The Caretaker Gazette November / December 2012

Alaska

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY of Alaska! Volunteer to be a [Contact info available to subscribers]. Camp hosts receive a campsite, stipend, and training for 30 – 40 hours/week. The season is mid-May to September, with a minimum four-week commitment. Please write to: [Contact info available to subscribers] or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

EXPERIENCE THE COASTAL ALASKAN bush in style. Unplug from the madness of an overcrowded world and enjoy watching bald eagles, wild mountain goats, seals, sea lions, sea birds, and maybe even an occasional bear (although they are very shy). Our off-the-grid, hydro-electric powered lodge and home is looking for volunteers to help with indoor and outdoor chores. We are running a full-service wilderness lodge at one location and building a seaside wharf and house at another location three miles from the lodge. Everything is built by hand with no heavy machinery so volunteers need to be physically fit and have some experience with tools. At the lodge we need help with kitchen duties, hauling and stacking firewood, gardening, cleaning, building, painting, and renovations. We can house four volunteers at any given time and the lodge takes no more than eight guests at any given time so it is quiet and peaceful with opportunities to learn new skills, work in a wilderness location where progress is often slow but always meaningful, interact with high end guests from around the world, and make positive lifetime memories. All room and board is provided by the lodge and there are no costs associated with volunteering. Volunteers eat the same food as the lodge guests which consists of fresh Alaskan seafood and other gourmet dishes. We ask for a six (sometimes eight) hour work day, six days a week. Off work time can be utilized to use the lodge kayaks, fish from the floating dock for halibut, hike the local trails, engage in hobbies, or visit the local town of Homer. We make our schedules as flexible as possible so that you get the most enjoyment for your time with us as well as participating in an Alaskan lifestyle that we have been living for 30 and 40 years. We find our enjoyment in the fun activities that we do and the work that we accomplish. We do not drink or take drugs and we expect the same of our volunteers. Volunteers need to be able to make their way to Homer, Alaska and, from there, will take a water taxi to the lodge. Volunteers can participate in our programs for as little as two weeks or as much as six months. For more information see the lodge website at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Argentina

PERSONAL ASSISTANT – CARETAKER needed in the Andes of Northern Patagonia, Province Neuquen, for a 63-year-old woman with MS, Multiple Sclerosis. The start date can be ASAP (I need a commitment of one to three months, three months preferred). My name is Virginia Neary Carrithers and I have had relapsing-remitting MS since 1976. More importantly, 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, especially horses. My ranch is located in a non-touristic part of Patagonia, nestled in the foothills of the Andes, in the heart of the real gaucho (Argentine cowboy) culture. This is not a salaried position, as it is a volunteer opportunity. However, in exchange for basic food and housing, you will be my personal assistant – caretaker. Duties include, but are not limited to: personal care, housekeeping and cooking, helping me get around (putting my wheelchair in my truck/pushing the wheelchair around), administrative work (internet work, checking emails and composing Microsoft Word documents as I am currently writing my autobiography), help me with my MS challenges and exercise routine, occasional help with the animals, such as giving food to the horses (while at the ranch), making and serving maté! A local herbal drink (Don’t worry, we’ll teach you how!). We do our best to schedule it so that there are two assistants with me. As such, one assistant works the morning shift (9am-3pm), while the other assistant works the evening shift from (3pm-9pm). While you are not on duty, you are welcome to explore the surrounding area and participate in the many local activities. Free time to be arranged as needed and wanted. You should have a mastery of English, basic computer skills, a driver’s license, and the ability to drive a manual/stick-shift truck. To learn more about my background and interests please check out the website of my Foundation at [Contact info available to subscribers] I am on [Contact info available to subscribers]. Also visit the website for the family-owned [Contact info available to subscribers] for a visual representation of the surrounding area near El Huecu. Please email your resume, a description of why you are good for this position, your personal interests, and a photo to [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you for your interest.

Letters to the Editor

Hi Gary, this is a quick email to let you know how pleased I am with the responses to my help-wanted ad. I received dozens, although most were not practical or were not a good match. I did receive several very positive replies and I have accepted one of them. Well worth the advertising investment. Thanks, M. R., Portland, ME

Great, Marilyn! I’m glad your Gazette ad for a caretaker resulted in many responses and you were able to select the best applicant for your position. Please keep us in mind when you’re ready to find your next caretaker for your property.

Hi Gary, just wanted to write to say that you have a fantastic newsletter and I so look forward to getting my future issues. I answered an ad for a place in New Jersey, (the first one I inquired to) and they sent me an airline ticket to check it out. It was a fantastic corporate bed and breakfast and everything they described it to be. Although it didn’t work out to my advantage, it was a great little trip back, and if that’s the answer to my first inquiry, imagine how much more I can accomplish! Keep up the great work! S. R. La Mesa, CA

Sharon, I’m happy to read that you found a great opportunity in your first issue of the Gazette and the property owner was able to pay your way to check it out in person. While many property owners who can afford to do so are glad to pay your way to meet them, others who don’t have the means require you to pay for your own trip to their property.

Hi Gary, we just wanted to let you know that, thanks to your Gazette, this summer we were able to exchange houses with a couple in Provence, France. We had a wonderful time! We found this couple via the Gazette! After such a positive experience we will certainly keep our Gazette subscription, so please renew it now. We are hoping to find something in England for next summer. Thanks, J. and S., Los Angeles, CA

Hi Jack and Suzanne, thanks for sharing the success you had with the Gazette with us. We have subscribers in more than 80 countries, so if you’re interested in spending next summer abroad there will be many more opportunities in future issues of the Gazette.

In answer to the previous issue’s letter to the editor about emails being the only contact for responding to caretaker positions – I’d like to add that any local library should provide computer use for patrons and even guests. Our library provides non-card holders one free hour as a guest and two hours for library card holders. So get over to your local library and use their computer to respond to an ad! J. R., via email

Thanks for your response, Joyce. We have quite a few subscribers whose only access to the Internet is at their local public library. We encourage them to sign up for a free email account in order to respond to ads that list only an email address as a contact. We also tell them that, if they are unfamiliar with computers, most librarians are glad to help them get started (and many local public libraries offer free classes).

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

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

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Arizona

TUCSON NATIVE FOODS farm/education center seeks caretakers/interns with diverse hands-on skills/interests. To apply, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

PARKER/BOUSE, AZ. Caretaker wanted for five acres with two homes and massive foliage. This is a nice area, lap pool etc. You can live here for no charge! Pay your electric costs only. Available now. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

RETIRED, YEAR ROUND CARETAKER wanted for a small Wickenburg, AZ horse ranch. Must be non-smoking, reliable, neat and clean, have your own source of income, and basic knowledge of horses. No drugs. Must be able to tolerate the summer heat here. Duties: feeding and cleaning up after seven horses in the evenings. Occasional full-time chores in the owner’s absence (feeding dogs, cats and horses, watering plants, and light pool care) in exchange for living quarters/utilities, washer and dryer. Propane, phone and internet will be the caretaker’s responsibility. Pets allowed. Please send a brief resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers] and leave a message.

