedrooms, laundry and ironing, some cooking if required, looking after the balconies, and cleaning silver and valuable items. The schedule will be Monday to Friday when the employers are absent, and being flexible when the employers are at the property. The salary will be 6,200 euros gross per month for the couple. The Contract Duration Indeterminée will have a probationary period of one month. To apply, please complete the application at [Contact info available to subscribers]

TRAINEE ESTATE JUNIOR needed for an English private residence in France. No experience necessary. This is a brilliant opportunity to learn the many aspects of Estate work from the grounds, to the house, to horse husbandry, and care of a small number of sheep and chickens. This will be a busy, varied role. Applicants must have a good sense of humor and like animals. New shared barn conversion provided, with its own bathroom. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hawaii

CARETAKER NEEDED on the Big Island of Hawaii. 4-hours/day work exchange program available. Must be enthusiastic about rustic jungle life, experienced with off-grid living and solar equipment. There is no phone/electricity, no pay, but fun, and surfing! Seeking peaceful, hard-working, cooperative, spiritual minded, vegetarians, no drinkers/smokers/drugs. For more info, please email your information to caretakergazette@gmail.com and include “Big Island Caretaker Position” in the Subject Line for forwarding purposes.

Hungary

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. We are Jorg (43) and Ralf (42), the founders of a Community Supported Agriculture project that focuses on organic farming, providing our members with many delicious naturally preserved products (jams, chutneys, sauces, juices, etc.). We are also interested in traditional preserving and fermenting in form of Sauerkraut, Kimchi, vinegar, etc. (new fermenting techniques are always welcome!). Regional recipes from all over the world are appreciated. We are located right between Vienna and Budapest. The next largest town is Gyor (about 20 minutes’ drive). The village we live in is right next to the river Raab. It is both friendly and laid-back. Summers are usually hot (up to 40°C) and dry with impressive crystal clear skies at night. We are looking for people who love to work in the fields, specifically seeding, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting and housekeeping. We provide accommodation in the form of a large guestroom, a shared bathroom (accessible through outdoor arcade) and shared living space. We provide vegetarian (optional vegan) food with a large portion of home grown seasonal vegetables. We would prefer that you stay for more than one week. Must be a huge animal lover! We have five friendly dogs, four cats and 28 parakeets (budgies). We are native German speakers, who are fluent in English and able to speak some Hungarian. We are LGBT friendly! To learn more please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] or call us at [Contact info available to subscribers] We are looking forward to meeting you!

Iceland

[Contact info available to subscribers] VOLUNTEERS needed from July 3 to July 14. You will have the unique opportunity to work in the hot spring capital of the world, Hverageroi, volunteering for the municipality. The town is built above a geothermal hot-spring field, and derives its name from the Icelandic word for hot spring: hver. It is located 45 kilometers from Reykjavik, and may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer, the town is a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland expand in and around Hverageroi, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town. The surroundings are a paradise for outdoor activities. To the north of town is one of the country’s largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen from far. Hiking trails stretch from town through Olfusdalur Valley, into the Hengill volcanic area, all the way to Nesjavellir and Pingvellir National Park. Along the way are warm springs where bathing is possible. Volunteers will mainly be working in the town of Hverageroi and the neighboring surroundings. The main tasks include pulling and removing weeds and applying preservation on wood. Volunteers will also do some work in a forested area in the municipality, such as making walking paths. Other tasks might be cleaning up and light maintenance in the public recreational areas of the township. The work can be physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so be prepared for all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm winter clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors and it can get cold also in the evenings. Around this time of the summer solstice, the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The nights are magical and staying up enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. [Contact info available to subscribers] volunteers will be staying in a local house/school with access to kitchen and bathrooms and will sleep on mattresses on the floor. Shower facilities in the building are basic but the participants will have access to the local swimming pool. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers] or call us in Iceland at [Contact info available to subscribers].

Idaho

WINTER WATCHPERSON(S) NEEDED from October 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018 in Silver City, Idaho. Watch over an historic mining town with approximately 65 buildings. Quarters provided with utilities, workers comp, and a monthly salary. Must be physically fit and able to function at a high altitude. Please submit your letter of interest along with your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]. Please include personal contact information.

PERMANENT CARETAKERS wanted for a private estate in North Idaho. My husband and I are looking for a year-round, energetic, caretaking couple to live and work on our estate in Sandpoint, ID. Please learn more by going to [Contact info available to subscribers] and then click on our Apply bottom on our website. Thanks.

EXPERIENCED INNKEEPER OR COUPLE WANTED: [Contact info available to subscribers] is a luxury five room highly rated (#1 on TripAdvisor) Inn nestled in the Teton Mountains of Victor, Idaho, near Yellowstone and Teton National Park. Seeking an outgoing, highly organized and self-motivated couple/single person. Responsibilities may include; guest services, upselling packages and massages, coordinate massage service and prepare packages, inventory and vendor management, preparation and serving multi-course breakfasts, sell and serve beer and wine, on line reservation management, check-in, payment reconciliation, housekeeping, room turnover, laundry, kitchen clean-up and common area, lawn, garden and property maintenance, book and organize small weddings, special events. Open: May 20th – October 30th and closed for three months in the Winter. Salary based on experience, performance bonus, on site living accommodations with utilities, Wi-Fi, and Cable TV. No children, smoking or pets. Car a must. Please submit resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers] by April 10th. Phone interviews will be conducted on April 14th.

FULL-TIME WRANGLER AND CARETAKER needed at a private ranch located between Sun Valley and Stanley, Idaho. Searching for a special individual to help the owner care for and exercise horses, do general ranch maintenance, and make sure ranch guests are comfortable and have fun. This is a jack-of-all-trades job. Experience with horses, landscaping, boating, fly fishing or hospitality are all a big “plus”. Must be flexible with terrific people skills. Housing provided. Lots of recreation time and opportunity in this spectacular setting. Work hard, play hard, and make sure everyone has fun. Available May 15 through August. Please email a summary of your experience and qualifications to [Contact info available to subscribers]

MANAGE A CHARMING MOTEL in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. We are looking for a professional outgoing team with maintenance experience. We provide residence, salary, and bonuses. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] from 8:30am – 5:30pm or email us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Illinois

ASSISTANT INNKEEPER needed. An upscale country Inn and cottage property in upstate Illinois is seeking an enthusiastic, talented, full-time Assistant Innkeeper. The ideal candidate is able to effectively perform a variety of tasks, while smiling through the long day, in an often fast-paced environment. He or She will be responsible for bringing a positive attitude and flexibility, to guest service, kitchen prep, housekeeping, gardening, reservations, phone and email response, and all the innumerable duties of innkeeping. The Assistant Innkeeper will work closely with the Innkeeper and owners to provide the ultimate guest experience, and fun and comfortable work environment, in a countryside “Farm to Table” atmosphere. The position will be live-in, and will require immense flexibility with hours, 24/7 guest response, and working of weekends and holidays. Must Haves: Team-player attitude, a passion for hospitality, excellent organizational and problem solving skills, sense of urgency, and a calm can-do attitude. To be included in our interview process, please send your info and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Italy

CARETAKER NEEDED next year, in 2018. My family is the owner of a historical house in Tuscany. We’ve owned the Villa since 1536 and we will need a caretaker a year from now in March of 2018 at the Villa Di Corliano. The Villa is seven kilometers from Pisa and 10 kilometers from Lucca, inside a nature park reserve in the Tuscan countryside, on an old Roman Road. We are looking for a responsible, reliable person who loves historical houses and is willing to stay in the Villa, carry out some duties in exchange for free lodging while on holiday in the area. The duties include staying in the Villa every night from 8pm until 7am. Mornings and afternoons are completely free and Monday is a full day free. We want the caretaker to stay a minimum of two months. Accommodation will be a single room at the top of a spiral staircase with a kitchenette (small frig, sink, hot plate and toaster over) in the corner and a private bathroom with shower. The room has satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, but no meals are provided. A washing machine is available for use in the Villa. Duties will include some of the following: gardening, building, helping with tourists, and art projects. So basically the caretaker will clean the garden around the villa, help guests if they need suggestions for where to eat/visit or to call for a taxi, verify that the doors and gates are closed before going to bed, and generally keeping an eye on the place, especially at night. There are also many events at the Villa, such as weddings, concerts, gala dinners, etc. and the caretaker helps direct the guests to the designated parking areas. The main requirement is to sleep inside the Villa for the overall security of the guests. Your bedroom is upstairs so you have a good view of the main Villa entrance. The property is occupied by the working staff and gardeners from 7am until 8pm, so those hours are totally free for the caretaker. This is a volunteer/exchange position and no money compensation and no meals provided, for one person only. For those who can’t wait a year to go to the Villa and would like to visit on a rental basis, one can rent a small apartment for 550 Euros per month plus utilities of around 80-100 Euros/month. For more details or inquiries regarding the Villa volunteer caretaking position, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] and for the apartment rentals, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Kentucky

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER needed for a down-to-earth doctor’s family in Covington, KY. They have two girls (7 and 10) and three dogs. A private apartment will be provided, and you can have an older child, husband or pet with you. This is a non-smoking household. They are seeking someone who enjoys children and also likes housecleaning. Someone who can pay attention to details, be prompt, and patient with children and kind. They need a person who enjoys dogs. Responsibilities also include laundry and cooking dinner three to four days a week. They want someone who will feel as this is their home also. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers] No phone calls, please.

Maine

[Contact info available to subscribers] in Millinocket, Maine is looking for a live-in Innkeeper, preferably a couple, to run the B&B for the 2017 season (June 1 to October 31). Duties include: inspection of guest rooms, public areas, and grounds for cleanliness and appearance; cleaning and turning over of all rooms, and general cleaning of all common areas in the house; grounds maintenance and lawn care; greeting and registering guests; answering inquiries pertaining to Inn policies and services. Collecting payments and recording data pertaining to funds and expenditures for all operations. Managing and maintaining kitchen inventory. Cooking breakfasts for all guests and managing dietary requests. Organizing and making reservations. Handling any emergencies with guests and property maintenance. Answering all emails for the business and handling telephone inquiries. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

RV HOST needed for the summer. The town of [Contact info available to subscribers], Maine is looking for a qualified RV couple with good people skills to manage the town owned public beach for the 2017 summer season. It will provide to the caretakers a RV site with water, electricity, septic and compensation. Responsibilities will include overseeing several part-time employees, maintaining the property as needed, enforcing the rules and maintaining our family-friendly atmosphere. Our season runs one week before Memorial Day to one week following Labor Day. You may view pictures of the area by visiting our Facebook page at [Contact info available to subscribers]. Please contact us via our Facebook page for a more complete job description and requirements. Compensation includes the value of the RV site plus a $4,000 stipend for the Labor Day to Memorial Day period plus two weeks.

Property Caretaker Profile

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

Mike and Mary with the dogs on the Aspen property

I’m not sure exactly how we arrived at the idea of being caretakers, but once we started reading The Caretaker Gazette ads for Domestic Couple positions working for the ultra-wealthy, the hook was set. When we saw the kind of money that we could make, the kind of places we could live and the fringe benefits, we knew we wanted in. I’d spent a good part of my working life wearing a suit and working in an office. I worked as an Account Executive for a Video Production company, a Marketing Director, and I ran a company that did animation. But the truth was – I never really liked working in an office. I was always kind of a gearhead, liked mechanical things and loved being outdoors. So in 1989 I bought a coin operated pay telephone company which I ran for eight years until cell phones started taking over. After that I started a small used car dealership specializing in European cars. I really loved tinkering with cars but when the economy started going south it got harder and harder to make a go of it. Eventually I closed the dealership and ended up with an inside sales, cubical world job that I absolutely hated. In 2008 I lost that job. But it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened because it forced me to do some hard thinking about how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. My wife, Mary, had started and run a successful daycare business. She’d done quite well with it and was making good money. She loved working with kids and it was a good business. But when the economy started going downhill she started losing business as parents lost their jobs. It’s hard work mentally and physically and is very stressful,it was time to do something new. So here we were, both in our late fifties and needing to reinvent ourselves in the worst economy since the Great Depression. At the time I kept seeing executives getting multi-million dollar “golden parachutes.” I figured that if anyone was going to survive the recession, it was rich people. In fact I can remember joking that since we didn’t get a golden parachute ourselves maybe we could latch onto the ankles of someone who did. And in fact, that’s almost exactly what we ended up doing. Once we decided what we wanted to do, the question was how. We sent out a bunch of applications but weren’t getting much in the way of responses. The upper echelon Domestic Couple jobs are generally handled by employment agencies and they flat out won’t talk to you unless you have a minimum of two of years’ experience working in a wealthy household. We had the right skills and were well suited for the job, but we couldn’t get past the “gatekeepers.” I’m pretty good at selling myself but we needed to be able to deal directly with an employer. In January of 2009 an ad appeared in The Caretaker Gazette for a Domestic Couple position in Aspen, Colorado that seemed perfect for us. And it wasn’t through an agency! We sent an application right out, but got a nice note back that the position had been filled. So we kept plugging away with applications but weren’t having too much success. About three months later the Aspen job turned up in the Gazette again. We put in another application and one day the phone rang – it was them! After some back and forth, we were offered the job. It was an entry level job in both pay and duties, but the important thing was we were in. If we did a good job and hung on for a couple of years we could move up to a better job. I’m not going to take any credit for us getting the job, it boiled down to exceedingly good luck and I wouldn’t even rule out the possibility of divine intervention. We just happened to have the right combination of skills and experience. Surprisingly my wife’s daycare experience was one – they had nine dogs and figured if Mary could take care of kids she could take care of dogs. The second was the fact we’d lived at high altitude before. Their house is at 9,000 feet. The couple they’d hired couldn’t cope with the altitude and had left after three months. So we packed up our car, and left our home in Grand Haven, Michigan for Aspen. The job included a free apartment – it was under the garage but very nice and had the same Million dollar view they did. It was fully furnished and came complete with everything. We just showed up with our clothes. We had 400 channels of cable and they paid the utilities. The house in Aspen was 8,000 square feet and was quite a showplace. It’s been featured in numerous magazines including The Wall Street Journal. It was valued at $15 million at the time and was full of art, antiques, furs, jewelry and who knows what else. When they weren’t there we were responsible for everything plus their beloved dogs – we were definitely starting out at the deep end of the pool. It was intimidating working in a house like that. I never touched anything I didn’t have to – some little knickknack on an end table might well cost more than our car. It turned out to be a much more difficult and complicated job than we could have ever imagined. The levels of complexity in a house like that boggle the mind. Aside from the sheer physical labor of caring for it inside and out, you have to understand how it all works and know (or learn) about an incredible number of subjects. On my end, it had three commercial grade boilers, snow melt systems (roof and driveway), solar hot water, reverse osmosis water filtration, drapes that open and close on a timer, touch pads throughout the house that controlled HVAC, stereo (inside and outside), satellite TV, a home theater, wine cellar with temperature/humidity monitors and alarm, and lighting. I had to know how it all worked and be able to find out what was wrong when it didn’t, which happened on a regular basis. Figuring out all this stuff out and keeping it working was only half of it. I also had to schedule, supervise and deal with the small army of outside contractors (when I couldn’t fix it myself) it takes to keep a place like this running smoothly. I put together a team of contractors who understood the “special needs” (at a price) of the homeowners and would get there quickly. There were many perks to the job. The work load varied – at times we were swamped, other times we had it pretty soft, especially when they were out of town. Care of their dogs was a big part of the job, and since they were show dogs they needed a lot of exercise to stay in shape. We used to spend two to three hours nearly every day walking the dogs. We’d start our day by loading up a couple of dogs and taking them someplace nice to hike. Mary and I love walking and hiking. We couldn’t believe we were getting paid to go hiking in such a beautiful place! We spent two years in Aspen and learned a lot. But we wanted to be near our family in Michigan and started looking for jobs that were closer. With two years under our belt we found job hunting a lot easier. We ended up with three offers. The job we really wanted (and got) was in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The house was 13,000 square feet plus a guest house, a three story boathouse with ballroom, various outbuildings, and a 40×60 foot equipment garage. There were 10 acres of mowed lawn with intricate landscaping, four fountains, a pond, a beach, and ten acres of woods, all to be maintained by me. The house was built in 1911 and was a mix of old and new, which adds another level of complexity when it comes to maintenance. But it came with a big pay raise, so we had no complaints. It was a gearhead’s dream in terms of “toys.” I had a new F250 work pickup with plow, a diesel tractor, and all manner of equipment.