CARETAKER COUPLE NEEDED on a remote cattle ranch in northern Arizona in the cool pines, north of Flagstaff. Our nearest neighbor is two miles away. You will need your own 4-wheel-drive to get around in this 6,000 elevation. Duties include: light livestock feeding as needed, starting the generator, watching over the place, and building a fire each morning in the main house. No salary. Utilities, meat, and space for a motor home or trailer parking available in exchange for caretaker duties. Would like to find caretakers who can stay here long-term, since we travel a lot. We are looking for a caretaker couple who can start here around 12/15/12. We will need to do a background check on all applicants. Please email why you would be interested in this long-term caretaker position and include your references: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Arkansas

CARETAKER NEEDED to live in my precious, darling A frame cabin in the Ozark Wilderness in Northwest Arkansas from now through March 15, 2013. It is perfect for a single caretaker needing a creative, scholarly or healing retreat. Must be someone who loves cats; I just have one indoor cat. I need someone who likes quiet and privacy in a wilderness setting, and who is not afraid of Mother Nature. The small house is behind six creek crossings; so there is the need for a certain level of fitness to be able to leave your truck up the mountain and hike up and down for possibly several weeks at a time. I would like the caretaker to pay $250/month for utilities, including, electricity, propane and phone. There are two scenarios that would work: 1) the caretaker could be handy with finish carpentry and able to gather their own firewood, or 2) the caretaker could afford to pay Cody another small amount/month to do yard work, cut wood and finish the things that need finishing, i.e., wood stove installation. Cody is a local young man, very competent, who has lots of work and does not want to live at my house nor does he like cats. He could come over once a week and help you with whatever needs doing and be on call for you in emergencies. Please email your letter of interest and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LAND PARTNER WANTED: This is a high quality/low cost living situation. Is your heart alive, to beauty? Do you passionately yearn to live in a really beautiful, quiet, bucolic place? Are you an artist or writer who needs a lot of space and wants a lot of time? Are you a mature but physically vigorous man or exceptionally strong and skilled woman between the ages of 45 to 62, who relishes outdoor life? Are you keenly interested in gardening? Basically, I am offering a wonderful living situation (and partnership, not a job) in a large, old farmhouse and the use of a hermitage cabin with great natural light, both furnished and in good condition. The physical setting is an old 140 acre farm of mixed pastures and woods, bottomlands and uplands. Would you be happy to be part of the solution, in terms of land management/climate change issues – engaged in a program that seeks to create a luxuriant vegetative mantle and avoid compaction, bare soil, and erosion? The farm is in the middle of a five mile long creek valley where almost all the properties are over 300 acres, located 50 miles east of the college town Fayetteville, and 15 miles from the trailheads of the Buffalo River with great hiking, riding, and canoeing. Please do not ever try to visit this place without prior arrangement. Because I have no computer or phone in my personal house, we need to make initial contact through postal mail. Please write a statement about your goals, needs, interests, skills, rural experience, etc. and mail to: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Australia

CARETAKER/MANAGER NEEDED in the Greater Bendigo, Victoria area. This position is currently vacant for a 400 hectare property. Duties will include general property maintenance, supervision of casual staff, gardening and assistance with our cattle operation. Accommodation provided. This position would be suitable for a mature person who has general farming experience. To apply please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

CARETAKER NEEDED for a salvage yard in Parafield Gardens, a suburb of Adelaide. This position would be suitable for a Pensioner. Live-in accommodations supplied. Must be honest. Please apply in person at [Contact info available to subscribers].

NIGHT CARETAKER/HANDY PERSON position available for a caravan park in North East Victoria. We are looking for an active, retired or semi-retired person. Couples may apply. Accommodation provided. Previous applicants need not apply. This can be an immediate start for the right person. For further information please call: [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER REQUIRED at [Contact info available to subscribers], located five kilometers from the Bundaberg central business district. Duties will include maintaining seven acres by lawn mowing, slashing, tree care, etc. A caretaker residence and small wage included. This would be a good position for a pensioner couple. Please apply in writing to [Contact info available to subscribers] Australia.

WE NEED A SHORT-TERM dog and house sitter from November 26th until December 1st, 2012 in the Boat Harbour/Port Stephens area of New South Wales. We have two friendly dogs, and a garden that would need watering. We want a non-smoking person or couple who take pride in their work. We have a lovely single level home with pool, and within walking distance to the water. We will also be requiring a house sitter for one month in July/August 2013. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] for more details.

Bahamas

LIVE FREE IN THE BAHAMAS. Mature, financially secure man or a couple needed for one to three months to housesit our beautiful beachfront property. Private Cottage, long distance (USA), Direct TV and DSL are provided. Owner will be on-site on and off. Responsibilities: walk and feed our island dogs, sweep floors and screens of the main house, rake grounds, and water plants for approximately two hours per day, total. This is paradise, but it is the islands – food is expensive and things work most of the time. If you are frail or fearful of the elements, please do not apply. No smokers. No heavy drinkers. Please include current photos and references! Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

Belize

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

California

MUST LOVE CATS: Pet/house sitter needed June – early November, 2013. Four affectionate cats require not only sustenance, but attention during our absence. They are indoor/outdoor, but get lonely when we are gone. Other duties on five acres are light mowing, and watering of yard and house plants. The garden area is available if you wish. Our wooded ranch is very restful. Only noise is occasional distant train. The property is in the rural Sierra Foothills, 45 minutes from Sacramento in the Gold Country. Shopping is within 15 minutes, and we are two hours from San Francisco, and/or Reno/Tahoe. It’s a great base camp to explore Northern California. We have a pond with fishing options. Covered RV parking with full hookups is available for a large rig with slides, or stay in the house. House has large kitchen, deck with view, Satellite TV, internet, and utilities provided. Prefer a mature, non-smoking, responsible adult/ couple, but will consider others with references and a background check. No dogs please. If you travel with your own small pets in your RV, they are OK on leash only. We have a very strict leash law here. Please email to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKE OR RENT IN BEAUTIFUL HYAMPOM VALLEY, Trinity County, Northern California. A responsible couple or family is needed to live in a nice three bedroom/two bath doublewide home on 10 acres. The property has fruit trees, a large garden, spring water, great views, and is surrounded by forest and quiet. A long-term caretaker is sought. Country skills are desirable but not mandatory. Reliability and honesty are key! Rent from $0 – $600 per month depending on caretaking abilities/duties. Absolutely no marijuana growing or processing. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL TIME BARN ASSISTANT/HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED in rural Southern California. I am looking for a strong positive person to join our team! This position will report to the Ranch Manager. Duties will include general barn/animal chores such as cleaning stalls, grooming arena, vacuuming barn and generally maintaining a clean and tidy facility. Animal care when owner is traveling, including turn in/out and feeding. Assisting housekeeper two days per week in cleaning the owners’ home and guest facilities. Horse experience is a plus but this is not a riding job. No smoking, drinking or drugs. Must be physically fit and have a valid driver’s license. Pets will be considered. Hourly wage plus nice small one bedroom home, utilities and other benefits provided. Please submit a cover letter and resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

HOUSEKEEPER POSITION AVAILABLE in the Novato, CA area. Must be a companion, caretaker, and cook. Female preferred with experience. Must speak English, have a SS card, a valid CA driver’s license and be bondable. Work 30 hours per week. Please mail your resume to: [Contact info available to subscribers].

house sitter NEEDED long-term for my home in Santa Cruz. Need someone to housesit our house and our two dogs. They are in and out kind of dogs, and spoiled rotten too. You must be a dog-loving kind of person. Need plants watered too. For more details, please email me at [Contact info available to subscribers]

ROOM AND UTILITES PROVIDED (no pay) in exchange for care in Camarillo, CA. I need a caretaker in exchange for room and board in a nice clean home with a view, and internet cable with a lot of channels. You will live with a 70-year-old man and my 22-year-old son who works a regular job. You must change a diaper every three to four hours and feed the elderly man – that’s all. I come by and clean during the week and I bathe the 70-year-old man and do his grocery shopping for him. This is perfect for someone on Social Security or disability. No drugs and no drama please. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] to apply. Thank you.