Michigan Home where Mike and Mary were Estate Managers

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

Mary on the porch of the Napa Vineyard Home

Maryland

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

Massachusetts

CARETAKER, HANDYMAN, GARDENER, personal assistant needed for a beautiful 10 acre estate property, with a pool and pond, in Sturbridge. Located within one hour of Boston, Providence, and Hartford, and two hours from New York City. Handyman skills are essential, including light plumbing, electrical, painting, etc. Other jobs include personal assistant, winter snow cleaning, greeting guests, computer internet/office work, errands, chauffeuring, light cooking and housecleaning. Must have a smart phone, laptop and auto. Need reliability, integrity, easy going nature, good communicator, be a nonsmoker and nondrinker and be organized, clean and neat. Housing and salary offered. Please email a letter explaining all of your skills especially the type of handyman and landscape/gardener skills, resume, picture, contact phone and email, along with your explanation on why you would be the best candidate for this position to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Mexico

SEEKING CARETAKER(S) for an off-grid ranch, a short walk from a spectacular, unspoiled beach on the pacific coast of Mexico. Rustic but comfortable house provided. Incredible views, swimming, fishing, etc. Welcoming, rural, Mexican community plus travelers. Housing, internet and food stipend in exchange for three to four hours per day maintenance, animal care and yard work. Late July – early October. Candidate(s) must have intermediate or higher Spanish, be very comfortable in nature, and be interested in exploring a sustainable, off-grid lifestyle. Experience with life in Latin America, farm animals, solar electric, fencing, water systems, carpentry, all a plus. Longer term situation also possible. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Michigan

HORSE FARM CARETAKER needed in the Holland, MI area. We are seeking an individual to live on the premises and assist in managing a small horse breeding program. Feeding and stall cleaning with some knowledge of horse husbandry desirable, along with seasonal yard and lawn maintenance. All accommodations provided, plus allowance. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers] after 6 pm. Thanks.

Minnesota

BUILDING CARETAKER needed in Minneapolis. A well established and highly reputable firm specializing in community association management of condominium and townhome associations is seeking a full-time building caretaker to join our team for properties in Minneapolis. The caretaker will split hours between two properties. Primary duties include but are not limited to cleaning of common areas such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, sweeping, light maintenance and some administrative duties. Hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 am -4:30 pm. Our ideal candidate must be a good cleaner who is detail oriented, has maintenance experience, and is a self-starter who is able to work independently. Candidates must also have good communication skills, be a team player, and be conscientious, responsible and personable. Candidates must pass a criminal background check. We offer a competitive wage and a great working environment. Interested candidates should fax their resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Montana

FREE room/limited board for a couple/single exchanged for part-time work on Bison Quest vacation ranch for three to five months. Includes helping hosts with meal preparation/guest care while supervising two to four volunteers doing the gardening, cleaning, etc. Must be environmentally oriented, love the wild, animals, and not be afraid of hard work. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Hampshire

FULL-TIME CARETAKER NEEDED for a Lake Winnipesaukee estate located six miles from Wolfeboro and comprised of approximately 12 buildings. Must be independent, hardworking, have extensive building, maintenance, handyman, equipment and landscaping skills, take pride and care in every aspect of your work, be self-motivated and enjoy working outdoors and alone. References required. House, benefits and salary provided. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

New Jersey

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A house sitter for the month of May for our home in Jersey City, NJ. This will just be an exchange of your house sitting service for the living space in our home – no pay involved. You should be comfortable with city living. Our home is in a quiet urban neighborhood and has a small garden which will need some watering if we get into a dry spell. We are close to shops, restaurants and other stores. The house sitter’s primary responsibility will be to look after our home and care for our two dogs while we are away. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] if you are available and please provide checkable references.