COUPLE NEEDED for [Contact info available to subscribers] located in Valley Center, California. The property is used for family reunions, retreats and weddings. Please visit our website, [Contact info available to subscribers] for details. Her duties include: cleaning bedrooms, bathrooms, living space and kitchens, turning over the living spaces and communicating with the owners daily. She will interact with guests at check in and out. She will need to notate lists of minor repairs and keep inventories. His duties include: repairs, regular maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, gardening, electrical, plumbing, mechanics, drywall etc. He will protect, preserve and better the property. Truck needed. Owners work closely with the caretakers on projects and to-do lists. Caretakers must manage themselves and others, prioritize their time, change gears quickly for emergencies, keep a work log and estimate projects. We will provide one bedroom/one bathroom in addition to a monthly salary of $1,750. Utilities included. A working interview is required in Southern California. If you are a couple who loves nature, and are hard workers please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

WE WELCOME YOU TO WORK/LEARN WITH US on our magical ranch and spiritual sanctuary in the Mendocino hills, north of Laytonville. We are off grid with solar power, spring water, lake, creeks, organic garden, old growth trees, sacred sites, meadows, timber frame barn and main Lodge. Fluent English, German, Spanish and some French/Hindi are spoken here. We are looking for up to two people (no children or dogs), for short or long term, with a willingness to work and perform seva. Tasks include: gardening, carpentry, cooking, firewood, temple building, road work, forest clean-up, tractor driving, event set-up, and much more. At least 28 hours/week is requested in trade for lodging (your private 10×12 fully furnished “fancy tent”), organic vegetarian meals and what is bound to be a memorable experience. The three land partners have lived in India and abroad for many years and carry on that spirit here on the land. We have a Wi-Fi connection, but no phone, and have outside showers and compost toilets. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers] We look forward to meeting you.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST CARETAKER COUPLE EVER in the Healdsburg/Windsor area. This is an attractive opportunity for a couple to live and work together, in a pleasant rural environment, one hour north of San Francisco, who would find pleasure living in the wine country. Searching for an honest, level-headed professional couple to trade caretaking work for some or all of the rent of fully furnished two bedroom house. The caretaker couple should have a very green thumb; with carpentry, handyman, and property management experience. Need excellent background work history and references. Please: no pets, no hang-ups, and that you prefer a country setting. Let’s discuss the possibilities to make this work for you and us. Open to new ideas! Need your help soon! Available now for the right couple. Please respond with your qualifications and work history to be considered by emailing to: [Contact info available to subscribers]

A COURTEOUS, TIDY AND ENTHUSIASTIC ADULT with good social skills is desired to help with an historic 1886 bed & breakfast on the Mendocino Coast, three hours north of San Francisco. We need help with hospitality, maintenance, and special projects. Desired skills: construction, plumbing, electrical, painting, housekeeping, cooking and cleaning, gardening, social media marketing, and website work. We have no TV, but we have Wi-Fi and a beautiful dance floor! We have organic kitchen gardens, flowers, hens, several bedrooms, a piano, and bikes. A local bus is available. Bonus points for dancers (especially social Argentine tango and salsa) and musical abilities (we have a piano in our 900 sq. ft. virgin redwood ballroom with amazing acoustics). Teachers for Yoga, Pilates classes or other ideas welcome. No pets, drugs or smoking. In exchange for approximately 24 hours/week we will provide a nice room with bathroom, breakfast provided daily, and kitchen facilities available. Limited positions for full-time helpers; more availability for part-time (Sunday through Thursday nights, you can use weekends to explore northern California). We speak English, French, German, Danish, Spanish, and can help you with your English. To apply, please mail resumes and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RANCHHAND/CARETAKER NEEDED in the Russian River area. This position requires 20 hours/week in exchange for a private comfortable trailer with utilities in a beautiful, peaceful, remote rural setting. This is the perfect situation for a retired couple with a modest income (not dependent on outside employment) who desire affordable housing and enjoy active outdoor living. Duties include (but not limited to) yard work, forest stewardship, firewood cutting, general handyman and other ranch chores, including 4 hours/week housekeeping. Must be capable of and enjoy physical labor. Additional paid hours possible. With optional additional effort, a large organic community garden can provide much of your produce. The remote location (one+ hour west of Santa Rosa) means you should be someone who can enjoy and appreciate the peace and solitude of country living without frequent trips to town. Being in the boonies and isolated requires people who do not need frequent social interaction other than with your partner or landlord. The cost of transportation in terms of fuel and time make frequent trips impractical. Internet, satellite TV and laundry facility included. Please email with details about yourself, your situation, and why you should be considered an ideal candidate to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Canada

CAT AND house sitter WANTED in Hamilton, Ontario from January 7th to April 17th 2013. A couple is preferred, who are non-smokers. There will be one cat to care for. This is a heritage home in the country, 15 minutes from a hospital and shopping. For more details, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

BACKUP CARETAKER COUPLE needed in Winnipeg, MB. An on-site backup caretaker couple is needed for a St. Vital high-rise. The successful applicant must possess great tenant relations, a positive attitude, minor maintenance and cleaning experience. A two bedroom suite and salary provided. Please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Caribbean

LOOKING FOR a resident caretaker; must be financially secure (since we are offering a minimum modest compensation) and mature. The position is for part-time light duties on a desirable location at a small Caribbean inn. Free housing and utilities are provided on the resort’s premises, plus approximately $500/month minimum stipend in exchange for part-time work. The applicant should be in good health, resourceful, trustworthy and addiction and drug-free. If you are handy, it would be a plus. For USA citizens, a passport is not needed to fly from the States, as Culebra, Puerto Rico is a territory of the USA. To get more information, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] One caretaker position is open for October 10, 2012; another position opens on February 1, 2013.

Colorado

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. We are a Buddhist nonprofit endeavor located at the base of a magnificent mountain range in South-Central Colorado. The valley floor is at 8,000 feet surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. We are close to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is an agricultural area in an Alpine-desert environment. We have chickens, horses and dogs and are planning to get goats or sheep for milk, yogurt and cheese. This year we will finish the greenhouse and grow greens and herbs in it. We also plan to plant gardens on our land of potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, quinoa and millet using permaculture designs. We are especially using Geoff and Nadia Lawton’s “Greening The Desert” concepts. For the past three years we have been creating our compost to use this year. We are seeking one or two volunteers who can stay at least a month at a time (hopefully longer). We prefer people who can stay a minimum of eight weeks. People with building abilities to finish the greenhouse would be very welcome. Helpers would be asked to carry out morning chores (feed and water the horses, goats or sheep, and chickens), along with other farm chores when needed. They would also help with planting seeds, plants and trees, as well as composting and watering them. We plan to make home-made egg noodles from the eggs and will be making cheese and yogurt this summer. We do not slaughter any animals for food (or for any other reason). Our ultimate goal is to be as self-sufficient as possible. All volunteer work will not amount to more than three hours per day, leaving volunteers time to explore this wonderful community. In return, helpers will receive accommodations but must provide and prepare their own food. Volunteers will stay in a lovely retreat cabin or in a trailer – both with a gorgeous view of the mountains. All volunteers must have their own transportation (car, truck, motorcycle or bicycle). Sorry, but we cannot accept children or pets. No alcohol or drugs may be used on our property. We have many other on-going and compassionate projects involving Buddhist teachings, healing, music and film, as well as collaboration with Native American leaders, which volunteers may find interesting. Buddhists do not do “missionary work;” we do not try to convert others. If volunteers wish to learn more about our teachings and meditation while here, they can, but it is not necessary. There are many spiritual centers of various religious traditions here, along with world-class hiking, climbing (Penitente Canyon is across the Valley); white water rafting and hot springs. We want to express our gratefulness in advance to all those kind enough to help us with our good endeavors. Those interested in viewing pictures can see some on our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] and then you can email us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

RANCH CARETAKER NEEDED in Rifle, CO. Reduced/free rent provided to care for my ranch. This would be ideal for a retired couple. Light duties include yard work, keeping the place clean, etc. The caretaker will work directly with the owner. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

COLORADO MOUNTAIN CABIN available. Seasonal or permanent help needed. You must love helping people. Includes hospitality, cooking, cleaning, maintenance and more. Remote cabin, no road access, solar power. Share the mountain experience with up to 400 hikers per day, or as few as three. Feed up to 45 people. Functional fitness needed, wood and water hauling. This can be for a single or a couple. No children, no pets, no smoking. Meals are vegetarian. Beautiful, unique setting for a self-starter who enjoys non-routine days and can think on their feet. Room and board plus wages provided. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Connecticut

A MATURE COUPLE sought for help at a newly rebuilt 1790 Colonial home on 26 acres of woods, fields and meadows in the picture perfect New England town of Sharon in Northwest Connecticut, the Berkshire Hills. This six bedroom home has a newly decorated and expanded one bedroom caretaker’s apartment with its own separate entrance. The owners are part-time residents with a New York City apartment. In addition to general housekeeping and grounds keeping, gardening and care of husband with middle-stage Alzheimer’s can be added with salary for skilled help. The right couple will be in their middle years, active, energetic and experienced in all aspects of home maintenance. We are looking for people who will take pride and pleasure in tending to a beautiful historic house and be more like family than servants. This is an area rich in history and culture with a strong component in the arts. A well trained and friendly dog would be welcome as well. Residence available from November 1st, 2012. Please send your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

LIVE-IN INNKEEPER/MANAGER needed at the [Contact info available to subscribers], a 34-room historic mansion. We seek enthusiastic experienced innkeepers. We are searching for a couple to operate (24 hours/day) the front office, registration, reservations, concierge, sales, light back-up housekeeping, continental breakfast set-up, and computer/audit reporting. Seeking a self-motivated, energetic, personable extrovert, multi-tasker couple. The Inn has housekeeping/maintenance staff support as needed. The restaurant/wedding facility may be leased. This is an exceptional property in the center of an exceptional town. The couple’s salary to be determined, plus accommodations and healthcare. To apply, please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Costa Rica

CARETAKER/RENTER WANTED for our Costa Rica beachfront home in Zancudo, a small tropical town on Gulfo Dulce. Contemporary two-story home, two bedroom/two bath, deck, laundry room, bodega, DSL internet, etc. Seeking a mature, non-smoking person/couple for a one-year lease. Available 3/2013. $400/month plus utilities and a deposit. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Delaware

HOUSING SWAP AVAILABLE. Beautiful in-town historic home in Lewes, DE available for your home in Palo Alto and surrounds, CA. Dates flexible. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers].

England

FULL-TIME EXPERIENCED GARDENER needed for a small estate in North Yorkshire. The property has a formal garden, lake, and a walled vegetable garden. Accommodation provided. Driving and references essential. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

COOK/HOUSEKEEPER needed for an American couple. This position would be suitable for an energetic person with experience, a valid driver’s license, sense of humor and a good cook. Must enjoy taking care of dogs and country living. The accommodation is suitable for a single person only. Live-in/out. No pets. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

COUPLE REQUIRED for a large country home on the West Sussex/Hants border. Experience of running a large home is essential. Duties to include cooking (family meals and dinner parties/shoots), housekeeping and laundry care to a high standard, butler duties, gardening and general maintenance of house and vehicles. You will be joining an existing friendly team. A lovely self contained courtyard flat will be provided. Salary dependant on experience. References required. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

HOUSEKEEPER or Housekeeper/Gardener/Handyperson Couple wanted for a small country house three miles south of Stratford Upon Avon. Minimum of 28 hours per week. A two bedroom bungalow will be provided, and wages to be discussed. References essential. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] for more information.

PART-TIME DOMESTIC HELP needed. A cheerful, energetic, country loving person is required to help with domestic duties in a large country house. Must be able to cook to dinner party standards as well as be prepared to iron, mend and clean alongside two other staff. Mainly required in the mornings but with occasional evening work and weekends. Highest standards expected in relaxed informal environment. A driver’s license is required and a knowledge of computers would be a bonus. A small, pretty, two bedroom cottage with garden will be provided in return, with council tax paid plus a small wage. Please reply by handwritten letter to [Contact info available to subscribers]

RURAL HOUSEKEEPER needed in the Newmarket area. All aspects of housekeeping, childcare as needed, and the care of animals including horses. A UK driving license is required. Ground work/general maintenance available for partner for one day per week. References required. Accommodation will be a two bedroom cottage. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Florida

A NORTH PALM BEACH FAMILY of three is seeking a hands-on Household Manager. This family’s 4,200 sq. ft. formal home holds a very busy household and lots of detail. This is a long-term, live-out position with the possibility of living in. Responsibilities include housecleaning, food prep, light to moderate cooking of healthful and organic meals, providing dining service, grocery shopping and other errands, flower arranging, plant care, organization, packing, clothing care, dry cleaning management, guest and party service, very occasional travel, and pet care. The ideal candidate will be a mature, experienced, nonsmoking professional who can self-start and work independently; is healthy, unobtrusive, calm yet assertive, well-mannered, loyal, and trustworthy; and exemplifies an impeccable work ethic. Capabilities to follow detailed directions, refer to and review the Housekeeping Manual, and work smoothly with other staff to provide stellar service to the employer are all important to this position. If you have an expert knowledge of cleaning high-end surfaces, complete discretion, excellent organizational skills and memory, exquisite attention to detail, adaptability, and a high degree of efficiency, this family wants you! Other staff are also employed in the home. Experience in working in a formal household is required; professional training is a plus. Hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m., 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m., 4 p.m. (flexible). This is a can’t-miss employment opportunity for a skilled, experienced, dedicated household professional! Annual salary $55,000-70,000, as commensurate with experience and skills. Please, no phone calls. Please send your resume to Liz at [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration.

France

GUARDIANS NEEDED for a house in Provence. An English family needs an experienced, energetic couple (no children and preferably non-smokers) to act as Guardians, House Managers and a Housekeeper for their large holiday home in the hills of Provence. A two bedroom self-contained apartment and small car will be provided. Must speak good French and be competent drivers. Good references are essential. This position will be available late in 2012 or early 2013. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Georgia

house sitter/GARDENER needed in Atlanta from October 25 through December 15, 2012. I enjoy my garden, which requires some help to maintain when I am not here. The gardening should take about ten hours each week. I also have one cat that will need to be cared for. My three bedroom house including utilities is offered for no rent in exchange for the gardening and caring for my home and cat. My preference is for a single, non-smoking person, who is financially secure and self-sufficient and loves cats. Please email and explain why you might be interested in staying here and at least three checkable references to [Contact info available to subscribers] Once I receive your email, I can provided more detailed instructions on what to do with my cat, garden and home when I am away. Thank you.

[Contact info available to subscribers] is looking for an enthusiastic, friendly volunteer who enjoys the outdoors to fill a campground host opportunity. Would prefer someone who would like to stay the entire season, but the length of stay is negotiable. Greet visitors and assist campers, track visitor use, inform visitors of regulations and restrictions. Clean restrooms and campsites and perform minor maintenance tasks in the campground, maintain a neat and organized work area and campsite. Hosts are provided a free campsite with a small trailer, electricity and water. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Guatemala

I AM LOOKING FOR DOG/house sitter in Jaibalito, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala starting January 5, 2013 for seven weeks. The village is only accessible by boat so this requires a certain degree of agility/mobility. You pay $35 for electric and $15 for gas as well as walk Zita a minimum of two times a day for 20 minutes. More/longer are welcome! You have to dote on her, bathe her, and spend nights at home. Because of boat only access, this means you’re in the pueblo after 5:30pm. The property does better with some care. A gardener comes 10 hours a week and he knows how to keep busy on his own. However, with the dry season, an hour of watering a day (mostly with sprinkler but some hand watering) is needed. Gardening opportunities are boundless. A housecleaner comes on Wednesday mornings. There is a rental cottage next door. Currently, it is occupied and causes you no work. It is meant to be let for six months. If it was to become available, I’d ask you to help out in terms of meeting new tenants with key and calling housecleaner. I’ve had 8-year-olds and their moms, 65-year-old retired men, a couple in their late 30’s, single women, and an array of people stay here. Again, this somewhat remote location with boat access only is not to all tastes. Life here is somewhat physical with the boat passage, walking, etc. It’s not for everyone. The most important criteria are a dog lover who has respect for the house and awareness of the responsibility that comes with that charge. Posada Jaibalito has Internet and Wi-Fi, a three minute walk away. Internet (for those who need high capacity) is best from Panajachel, a 30 minute boat ride away. The house is a two bedroom/one bath, kitchen, hot water shower, washing machine and is approximately 1,000 sq. ft. The property is fenced. Zita has the run of the yard and house. It is a five minute walk from the public boat dock. Basic groceries can be bought in Jaibalito. More specialized items must be bought in Pana, a 30 minute boat ride away. I’m also looking for mid April through early July 2013. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] if you are interested. Thanks.