INNKEEPER(S) NEEDED in Avon by the Sea, NJ. This is a live-in only position. We are looking for a Marketing Intern. Web or computer or Social Media savvy required. A well-groomed person can also help with guest services, very part-time. Would be your second job or perfect for a retired couple or soon to be retired person. It would be perfect if you also have a home based business. If you want to do more hotel or innkeeper duties there are many optional jobs here, such as a cook, housekeeping, etc. that are available. This is more of a place to live than a job at least to begin with. A very modest room is provided to start with, with the ability to improve living quarters provided. But at least your rent, utilities, cable and Internet are paid for. To apply, please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Mexico

CARETAKER NEEDED for a small ranch in the southwestern New Mexico Mountains, duration to be negotiated. Handyperson and Housekeeper couple would be ideal. Livestock, pets, landscaping, fencing, maintenance and small repairs. Private house in a beautiful secluded valley, plus salary, provided. No smoking, drugs or problem drinking. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER WANTED. Located near Silver City, NM. Caretaker needed for a remote ranch. Live off the grid, surrounded by Forest and BLM land. Duties include maintaining livestock water, electric fence, corral gates and feeding the livestock guardian dogs. Large RV with all utilities furnished. Approximately 10 hours of work per week. For more information please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE YOUR DREAM on a remote ranch in southwestern New Mexico, north of Glenwood. The permanent caretaker must have their own income source since this is not a paid position. Housing and utilities provided. Phone, and Wi-Fi available. Responsibilities include feeding livestock twice daily and general maintenance. Must pass a background check. This position would be perfect for a retiree, artist or someone seeking peace and quiet. Email: [Contact info available to subscribers]

OWNERS SEEKING A RESPONSIBLE WORKING COUPLE for their ranch in Arabela, New Mexico, located near the Lincoln National Forest. Foreman duties include but are not limited to, checking and filling feeders, maintaining and upkeep of multiple houses located on the property, tractor work, mowing, fence and road maintenance. Will also check waterlines and troughs and repair as needed, along with pond maintenance, brush trimming and clearing. The caretaker will be responsible for house cleaning, washing towels, sheets, etc., and keeping houses stocked and ready for guests. Previous ranching experience required along with medium-level handyman skills. On-site housing and utilities furnished. Salary dependent upon experience. Pre-hire drug testing and background checks will be performed prior to an offer of employment. Please respond in writing to [Contact info available to subscribers].

New York

FULL-TIME INNKEEPER needed for a nine room B&B in Fishkill, NY. [Contact info available to subscribers], set on 4.5 acres, with on-site pool, barns, greenhouse and gym. This home has ties to the Revolutionary War located in the Historic Hudson Valley, 60 miles north of New York City. Seeking an experienced couple or single capable of operating and growing this amazing property. Responsibilities include preparing breakfast, concierge, overseeing housekeeping, phone and emails, reservations, check in and out and creating a memorable guest experience. Must be hardworking, energetic, reliable, non-smoking and computer literate. Compensation will be based on experience, on site apartment, meals and transportation. Health insurance and retirement benefits available. Please visit our web site at [Contact info available to subscribers] to view this beautiful B&B. Please send your resume, letter of intent, copy of current driver’s license, and photo to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Zealand

FULL-TIME, ON SITE Caretaker/Property Coordinator needed for the Greyhounds As Pets Adoption Programme Trust (GAP). We require a suitably qualified on site coordinator to look after our 27 acre rehoming facility situated on State Highway 1, Levin. Duties include caretaking, property maintenance including lawn mowing, gardening and security. This role also assists the GAP rehoming manager in transporting dogs to the Veterinary clinic and the Inter Island Ferry as required. A two bedroom unfurnished house is provided on the property as part of the remuneration package. New Zealand applicants need to be physically fit, have handy maintenance skills, be able to use two ride-on mowers and be prepared to assist with stand-in dog handling assistance if required. An affinity with animal welfare is also essential. The successful applicant reports to the GAP Rehoming Manager. NZ residents, please send your application to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Nicaragua

GUEST RANCH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY for a couple available now. Get out from behind that desk and get in the saddle. Do you have what it takes to be a hands-on working couple at an off-the-grid cowboy-style guest ranch in the tropics? If so, we want to hear from you. We are looking for candidates to begin soon. We are an intimate solar powered guest ranch offering guided horseback tours with four rooms for overnight guests. Be sure to check out our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] to acquaint yourself with the ranch. What we are looking for in a couple: one of you must be a very experienced rider with a good knowledge of western riding (and be able to provide riding lessons to beginners). The experienced horse person should also have basic knowledge of horse healthcare and be as well-skilled in horsemanship (on the ground horse work) as they are in the saddle. The other should have some experience or be willing to learn fast. You both have experience in hospitality and enjoy hosting international guests. You love people and would enjoy the role of ranch host. One of you must love the kitchen and cooking up meals for up to 15 people ~ with knowledge of menu planning and costing. You will be responsible for prepping and hosting nightly dinners. You both can drive a ‘manual shift’ vehicle. General responsibilities including daily errands to town and pick-up and delivery of guests. Candidate(s) should have intermediate or higher level of Spanish, be very comfortable in nature, and be interested in exploring a sustainable, off-grid lifestyle. You are well traveled and comfortable living in a foreign culture. Ideally this is not your first time to Central America. You enjoy photography and are willing to photograph our tours and do post editing of the images. The ranch is located 20 minutes from the surf beach town of San Juan del Sur. The couple will be required to lead horseback rides and host guests at the ranch in addition to some administration work. Hours are by no means fixed. Housing accommodation, laundry service, cell phone, and access to transport are included as well as a basic stipend after completion of training. This is a great opportunity for a couple who is interested in gaining valuable experience in ecotourism and like the idea of living abroad in Nicaragua. If you are interested in this position please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] and attach your resume(s) and a current photo. We will contact suitable candidates for a skype interview.

Ohio

A DAYTON, OHIO FAMILY needs a housekeeper for their beautiful home. The ideal employee is hardworking, honest, consistent and flexible. Duties and hours can change based on demands of the day. We are looking for someone who will be willing to stay long-term. The principals of the home are business owners (of several businesses), and philanthropists. They travel often, and have a second home in Florida which at times could require the staff to come along. The main expectations of this role are all aspects of cleaning and maintaining cleanliness and organization of the home, as well as laundry. Helping when entertaining, in terms of serving food or beverages, cleaning up after meals, etc. is also a plus. The housekeeper may be expected to go on simple errands and a vehicle would be available for their use in that case. Must be respectful and professional in demeanor. Please send your resume, photo, and copy of your driver’s license to [Contact info available to subscribers] No phone calls, please.

ESTATE HEAD HOUSEKEEPER needed. A senior couple in Beavercreek, OH needs a Housekeeper for their beautiful home. The right candidate will have at least two years’ experience working in a private home of wealth. Responsibilities for this position include housecleaning, laundry, setting up for occasional dinner parties and cleaning up after, maintaining relationships with all maintenance personnel, and running errands. The right candidate for this position will be smart, self-starting, and perceptive (in other words, if there’s a problem, you’re the kind of person who will fix it rather than wait for your employer to tell you to do it!); presentable; and friendly. Hours are Monday through Friday. Salary commensurate with skills and experience and includes two weeks’ vacation, paid insurance and utilities, and a rent-free beautifully-furnished home in a lovely neighborhood. Please send your resume, photo, and copy of your driver’s license to [Contact info available to subscribers] No phone calls, please.