Hawaii

CARETAKER WANTED in Waipio Valley, Hawaii. We are looking for a couple for our riverfront three acre property, in exchange for weekly hours of outdoor physical labor in landscaping and building. You will live in separate caretaker’s quarters. The owners don’t live on the property. 4WD vehicle and references are required. No smokers. Internet and cell signal onsite. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] Aloha, Rob and Pam.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who will volunteer six hours per day, five days per week and we will volunteer a place to stay and food at our three bedroom Bed and Breakfast on 3.24 hectares. We are located in a beautiful tropical setting. We need someone who is willing to help and learn the day to day workings of a bed and breakfast: preparing breakfast, help maintain a clean kitchen, cleaning, making up rooms, washing and drying beddings/towels, keeping the outside swept, washing off sidewalks and watering outside plants. The suggested length of stay is three months or longer with mutual agreement. We have a shared room open for use with a shared bath and private entry. We would need the cooperation of anyone staying in this room to keep all levels of noise to a minimum for the respect to the other guests in rooms nearby, and to be very courteous and well mannered when a guest might be encountered. Work starts bright and early with breakfast at 6:00am. You will prepare your own meals in a shared kitchen, basic food is provided. We are looking for someone self-motivated, organized, clean and neat, mature with a respectful attitude, willing to put in some hard work, as well as learning what we do and how we do it. We need a non-complaining person with a good attitude when working with others. We have a Zero Tolerance Policy meaning we cannot allow someone who has issues to remain at our bed and breakfast. This is not to scare you off; this is to assure you that we are serious about our bed and breakfast and taking care of our guests. So anyone coming as a volunteer who does not take it seriously, will not follow the rules, or has issues, will not remain at our bed and breakfast. No drugs, drinking, or smoking allowed. Please do not waste someone’s chance to come to our bed and breakfast if you are not truly interested in learning how a bed and breakfast works. Two days a week will be for rest and relaxation. Nearby area sights and fun things to do include beaches, secret ponds, botanical gardens, old Hilo Town, waterfalls, volcano, and parks. We can pick you up at the airport. The local County Bus service and Convenience Store are located less than a mile from our location. English is spoken. Children and pets are not accepted. If interested, please fax your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

BIG ISLAND NATIVE PLANT REFUGE seeks caretaker(s) capable in ‘off-grid’ living at 2,400′ with a passion for horticulture. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER COUPLE NEEDED for a remote location in Hawaii. Manage the property and staff for a large property, and maintain houses for the owner and guests. Basic and advanced skills are needed for carpentry, plumbing, electrical, project management, personnel management of five to seven staff, and troubleshooting the phone, Internet and equipment problems. Should have Hazmat driver’s license eligibility, and be comfortable with heavy equipment such as a tractor or backhoe. Will need computer proficiency for emails, Word, Excel, Quicken or similar software. Maintain the house in ready condition with food and supplies. If you enjoy cooking healthy meals, it can be part of the job but not required. Please send your resume or CV to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER’S POSITIONS available. For our next caretaker’s positions we need two more people for three to six months or more. We are looking for two friends or a couple who truly know orchards and know about pruning and weed-wacking work. Hawaii is a subtropical rainforest and an amazingly fast growing jungle. You need to be comfortable in maintaining small solar systems and know how to repair and maintain our buildings. Do you know how to prune a tree? Can you fix a weed-wacker or small machines? The exchange is five days of four hours each, total of 20 hours each week. The season for our citrus fruits orchard is winter, but with care bananas can grow the whole year round. Avos come in late September. You can check our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] If you are interested, please email a picture and your age to [Contact info available to subscribers] and tell us about your experience and why you want to come to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Caretaker Profile

“Wilderness Woman Writer – At Home Caretaking” Date of Birth: February 6, 1952 Address: [Contact info available to subscribers] Interests: Healthy Lifestyle Educator, Online Publishing, Being in the Mountains, Backcountry and Wilderness, the American Southwest, Being with my Dog Maggie, Intelligent Living on Planet Earth, Natural Eco Buildings, Inspiring others to Follow Their Hearts, ancient Aramaic Wisdom Quote: “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love it will not lead you astray” Rumi

Cary Ellis

When Cary Ellis first saw gray outcroppings of the Rocky Mountains against a clear blue western sky, it was love at first sight and that was all she wrote. Over many years Cary traveled to the West, always dreaming of living there. She spent many years running alternative health centers, personal transformation workshops, and corporate team-building programs around the U.S. When she finally took a sabbatical from working with the public, she landed in a small town in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. Cary found herself in “heaven,” snowboarding, hiking, doing river trips, and began to live her dream of writing about her many years of work in the human growth field. As the big skies and wide-open spaces won her heart she also realized that there were people who owned places in this big country who couldn’t be there all the time, due to responsibilities or family obligations far away. Her first stint at caretaking was for a woman who traveled to Australia. Cary stayed in an apartment at the center of the barn, where all kinds of animals stood waiting to be petted and fed. Cary took the opportunity to “download” a screenplay that had been swirling around in her head for months and eventually placed as a quarterfinalist in an Australian screenplay competition. As Cary played in the mountains her many years of work begged to be written down. When the opportunity to caretake a ranch for musician Dan Fogelberg arose, she gladly accepted. There were 100 applicants. Dan said, “I want a writer. I know that they will be interested in spending time here, and I’d like to help a writer succeed.” The ranch manager said, “I know a writer who would be perfect, but it’s a woman and she has a dog.” Dan said, “Send her up.” And thus began a wonderful relationship, where Cary would develop the work that had been on her heart over the next few years while being the onsite caretaker of a beautiful, remote, high elevation 600-acre ranch. Sadly, Dan battled cancer, and is no longer with us. A few chapters later, Cary finds herself ready for another caretaking job. The Caretaker Gazette, always her faithful companion (along with her dog Maggie), is scanned regularly for likely positions. In November she takes a look at her last issue, with her subscription about to expire. “Oh my goodness, here’s a caretaking position in Colorado and it’s a paid opportunity!” Cary shot off an email to the ranch owners, not expecting much as the position required taking care of horses. She had cared for horses for seven or eight years but was not a horse “expert,” so she didn’t think she would be considered. In fact, a few weeks went by and she even forgot about sending the email. One evening the phone rang, the caller introduced himself, and told her he had belatedly found her email, after interviewing a number of other applicants. He and his wife liked her qualifications and wondered if she would be willing to get on a plane if they would fly her out to interview. It took Cary about two seconds to say, “Yes!” It turned out the people wanted someone whose first priority would be to care for their home and their property. Also included in the job was feeding horses; however they did not want someone who was so horse knowledgeable that they would want to train or ride the horses, which was perfect. (It’s always interesting to find out all the details). Cary spent the weekend and visited for quite a few hours with the owners so they could get to know each other and what expectations were on both sides. Cary flew home and on Monday got a call, that if she would like the job, they would like her to have it. This was great news and, within a couple of weeks, Cary and her gentle giant dog Maggie were on their way back to Colorado. Cary is glad to be back in the wide-open West. She lives in a sweet house on the ranch that she was able to fix up to be cozy and comfortable (and her voluntary labor earned her a nice raise). She feeds 10 Western cutting horses two times a day, cleans water tanks, feeds chickens and pigeons, barn cats, and sometimes housesits dogs when the family is away. She has weekends off and, during the week, spends a few hours each day on household maintenance chores. Cary loves the peace of living on a country estate with wilderness nearby, not driving to work or dealing with the public (she would be happy even more remote as long as there’s high speed internet). This gives her mind freedom to develop the ideas going into her writing and websites. She currently has one book published on Amazon called, “Super Immunity Secrets,” and soon will have another book in the marketplace, along with several web projects. See her work at I am a Rare Jewel. You have finally found a caretaker/companion who is an energetic grandmother with integrity and loyalty being number 1. I am reliable as a House manager, personal assistant, calibrating finances, landscaping challenges, gardening, planning dinner parties from two to 100 people, with menu experience, fine wine, music to compliment the mood, along with the ability to honor your guests as royalty. My personality allows me to engage with diverse people from all over the world, because laughter is the universal language and it make’s others happy. Communication is imperative along with respect for one another. One of my forte’s is saving money. And I like making a difference in others lives. I will take care of your family treasures you have worked so hard to establish your memories with. I am sincere and passionate in all that I do. Life is an adventure. Geographically I am flexible and I have FBI clearance. With my Sterling references, we should at least speak over the phone. At present I am in Northern California, so if I do not answer, leave a message as to when you could call back in the afternoon at 2:00 California Pacific time, so I can be available for you. My email is [Contact info available to subscribers].