Oklahoma

CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUAL RETREAT CENTER near Tulsa is seeking a single person to be a live-in caretaker for six to 12 months. Must have your own transportation as it is eight miles to the nearest town. The center provides retreats for individuals and groups in an interfaith setting. Duties in exchange for living in a two-room cabin with all meals and utilities included, including Wi-Fi plus $100 monthly stipend, are to provide assistance with kitchen prep for the lunch meal, wash and fold guest linens, maintain the library area, and pitch in with community events. Total time to complete these duties is three to four hours per day, five days per week. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Oregon

CAVE JUNCTION, OREGON. PART-TIME CARETAKER needed. Starting May to November. Must like cats, equines, dogs. I go camping allot. Covered RV site with full hookups provided. Well behaved pets are okay. No Pot/drug users. References required. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE’RE LOOKING FOR A LONG-TERM, LIVE-IN house sitter to watch over our house and our three dogs in our large four bedroom home in Portland, Oregon. We need the house sitter (single or a couple, but no children please) to start on June 1 and stay at least six months while we are out of the country. We have a lovely home in the Alameda Ridge area. We will leave detailed instructions for the care of our three dogs. This is a great opportunity for an individual or couple, who are responsible, trustworthy, email communicators with us as we travel, and dog lovers. Please send an email about yourself along with references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CAMP CARETAKER needed. This is a seasonal position, full-time, salaried position, running from mid-May through the camp closure, usually around the end of September. This would be an ideal situation for a couple as we have only one cabin available for living quarters although we can arrange additional living quarters. [Contact info available to subscribers] caretaker job responsibilities will include maintenance of camp grounds which involves mowing, weed-eating, moving rotating sprinklers, raking. Maintenance of buildings which involves sweeping, mopping, trash removal, general repair, keeping supplies stocked in bathhouses. After each meal, assist in the kitchen with dish washing. Be available to assist with receiving inventory and heavy lifting as needed. We are a friendly and easy-going group and we work at the camp because it is fun, and we want to be here. For more information about the Camp, please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] and click on our “About Us” page. The camp complement consists of three full-time positions, the Host/Caretaker, the cook, and the assistant. The Host/Caretaker and assistant assist the cook in the kitchen. We have one to two additional people helping out in the kitchen during larger camps. We are an equal opportunity employer. To apply please send an email expressing your interest and outlining your experience to [Contact info available to subscribers]. These positions are open until filled so call immediately if you are interested.

AN ABSENTEE OWNER is seeking an interim Innkeeper for approximately three months with a potential for longer term engagement. This is a beautiful and amazing place to work with established guest clientele fully engaged with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This is an historic 5-star B & B with 10 guest rooms in Ashland, Oregon serving a full breakfast for up to 25 guests. Duties include: providing excellent guest experience, managing reservations and bookings with Rezovation software, supervising, managing and training staff in housekeeping and breakfast preparation as needed. Hands-on experience for such responsibilities is necessary on low-occupancy days. Budgeting, payroll management, and purchasing/expense reporting is required and regular contact with the owner. Financial management, expense payment, and payroll services are provided so you can focus on guest enjoyment. Interested parties, please email your resume and salary requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers] Furnished accommodations provided in close proximity, but not on site.

Pennsylvania

CARETAKER NEEDED: Full-time position available at a beautiful camp in northeast Pennsylvania (Pocono Mountains) for children with special needs. Applicant must be experienced in overall maintenance of children’s camp. Should have knowledge of carpentry, lawn equipment maintenance, plumbing, electrical, grounds and pool care. Additional support staff provided during summer. Housing and utilities provided. Salary dependent upon experience. This is an excellent opportunity for couples and retirees. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A PHILADELPHIA FAMILY needs a live-in couple for their large, beautiful home. This family, without pets, needs a couple with at least five years’ experience and/or professional training for the care of a private home of wealth. They would like a couple with good common sense and a strong service attitude. The right candidates will be self-motivated, friendly yet professional, flexible, and detail-oriented. Responsibilities include housecleaning, organization, laundry/ironing, grounds keeping and maintenance, vehicle care, handyman work, occasional backup childcare, and anything else necessary to ensure quality care of their home and family. If you are seeking a loving family to be a part of and the satisfaction of running and caring for an efficient household, this is the perfect opportunity for you! The salary will be up to $100,000 as commensurate with skills and experience, and includes a private apartment. Please send your resume, photo, and copy of driver’s license to [Contact info available to subscribers] No phone calls, please.

FULL-TIME MAINTENANCE/HANDYMAN/CARETAKER needed in Bucks County. We are looking for an experienced, hardworking, responsible jack-of-all-trades to help us manage our rustic 30 acre facility in Bucks County. Duties and responsibilities will include electrical, plumbing, carpentry work as well as field maintenance and painting. Every day is different. Salary depends on skills and housing included. The caretaker must live on site in our one bedroom/one bathroom cottage (it is heated, has a kitchen, etc.). The cottage also has a working fireplace and overlooks a small pond. Full background checks will be required. To apply for this position, please email your resume and salary requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers]

COUPLE NEEDED for a caretaker/housekeeper/cook position for a private hunting club. A family oriented hunting and fishing club in Northeastern PA (Pocono Mountains) is seeking happy, responsible, energetic, married couple for full-time, year-round, live-in caretaker/ housekeeper/cook position on 2,350 beautiful wooded acres. Duties include preparing and serving three meals a day, ordering and maintaining food inventory, managing room reservations for members, care and maintenance of buildings, grounds and roads, interaction with members and guests, computer generated ordering and billing and support of members’ fishing and hunting activities. The caretaker couple’s qualifications should include the following: * High school diploma or beyond * Direct experience cooking for large groups * Experience in food service, lodging, or hospitality industry * Excellent communication skills: spoken, written, email, phone * Proficiency in basic computer software – MS Word, MS Excel, accounting software * Ability to maintain accurate records * Experience hunting and fishing * Service oriented dispositions * Ability and desire to live on-site at the Club full-time * Experience operating heavy equipment such as tractor, mower, splitter, chainsaw * Mechanical, electrical, carpentry, plumbing skills desirable * Both applicants must have a valid drivers’ license and clean driving record * Background check required This private, members only, family oriented hunting and fishing club was chartered many years ago by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is situated on several thousand acres with two lakes, several miles of a major stream, and numerous large conifer swamps, all surrounded by hardwood Forest Land. The site includes a large Clubhouse (lodge), PA bank barn, tackle house, three boathouses, four kennel runs, and a trap range. Members enjoy overnight lodging, three daily meals, and hunting and fishing related activities with deer, bear, coyote, bobcat, beaver, otter, turkey, grouse, trout, bass, pickerel, crappie, and bald eagles found on the premises. The compensation package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The package includes a full-time residence (onsite four bedroom/two bath apartment in clubhouse), all utilities, full board, salary, healthcare contribution, paid annual vacation, and more. Interested and qualified applicants should send their resumes and contact info to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Rhode Island