The Colorado ranch that Cary is caretaking

Iceland

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to work at a farm in the South of Iceland, at the feet of the mighty and famous Eyjafjallajökull, which last erupted in 2010. Our tasks will mainly be focused on improving the environment in and preparing the place for the winter. We will assist in cleaning up the area, clearing old fences and replacing them, painting and preparing the farm for winter in various ways. Volunteers will be able to assist in regular farm work such as milking, riding and collecting hay. We will have the opportunity to live and work with an Icelandic family, participating in the diverse tasks that they are involved in, in their daily lives. This is a unique opportunity to get to know and to experience first-hand how a family in the countryside lives. The farm is big, with sheep, cows and horses, have their own produce and we will have the opportunity to work and learn about that. The valley of Brynjudal, where the work camp of the first week takes place is about 80 kilometers from the capital; deep inside Hvalfjörður. It is surrounded by mountains, to the north of the valley is a mountain called Múlafjall, south of the Valley are Bolafell and Suðurfjall and to the west Þrándarstaðafjall. The valley is extremely beautiful, with many plants and trees. There are many small canyons, streams and waterfalls and it is a popular place for hikers to visit. Along the valley runs the river Brynjudalsá which starts in Sandvatn. Hvalfjörður lies north of Reykjavík and Mosfellslbær and is the longest fjord in the south-west of Iceland, cutting 30kms deep into the land along a north-east/south-west axis and curling to the east at its head. Before the Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel was opened in 1998 and the main ring-road rerouted underneath the fjord, all traffic heading north or west to and from Reykjavík had to follow the fjord all the way around – a drive of an hour or two. The second week will take place in the area of Úlfljótsvatn a 70 km drive from Reykjavík. The area is popular among scouts and nature lovers and it is popular for recreational fishing. The working plan will be flexible and it will depend on the needs of our hosts, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions. In this camp, volunteers will be hosted in a farmhouse, sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Volunteers will have to bring their own sleeping bag. The house is a fully equipped home, with access to a kitchen, bathroom and washing machine. We will share the different duties of cooking and cleaning. Please visit [Contact info available to subscribers].

Illinois

CARETAKER (OR CARETAKER COUPLE) needed. Our caretaker couple of 10+ years is retiring. We’re seeking a full-time caretaker to live on the property, year round on a large farm near Harvard, IL. Must have experience with or knowledge of beef cattle, maintaining grounds/gardens, handling large equipment, including a tractor. Common sense, good judgment and initiative are important. This could be couple’s position with housekeeping, cooking, serving and gardening. Offers excellent salary, benefits and a beautiful, spacious farm house on the property for you. We have a five day work week. Please email your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration.

Jordan, Middle East

LIVE-IN HOUSE MANAGER needed with a £top tax free package available. My client is looking for a Household Operations Manager who will report to the Director of the Palaces. Your role will include supervising the Housekeepers, Butlers and Laundry. This is a diverse and extremely challenging “hands on role” with overall responsibility and accountability of the entire household operation. Includes the management and supervision of all Household Staff across four locations including organizing all domestic staff’s schedules and staff rotation, overseeing all Housekeeping teams to ensure that high standards are met. Must assign duties for all Teams and apply knowledge of all housekeeping techniques, and conduct spontaneous checks. Continuous following up is a must. You will be responsible for scheduling staff vacations throughout the year. Must possess extensive knowledge of Food and Beverage Operations and be responsible for organizing events on all scales and maintaining high levels of service to the family. You will be responsible for keeping household inventory supplies on a regular basis and purchasing both locally and internationally. Must follow up on all maintenance issues to ensure that they are completed to a high standard and solve emergency maintenance issues which may arise with direct coordination with the Maintenance Department. Coordinate logistics of transporting the main operation (Domestic Staff) to the other three locations and liaise with other departments (Logistics, Maintenance, Horticulture, Communications) when required by the Household. Skills required: strong managerial/leadership skills with proven experience of managing private residences with more than 5+ years experience, possess excellent knowledge of floor supervision, public areas, office management, work with textiles, fabrics and other materials, use of cleaning materials and equipment, laundry, and scheduling administration, able to work and perform under pressure, able to delegate responsibilities, highly organized and able to perform multiple tasks with ease and calmness, able to manage large teams of people, able to communicate with different cultures, problem solving abilities, to be able to train all staff (Butlers/Laundry and Housekeeping) in their appropriate areas, accuracy, confidentiality and familiarity with working in this environment, ability to be flexible and work unsociable hours, proficient in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook, neat and tidy appearance, superb command of the English language both written and oral. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Maine

A PRIVATELY OWNED REMOTE ISLAND is searching for the right couple to join our present team. An experienced Boatman is needed to take over our Waterfront Operations which include operating and maintaining our vessels. Additional skills such as mechanical, welding, carpentry, farming, etc. are helpful in meeting our mission. This is a full time, year round position with salary, insurance, vacation, housing and other benefits. A part time position is available for someone who has skill sets that may include farming, house cleaning, cooking, painting, gardening, etc. Hours will vary by season. This position may become full time in the future. Both positions require people who are adaptable, versatile, flexible, hard-working, honest, and able to mesh with our present staff and the ability to “figure it out”. This is a fun and unique working environment that requires team work, independent work and the ability to interact with all levels of society in a friendly and professional manner. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resumes and three references to [Contact info available to subscribers] Thank you.

DO YOU LOVE DOGS? CAN YOU BE BY YOURSELF? We are on Islesboro Island, Maine, a 20 minute ferry ride from Lincolnville, looking for you to take care of our two dogs and one cat from November – May (flexible) while we’re away, in exchange for a place to live. The house is a small two-room cottage with a view of Eastern Penobscot Bay. We pay for heat, electricity, phone and internet. You need your own source of income, as there are few jobs on the island during the winter. This would be perfect for artists or writers. No smokers, please. For more information, please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

A MAINE LIGHTHOUSE is seeking two keepers to be gracious hosts. Must possess hospitality skills for guest services. Requires a service ethic, maintenance skills, and small boat handling. A launch captain¹s license is required. Keepers reside on the island, off the beautiful rock coast, act as tour guides, caretakers, housekeepers, and gracious hosts, providing breakfasts and afternoon tea to guests. Formal meal service, linens, and events catered from the mainland through a partnership with historic Newagen Inn. The position begins in April 2013. Positions offer seasonal residence from mid-April through mid-October, with a monthly stipend, and incomparable experience. You can learn more at [Contact info available to subscribers] Please email your resume and letter to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Massachusetts

CARETAKER WANTED in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Duties include groundskeeping, mowing, weed-wacking, driveway and machinery maintenance, gardening, horse care (three horses), stable and stall maintenance. A spacious one bedroom apartment will be provided. Experience and references required. To apply, please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Michigan

CAMPGROUND HOST needed at [Contact info available to subscribers]. This 71,000-acre park features sand dunes, beech/maple and pine/oak forests, rivers, inland lakes, miles of Lake Michigan beach, two offshore islands, an historic farming district, a lighthouse, two campgrounds and 105 miles of hiking trails. Campground Hosts serve in both D.H. Day Campground and Platter River Campground. Hosts are a contact for campers and act as an observer for the Lakeshore, especially at times when park personnel are not available to perform these functions. Hosts also assist in promoting visitor satisfaction by providing essential services to the visiting public in a timely and efficient manner. The timeframe is May through October; we ask that hosts serve a minimum of one month. Free campsites available for a minimum of 32 hours of work/week. The campsites have water/electric hook-ups only, (no sewer and electric may operate at reduced amperage [<30amps] on some sites), dump station is available. Uniforms provided. Please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

HANDYMAN/CARETAKER needed for an Alma area home. Flexible time of approximately 50 hours/month in the summer, and 20 hours/month in the winter. $9/hour. Reasonable mechanical skills and good driving record are required. This is a good opportunity for an early retiree looking for supplement income. To apply, please mail resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers].