FACILITIES MANAGER/PROPERTY CARETAKER needed in Harrisville, RI. [Contact info available to subscribers], located on 220 acres in Harrisville is one of the premier Shooting Sports Clubs in New England. Founded in the 1940’s, the 500+ Member Club boasts: a rifle and pistol range, pistol pits, trap and skeet fields, sporting clays and five stand, 3D archery, a new indoor pistol range, fishing ponds, outdoor pavilion and a new club house, event hall and commercial kitchen. We are seeking a live on premise, full-time Facilities Manager and Property Caretaker to manage our facilities and property. In this role, the Facilities Manager/Caretaker will interact with Club Members and the general public in regards to the Club, sporting and other social events in person, by phone and by email, monitor routine and non-routine maintenance schedules and emergency calls for physical plant maintenance and repair, provide daily and routine maintenance and cleaning of facilities that include the Club House, bar, kitchen, event hall and restrooms, provide daily inspection of outdoor facilities and secure all buildings and club areas after dark, manage the bar and general kitchen inventory and order to maintain stock levels as needed, purchase and receive scheduled deliveries from authorized vendors, suppliers and distributors for authorized club functions, purchase and pick up supplies and dry goods as needed from vendors and suppliers, provide detailed reports of supplies, ordering and cash-out, and maintain a daily log of activities. A passion for the outdoors, shooting sports and fishing are highly desirable but not required. A ServSafe Certification is preferred. This is a full-time on premise role with a competitive salary based on experience. On premise housing is provided that includes electric, heating and cable. All applicants must pass criminal history, drug screen, and credit checks. This is a drug free facility. Must have a valid driver’s license with a reliable and insured vehicle. Health benefits are not provided for this position. Please forward your resume and complete contact information to [Contact info available to subscribers]. Please, no phone calls.

South Carolina

LONG-TERM OR FULL-TIME INNKEEPER needed for a wonderful waterfront B&B near Beaufort, SC, in the middle of the “Lowcountry”. Single or couple will be able to handle this small but outstanding non-smoking, pet-friendly B&B. Standard B&B duties required. If you would like to find out more information about this position Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers] I look forward to hearing from you and hearing all about you.

Texas

MANAGER NEEDED for a South Texas ranch, located between George West and Freer. The start date will be June 1, 2017. Must have strong mechanical skills. Capable of maintaining housing, vehicles, equipment, horses, cattle, domestic animals, wildlife. Heavy machinery operation, fencing, water, road and brush work. Prefer a mature couple. Wife paid to assist housekeeping, cooking duties. Background, credit check required. Please send a letter or resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER NEEDED for two labs, three cats and three mini donkeys on a 27 acre ranch near Fredericksburg, TX for two weeks. The tentative dates will be September 24th – October 8th. Would like someone close to either Austin, or San Antonio. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

A HILL COUNTRY RANCH needs an experienced ranch worker with cow/calf, hunting and equipment experience. House, utilities and truck are furnished. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER COUPLE needed. Looking for a retired couple to maintain Palo Pinto County, Texas ranch house headquarters, guest laundry, grounds and buildings. Some mechanical and gardening skills needed. Two bedroom/one bath house plus utilities provided. Monthly cash payment will be dependent upon your skill and willingness to do other work. High morals, strong work ethic and references needed. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

RANCH COUPLE – CARETAKER needed in Bellville, Texas. Experience a must! Please don’t apply otherwise. Five year reference required with phone numbers – okay with drug testing and background checks. Must be a team player, self-starter with a positive attitude, good with people/kids and be able to work some weekends. This is a hands on hard work position – be organized and willing to put in an honest day’s work. We are looking to hire a husband/wife team immediately to work at our horse, cattle, dog, cat, goat and chicken ranch. The daily job includes housekeeping, feeding, watering, cleaning stalls, keeping the alleyways clean, gardening, fixing fences, roads, dragging arenas, general cleanup, yard work, etc. If you’re not willing to work hard and be dedicated then this isn’t the place for you. It isn’t an 8 to 5 job. Horse experience: Natural-horsemanship skills and a kind hand – a must! Lead changes. Mechanical knowledge. Genuinely care about your job – a must! The ability to take instructions and make educated decisions or know when to say I don’t know. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] to discuss salary and housing benefits, or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

FAMILY OWNED TEXAS PANHANDLE RANCH is looking for a full-time couple to help with the care at ranch headquarters. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, housekeeping, laundry, some cooking, grounds keeping, handyman tasks, and there is a possibility of some ranch work. Must be able to communicate with ranch staff. Housing, utilities, and health insurance included. This is a nonsmoking environment. References required. Please fax your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

LONG-TERM INNKEEPER WANTED for a #1 Ranked B&B in Houston. We are seeking an energetic, outgoing, honest and dependable individual to be the day-to-day Innkeeper for our 13-room bed and breakfast, located in central Houston. The Innkeeper will be responsible for managing daily housekeeping staff, general operations and reservations, guest check-in and overall guest relations. There is currently a breakfast cook and housekeeping staff that are there daily but individual needs to be open to stepping into these roles for the day in the event that an unexpected absence occurs. We are looking for a long-term Innkeeper who can start by mid-May. Background in marketing and hospitality a plus, but not required. Also, space currently is being built to accommodate weddings. The Innkeeper can double as wedding coordinator (for additional compensation) or we can hire someone else for this role. For an initial phone interview, please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RANCH MANAGER COUPLE wanted for a 20-section ranch in Fisher County, Texas for ranch/wildlife and household needs. The job entails wildlife management, operation and maintenance of standard farm equipment, ranch care and improvement, housekeeping and general support for owners. Competitive compensation based on ability and experience. New ranch manager house and ranch truck provided. Looking for long-term employees. References required. To apply, please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Utah

RANCH CARETAKER POSITION available. The Board of Directors of [Contact info available to subscribers], a Utah non-profit corporation, is currently seeking a qualified individual or family to serve as Ranch Caretaker(s) of [Contact info available to subscribers] and its related amenities on a full-time basis. [Contact info available to subscribers] is a beautiful ranch nestled in the back country of picturesque Southern Utah, specifically about 35 miles northeast of Kanab, Utah. The 8,000 acre Ranch consists of approximately 300 individual Units or Lots owned by association members, ten commonly owned cabins, approximately 2,000 acres of commonly owned association lands, three stocked trout ponds, two water systems, a small store, a Ranch Headquarters area that includes the caretaker’s four bedroom homestead set amongst large shade trees and surrounded by large lawn areas, a garden plot, flower beds, in-ground fire pit, playground, livestock pens and additional buildings and spaces. While the only electricity available is through solar power, the Ranch does have internet and cell phone service. The Ranch Caretaker responsibilities are: maintenance/housekeeping of association owned rental cabins and Ranch roads, basic carpentry projects, home maintenance skills, operate and maintain Ranch equipment, be self-motivated and self-sufficient, and provide an outgoing and friendly atmosphere for association members that visit yearly. Specifics of duties will be provided upon applicant’s request. Salary dependent upon experience. For a complete job description or to apply, please contact [Contact info available to subscribers] via email at [Contact info available to subscribers] Applicants must provide a current resume, at least three references and submit to a drug test. This position would be ideal for a family that home schools. Position open until filled.

Vermont

CARETAKERS WANTED in Mt Holly, VT from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018. Reliable, rugged and personable individual, family or companions to care for a rural property: two rustic buildings, three rental cabins, and two lakes on 400 acres surrounded by protected land. Duties include equipment, water system and building maintenance, mowing, firewood, snow removal, rental cabin preparation and cleaning. Greet, orient, and support renters through the rental season; provide security during off season. Strong communication skills required for interaction with renters, corporation members, contractors and local community. Self-starting and organizational skills required for project management. The property is isolated, with exquisite scenery and abundant wildlife. You can view details at [Contact info available to subscribers] Please email your resume and cover letter to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Washington

CARETAKER NEEDED for three horses on a 30 acre gentleman’s farm outside of Ellensburg. We are located nine miles east of Ellensburg. Chores to include: keep the barn clean, feed horses twice a day, and manage cleanliness in two small paddocks. A furnished studio cottage attached to five stall barn with kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer is included. We pay $12/hour for any additional chores such as lawn mowing, window washing, gardening, etc. as needed. Must be reliable and like animals. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Wisconsin

A PORT WASHINGTON, WI RESIDENT seeks a caretaker for owner’s private residence, rental property, storage barns, greenhouse, garage, and land when owner is present and away. Manages day-to-day needs of owner, performs routine household and property maintenance, identifies and addresses problems, coordinates vendors / repair personnel for property’s buildings, roads, open spaces and landscaping. Reports directly to owner; works closely with the owner’s executive and household staff, vendors and guests. Full-time salaried position; access to comprehensive benefits, paid-time-off, holidays; on-site housing negotiable. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for complete description/application.

LIVE-IN CARETAKER COUPLE needed. Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do like to hunt and fish? A long-term, live-in caretaker/groundskeeper position is available on a beautiful private lake estate near Pickerel, WI on 700 private acres. A three bedroom home will be provided. The caretaker couple will have the full use of the property, and must have a strong work ethic, be trustworthy and have a sense of responsibility. Must be self-motivated and able to work without supervision. Duties include but not limited to, lawn care, trail maintenance, vehicle maintenance, and general handyman skills, including work with a chainsaw and power tools. Winter responsibilities are generally limited to snow plowing. The ideal candidate would be a recently retired couple with an outside income. A small salary of $500/month will be provided. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL-TIME ON-SITE CARETAKER sought for a residential co-op on 80+ acre lake property at [Contact info available to subscribers] in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Located three miles from town and schools on the state highway. Duties include, but not limited to, general security and maintenance. Exact duties, salary, and benefits to match experience and ability. Computer skills essential. Experience, proven people skills, and references required. Also seeking a seasonal kitchen manager/cook. Please respond to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wyoming

WANT TO SPEND SOME TIME (June – September) on a non-working ranch between The Big Horn Mountains and Sheridan? This is an opportunity for someone – writer, graduate student, retiree, or couple – to have use of a beautifully situated, recently restored, vintage ranch house (kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, bathroom, two porches, Wi-Fi) in exchange for 20 hours a week (mainly yard work/errands, at $10 per hour). Must have an insured, 4-wheel-drive vehicle for rutted roads. Preferably no children, pets, smoking, and no drugs. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] stating your background and possible dates. Personal/phone interviews and references required.

Situations-wanted Ads

Greetings! I am an experienced house (and pet) sitter / property caretaker, recently relocated back to the Los Angeles, California area. Excellent references, very honest and reliable, take loving-care of anyone’s home, pets and plants as if they were my own. Late 40s female, professional counselor (MA), yoga/meditation/mindfulness teacher-trainer and wellness facilitator for over 20 years; live a very healthy, happy lifestyle, do not drink, use drugs or smoke, vegetarian, outdoors-type, love gardening and taking care of plants, and will consider animals depending on the situation. I am presently looking for a situation on the west-side of Los Angeles County, CA: Santa Monica, Venice, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Malibu, Topanga through various canyons, Pacific Palisades, etc. and the Santa Barbara County area. Long-term is desired, but open to semi-temporary as well (preferably not under two months). Happy to provide references and professional resume upon request. If interested, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hi! My name is Merry Lynn and I’m an ESL teacher, researcher, writer, and freelancer. I do require access to the internet. I grew up in the country with animals around me. I know a bit about gardening. I’ve provided care for dogs, bottle fed orphaned kittens and loved children and seniors. I’m looking for a longer term position and I’m happy to be responsible for your chickens, rabbits, and domestic animals. References available. If using the phone, dial 82 for the country code, [Contact info available to subscribers]. Photos available. Skype is OK too!

Estate Manager/house sitter available. I’m a single, non-smoking lady with lots of energy who loves life! 15 years’ experience with high end homes at Lake Tahoe, Mexico, and California. My skills and background are impeccable. Excellent references/resume. Professional and efficient. Looking to relocate by June 1, 2017. Prefer the ocean-side areas of La Jolla, Del Mar, Santa Barbara, Carlsbad, etc., but will consider all the San Diego area. Please email Michele at [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers]. It would be a pleasure to hear from you.

Experienced caretakers will watch your property in or near northern Idaho. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Seeking a long-term onsite security and/or property maintenance position, in exchange for housing and salary (negotiable). Prefer the local Sacramento area. Strong background in mechanics as well as all phases of construction. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]. References available on request.

Intelligent, athletic young couple seeks a home to care for in rural Orange County, CA (near Mission Viejo) beginning as early as May 2017. Gardening and professional cleaning experience. Excellent references, please get in touch with [Contact info available to subscribers]

Travel Companion/Caregiver RN with Oncology specialty looking to travel with you or your loved one. Compassionate kind caregiver. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Self-supporting geezer seeking a small apartment, trailer, hayloft, or houseboat with plumbing, etc. Finished with city life; can help out in whatever capacity I am able to. Overseas (hardship) living plus working experience; federal and state secret clearances. Bonded, good credit and civil records plus good landlord and job references. Get along with kids and animals well. No dependents, no drugs, no vehicle, no weird visitors or pets. Available in a few months on long-term basis for timber-sitting, land, building, and horse maintenance. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Attention Homeowners! I’m looking for a long-term caretaking situation to care for your property in Los Angeles Westside area. I am a skilled plumber and electrician equipped to service your property and take care of it. I am also trained in martial arts for 15 years and an Air Force veteran. I am bondable and passed top secret security clearances. I am well equipped to care for the safety and security of your valuables. I am also an artist, sculptor, and healer. Please contact me to brainstorm. Please call or text and let’s have a chat. [Contact info available to subscribers].