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE in the Hemlock, MI area to do some light housekeeping, and cooking for a 75-year-old gentleman in exchange for free room, and board (room includes a nice size bed, TV/DVD player, etc.). He has cable TV, phone and everything you may need. This 75-year-old’s legs are giving him problems, and it’s hard for him to get around. But still, he is always on the go! And his wife suddenly passed away last November. So needless to say he is lonely being home all alone. He does smoke. Cusses like a sailor. And has two very friendly poodles. He is a wonderful out-spoken person (my best friend). My wife and I often bring him meals, run errands, and hang out and drink coffee with him. But he really wants someone who is willing to cook, and do light house work in exchange for the free room and board. If this is something you may be interested in, please call me at [Contact info available to subscribers]. Thank you.

Minnesota

CARETAKER NEEDED in the Inver Grove Heights area. Duties include daily general cleaning of a large apartment building and apartment turnovers. Must have an eye for detail and be available daytime hours and weekends. One or more years of caretaking or cleaning experience is preferred. Must live on site. Compensation includes a two bedroom apartment plus salary. To apply, please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Missouri

[Contact info available to subscribers] is seeking a Cook and a Maintenance person which can be a couple and who can agree to live following the five Precepts in a monastery environment. More story pictures are available at [Contact info available to subscribers] is a monastery and Meditation Center, the home of the Buddhist American Forest Tradition and the Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM) which is a reclaimed practice found in early Pali Texts. [Contact info available to subscribers] provides training for Lay persons, Monastics, and sometimes shelters students while completing thesis works. While in residence, visiting monastics sometimes offer training in Pali, Chanting, or Buddhist history. We need a Cook – please become our friendly primary Kitchen person able to cook Vegetarian and Mixed Diets for three to six people in the winter up to 6-20 people April – October. Organize and work a new modern kitchen facility. Help assign yogi jobs during retreats to help you do prep work and clean-up. Maintain a clean kitchen, organize food storage, and help with purchasing supplies. Must be clean and organized/dedicated to cooking above all else. Will also help with setting up and cleaning small cabins and bath house for incoming retreaters. It is not hard work. Plant/maintain kitchen herb garden just outside your door. Assist with the main large box garden for house vegetables. Help care for three loving dogs and two cats who think they are people! Must be friendly with people. This is a country place in the Ozark Mountains. A maintenance person is also needed. Be able to fix things, prime a well, repair a hot water heater, reset the electrical after a storm, order in propane, and cut firewood. Maintain a walking therapy pool in the summer time. Drive a medium sized Kabota tractor with bucket and blade with changeover for brush hog or forklift work. Maintain properly crowned gravel roads. Help maintain good drainage. Mow lawns and weed eat new landscaped memorial gardens/mulch etc. Edge cut roads. Help to maintain vegetable garden in season. Keep up a small fenced area. Able to use chainsaw to clear trees when necessary, and use a splitter for firewood. Help keep up vehicles and small engines. Organize an old sawmill-site building inside. Keep the outside areas clean and free from snakes. Prepare the building for renovation to happen soon. Current benefits we can offer: a double cabin that can be used in the monastics area for the winter months with a bathroom close by in the old house. This will mean someone’s eye will be on that area through the winter months. You will have the use of a GMC truck for monastery business, and the use of laundry with dryer beside the kitchen. We all chip in together for food/can buy in bulk through the local co-op. The Media Director will keep you company for the winter and offer full access to Dhamma talks and videos with support. When teachers are in residence you will be able to attend all Dhamma talks and train for free with Bhante V. You will have the use of a new meditation hall, small meditation temple, and the Library, and have Kitchen/Dining Hall for sitting/thinking with fireplace. Possible access to internet during winter and for sure during the summer months. When students attend retreats, they will sometimes make a donation to help things along. We share whatever we have here and work together for the purpose of Research, Practice, Preservation, Teaching of the Foundation Buddhist Dhamma attempting to help people take this practice into their daily life and be happier! There is the future possibility of living on the property that has been set aside for a supporting a co-housing community. Right now we own this land but need the director to appear to take this plan beyond the dream-sheet. Must email interest first to [Contact info available to subscribers] then send across your resume with references. There will be two phone interviews with [Contact info available to subscribers] as well.

Nebraska

NEBRASKA CARETAKER NEEDED. This is an excellent opportunity and great potential for working caretaker/maintenance, groundskeeper for a 1,500 acre property in the Nebraska panhandle. We have beautiful rolling hill country, pine trees, a pond, and substantial shelter belt tree row investment with established drip irrigation system. A person with nursery or horticultural green thumb skills will be a plus. Minimal livestock involvement. A person with agricultural experience/farming and mechanical skills would be most helpful. This is a working position. The caretaker will perform equipment maintenance, upkeep, and general security. Multiple benefits discussed with the right person. Salary negotiable and commensurate with work performed. No onsite housing. Excellent benefit package available. Additional negotiable benefits and compensation for skilled/qualified person. Please send your resume with salary history and salary expectation to [Contact info available to subscribers] Thanks.

Nevada

house sitter needed for when we’ll be out of town from October 18 until November 3. We live on the outskirts of Las Vegas. We are looking for someone to come watch our two dogs while we’re away. Rex is a seven-year-old German shepherd and Lady is a eleven-year-old Shepherd mix. They’re sweet dogs, and just need to have company so they don’t get too lonely and depressed while we’re away. They’re both rescue dogs, so we’re afraid that if we board them they’ll think we’re abandoning them. I suppose they’re just sensitive doggy souls. It’d also be nice if you could bring in our mail each day and water the plants once or twice a week. For more info, please email us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Jersey

WINTER INNKEEPERS NEEDED in historic Ocean Grove. Live rent-free in a quaint seaside community now through mid-May with all utilities including cable TV paid, plus 20% commission on bookings. All this in exchange for maintaining our 12-room inn during the off season. Duties include taking reservations over the phone and online, preparing and serving breakfast, keeping rooms and public areas clean and performing normal maintenance. This is an ideal situation for a couple or individual with hotel experience. We would be willing to train aspiring candidates. Please no phone calls. Please send resumes by email after you visit our website, where you can also see a description of the inn: [Contact info available to subscribers]

BASKING RIDGE AREA – house sitter needed from November 1 to December 31, 2012, to look after three dogs, one cat, five goldfish, roses, and our garden. You will be responsible for feeding our animals, and watering the indoor plants, no exercise required for the pets. Would prefer a live-in house sitter, but will also consider twice daily visits to our home for feeding/watering duties from any local applicants. Please email why you would be interested in house sitting and taking care of our pets, and provide at least three checkable references. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

INNKEEPER COUPLE WANTED for a seaside inn on the Jersey Shore. The Normandy Inn, an 18 room Spring Lake, NJ Bed and Breakfast seeks an innkeeper couple to manage all aspects of operations, housekeeping, food and beverage, marketing, reservations, maintenance, and bookkeeping. Experience in hospitality, hotel or inn management. Having the ability to multi-task along with having cooking skills is necessary. References are required. An attractive compensation package includes an apartment, monthly compensation, plus a bonus incentive. This position will start as short term but may lead to a long term commitment. Please email your resume and salary requirements to [Contact info available to subscribers]

New Mexico

[Contact info available to subscribers] needs volunteers. This is a fully sustainable farm/renewable energy learning center powered by wind, sun and biogas. It borders beautiful mountain wilderness in northern New Mexico, next to lakes, rivers and hot springs. Helpers can expect nice accommodation (there are several apartments) and excellent local food (trout, mushrooms organic greens, etc.); tasks are varied and range from farming, taking care of livestock, to construction and repair of energy systems, or picking mushrooms at 11,000 feet altitude. There are also all kinds of food-related tasks such as baking bread or fermenting root vegetables and cabbage into kim chee, or making kombucha those interested can learn about all aspects of sustainable living, on actually existing systems – not just theory. It is also a great place to see low-budget building methods such as adobe (mud brick), strawbale, pumicecrete, pallets and Earthships. Longer stays work better for me; it takes a while to understand how my house works. Due to slow internet I prefer to be contacted by phone, at [Contact info available to subscribers], but short emails will be answered in even shorter replies. Pets may be okay, but you will need to prove they don’t harass my livestock – though I do have emus that harass dogs. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

New York

A CENTRAL ADIRONDACK ESTATE seeks a full-time, year round, property caretaker/working superintendent with excellent character and references. He/she will be responsible for a large estate with many structures. The caretaker will need to be a jack of all trades, skilled with a chain saw, able to perform road maintenance and plowing, have good mechanical skills and be able to manage one to two employees. He/she will need to have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to interact with many different owners and other interested parties. The caretaker will need to live on the property and will be provided with a lakeside three bedroom house, heath care benefits and a competitive salary. Please send inquiries and resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers]

A NICE ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT, situated in a private, serene setting in the Catskills NY area, is available free of charge in exchange for caretaker/handyman work. The apartment is in Liberty, NY and will include all utilities. This would be ideal for an honest single person, with no drug/drinking problems. It is located in a bungalow colony with most of the work required during the summer rental season then total privacy for the rest of the year. If you are interested, please call [Contact info available to subscribers] and leave a message with your phone number if you receive my answering machine. Thank you.