Colorado Realtor seeking a house sitting position to relocate to Hawaii. Responsible, tidy, no kids or pets, no drugs, no drama. Just looking to escape the cold and be by the water. Can provide very good references to serious parties. I will consider paid and un-paid positions, just depends on the situation. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] Mahalo!

Greetings Estate/Retreat owners in the Cape Cod, N. California and S. Oregon areas. I am a mature woman with 20 years’ experience managing and caretaking vacation and private homes including: scheduling, preparing for and serving as point person/liaison for guests, artists, writers and VIPs. As well as, wedding and party planning, set up, assisting and clean up. I enjoy gardening, beach and trail maintenance, animals and the summer/winter transition of seasonal homes. My well-honed aesthetic sense will help sustain the unique nature of your property. For more information, background and references please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Greetings Fellow Travelers/Adventurers, and Estate/Villa/Chateau/Winery Owners. I am once again caretaking at the Villa di Corliano near Pisa, Italy in May and June. By July 1st, I will be ready and willing for another opportunity house sitting, pet care, gardening, events/dinners/wedding assistance, etc. in your chateau, villa, estate or property. I have references, am reliable, responsible and flexible. You can count on me to take good care of your beloved pets and property. I love animals and long walks in nature. I speak French, Spanish and Italian; have Masters Degrees in ESL and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a long career in holistic healthcare as a Licensed Acupuncturist, Homeopath/Naturopath. I’m also open to the possibility of a “couple” offering. If any willing “gentleman” wants to share an interesting position, let’s connect and discuss. For anyone in the vicinity of Pisa, Tuscany, come by for a visit/tour of the Villa and a glass of wine and conversation, and if the Count is available, I’ll introduce you. Looking forward to hearing from you. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] Ciao

Property caretaker available in Hood River/Columbia Gorge, OR area. Can start in August/September. Mature lady will care for your home, including pets, indoor plants, landscaping, and more. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Experienced, mature woman for compassionate Caregiving in San Francisco East Bay and Marin County. Background checked, certified massage therapist, licensed adult art teacher, certified with Trustline.org which is an FBI criminal background check. I am happy to work with children. Five years’ experience personal care for elders, and meal prep. Male partner may be available for 24/7 live-in working condition. Please write me at [Contact info available to subscribers] or text me on cell phone, or leave voice mail at [Contact info available to subscribers].

Professional House and Pet Sitter available. Worked at a Veterinarian for many years, and have tons of references and experience. Responsible, honest and reliable. Please text Martiele for details at [Contact info available to subscribers].

Second Act Career Wanted: retired school teacher and management level corporate executive, extremely diverse talents with excellent people skills, general maintenance, construction, landscape/pool care, business management, cooking, cleaning, theater, entertaining, too many to list. Will travel relative to location and responsibilities, short and long term options. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]m or call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Seeking A Live-In Caretaker/Caregiver Position. Retired San Francisco professional tailor seeks a job position, preferably in California’s Central and North Coast. Excellent references, resume available for long-term, permanent house sitting. Seeks a live-in caretaker/caregiver job/on site security guard, 30 years’ experience, handy man, pet sitting, light maintenance, light gardening, light food preparation and cooking; can run errands in town and country with my Ford van. Have a current driver’s license, car insurance. Smoke/drink/drug free. Quiet, able bodied, and reliable. Clean, quiet living quarters must go with above position. Available immediately. “The caretaker with the caring touch”. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

Conscientious and conscious/wellness-oriented husband-and-wife team, seeking a live-in Property Caretaker/Personal Assistant opportunity in a nature setting. Our experience includes (but is not limited to): Facility and Event Management; General (Lt./Med.) Maintenance/Repairs; House and Pet-Sitting; Housekeeping; Landscape Maintenance; Organizing; Painting; Seasonal Cleaning; as well as Administrative Assistance. Additionally, we can offer various holistic, Therapeutic modalities and programs. We look forward to hearing from you! Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers].

Refined lady with hotel and restaurant background seeks a home management position. Gourmet cooking, pets, small party arrangements and an organizational Master. Prefer the area of Southeast Florida, but will listen to all offers. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

We are a semi-retired, married, Christian non-smoking couple. He has skills building roads, using all heavy equipment, fencing, and carpentry. She is a biology science teacher, with 20+ years gardening, goats/sheep, horse training experience, and has horse farming equipment. Looking for a permanent situation. We have our own large travel trailer, along with dairy goats, poultry, and horses to plow with. Can teach organic gardening, farming ranching classes and homesteading skills. Looking for an area in the central Texas hills, the Texas coast, or West Texas. Blessings to all. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Seeking A Ranch/Farm Hand Position. I am a hard worker and fast learner. I have common sense and a great work ethic. I don’t set myself up for failure, so if I say I can perform the task and meet requirements – I can! I’m physically fit and capable. I have to work for a living, and I want it to be work that I need and enjoy doing. I have experience fencing, all aspects of haying, ground/land/vehicle/home maintenance and repair, feeding, doctoring, vaccinating, foaling, calving, tagging, sorting, and more. I’m not afraid to jump in and try anything I’ve never done. I can work well with others who work – I can’t abide a lazy individual. I can work with little or no supervision, or as part of a team. I am not a wrangler, nor am I seeking companionship (want that to be upfront and clear). I’m honest and reliable, I can pass a drug test and a background check. I’m a non-smoker/drinker. I have verifiable work references. I am seeking long-term employment. I will give 150% to ensure a job well done. I am asking for an opportunity. You will not be disappointed. I am willing to relocate, no matter how remote. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

house sitter available now! I am experienced with great references. Kathleen Deyo seeks a house sitting position in Austin or very nearby. I love animals and seek free rent and utilities and a modest stipend. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] or call [Contact info available to subscribers] and thank you.

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Dear Esteemed Conservationists: On Accomack County’s bayside on the Eastern Shore of Virginia lies a precious ecosystem like no other. “Wild Acres”‘s 127.7 acres of forests, marshes, field, edges, and over 1.3 miles of waterfront is home to a biodiversity of indigenous mammals, birds, herptiles, invertebrates, fish, and wild flora. As a nurturing steward, I have managed “Wild Acres” estate, my homeland, for dwindling Northern Bobwhite and other game and nongame species, including neotropical songbirds. I would like this land and water’s environmental integrity and wildlife heritage to remain intact. This haven would be ideal for nature lovers, sportsmen, fishermen, natural resource education programs, and/or an ecolodge. (Also on the estate is an “as is” bungalow with a Colonial wood-embellished fireplace and alcove). Currently, “Wild Acres” is not listed with a realtor. I would like to work directly with an appropriate conservation entity to purchase and continue to nourish this rare property. Pristine property like this is rapidly disappearing. Given “Wild Acres”‘s vast attributes, I think that $895,000 is a fair price. I look forward to hearing from interested persons and will show “Wild Acres” by appointment only. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]