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED to maintain our 10,000 sq ft home on Long Island, NY. Duties would include cleaning, laundry, cooking and occasional babysitting. Must be available Monday through Saturday 7am to 8pm. Compensation will be based on experience and also includes full room and board including private bath. Please email your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Nicaragua

RESOURCEFUL COUPLE NEEDED to take care of 3.5 acres of off-the-grid coastal property, near San Juan del Sur, including the main house (where the caretakers will live), two cabins (could be rented as a salary) and pool. This is a long-term position. Duties needed: supervise on-site living local handyman for maintenance purposes and love and feed two dogs and four cats. Our solar powered property is located on a hill, in very natural setting, with ocean and valley view, three km from pristine beaches. A 4×4 will be provided. Spanish-speaking a must. Please visit [Contact info available to subscribers] to learn more. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

North Carolina

GENERAL LIVE-IN CARETAKER needed for an elderly gentleman in Gastonia, NC. Cooking and light housework is required. References must be provided. To apply, please call [Contact info available to subscribers] or fax your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Ohio

A CHAGRIN FALLS/HUNTING VALLEY, Ohio-area family is seeking a full-time, live-in or live-out Housekeeper for their 7,000+ sq. ft. home. This is a friendly, active family of six who is looking for someone to “be a part of the family” long-term. There are four children that range in age from 7-17, plus two small dogs. Responsibilities include housekeeping (both general and detail, working on a five to six day rotation); laundry; minimal ironing; changing bed linens; help with cooking/food prep in the evening; keeping organization in the kitchen, closets, etc.; and occasional errands. The ideal candidate will be a non-smoker, personable, detail-oriented, organized, and flexible. Must enjoy being around a family that has an active lifestyle, be motivated to help others, enjoy caring for the family they work for and be willing to learn. Newly redone living accommodations include a private bedroom in the finished basement, full bath, kitchen, and private entrance with all utilities, satellite TV, Internet, and all meals provided. Work schedule Sunday-Thursday, off Friday and Saturday, but flexible. This is a fantastic employment opportunity with a casual and fun family! The annual salary is $35,000-55,000, as commensurate with experience and skills. Please, no phone calls. Please send your resume to our DC office at [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration.

FARM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. The farm is comprised of 20 acres with a large organic vegetable garden. About 10 acres are reserved for hay making to feed the dairy goats, llamas, horses and rabbits. Ducks and chickens also live on the farm. The farm is involved with agritourism and offers classes on the farm. One house on the farm is used as a Bed & Breakfast and classroom. An ongoing project is working to save the endangered Butternut tree from extinction. The farm has about 50 butternut trees on it. Volunteer helpers would learn many types of work; gardening, composting, soil fertility, natural weed control, greenhouse building, tree planting, fence building, harvesting and preserving food from the garden by drying and home processing, seed collecting, animal care and fiber processing. Flower and herb garden renovations, growing a wide variety of vegetables, small fruits and cut flowers, which are sold at farmers markets and local restaurants. There is an orchard with several varieties of apples, cherries and pears. Volunteers stay in the B&B house. Rooms have bunk beds, and can be shared or a private room can be requested. Breakfast is on your own with food provided. Lunch and dinner are provided and prepared but volunteers help with preparations and clean-up. No smoking or drinking allowed at any time. Please mail a letter of interest to [Contact info available to subscribers].

A DUBLIN, OH ADULT COUPLE is seeking an expert Housecleaner with at least two years’ experience working in a wealthy home to care for their museum-quality home with dogs. Position to begin immediately. The right candidate will be one who takes pride in his or her work, be very detail-oriented and be able to detail-clean meticulously. Must also have an attractive, professional presence; be a non-smoker; be punctual; have a pleasant personality; and have dependable transportation. This is a live-out position. Salary commensurate with skills and experience. Please send your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration.

Oklahoma

FARM AND RANCH HAND needed near Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Must have experience with general farm equipment maintenance and operation, welding, fence building, cattle, etc. Housing and some benefits offered. Applicants must send resumes with references to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Oregon

HELP WANTED. A permanent all around farm caretaker is needed on our farm in northwestern Oregon. Housing will be included. To apply, please mail your letter of interest/resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER WANTED for a 420 acre sheep farm in Oregon near Salem. Duties include winter sheep feeding, fencing, miscellaneous farm chores, and being here when we are away. Housing provided in a two bedroom SW trailer. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

CONTRACTED RESIDENT CARETAKER position available in West Linn, OR at the [Contact info available to subscribers] caretaker position is under contract with the [Contact info available to subscribers], and work is led by the [Contact info available to subscribers]. Candidates with agricultural, housekeeping and/or landscape maintenance knowledge, skills and experience are encouraged to send letter of interest and resume. Caretaker(s) is responsible for outdoor maintenance of grounds surrounding the residence, trail maintenance, invasive species removal and other duties as assigned. One or two individuals can apply – couples welcome. Three person maximum, two adults with one child, or one adult with two children allowed. A limited number of domestic pets are allowed. Seeking competent individual(s) who will work hard and display enthusiasm in performance of all housekeeping and landscaping maintenance tasks assigned. Thirty hours of service per week is the general time requirement for expected performance of these duties. Caretaker housing (Lang House) is a private residence, two bedroom/two bathroom house on the City’s Firlane Property located at 195 Rosemont Road in West Linn, 97068. Compensation – residence occupancy is given in exchange for caretaking, landscape and trailhead maintenance services. Duties include outdoor maintenance of grounds surrounding the residence, trail maintenance, invasive species removal and other duties as assigned. Must be able to operate heavy equipment such as tractor, weed cutting machinery, trimmers and mowers. Lifting is required and other duties as assigned. Candidates will be required to submit a consent for criminal background check. Interested parties can please send a letter of interest and resume by 5pm on October 31, 2012 to [Contact info available to subscribers]

OREGON COAST DOG SITTER NEEDED through May of 2013. Must be a dog friendly person or couple. (Non-smoking). Lucy, our seven-year-old Labrador, is well trained and lives inside as part of the family. Duties include taking care of Lucy and limited light maintenance of your studio apartment and grounds. Located on 2 ½ private acres about a 10 minute drive from downtown Florence. Nice studio apartment up one flight of stairs with vaulted ceilings, view of Siltcoos Lake. Water, sewer, garbage and electric provided with apartment. Laundry facilities are located on the ground floor. Florence is in the National Dune Recreation area and is surrounded by numerous lakes. Beach access is about two miles away. If interested please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Panama

PEARL ISLANDS, PANAMA: Immediate opportunity available for living and working on a beautiful tropical island. Experience what others only dream about! The Perla Real Inn (eight rooms) located on Contadora Island, Republic of Panama is seeking an experienced couple for onsite day-to-day operations. Hospitality/tourism experience preferred and having spent some time in Latin America would be a plus. The ideal candidates are positive and outgoing; willing to help guests whenever and wherever. Honest, well organized, detail oriented, with superior communication and problem solving skills. Respectful of the owners established business policies, self motivated. Position requirements include: basic Spanish/English, management of the housekeeping staff, basic computer skills, email, accounting software, Microsoft Excel, light maintenance/handyman work, mechanical skills a plus (golf carts), light physical activity/lifting, a clean and well groomed appearance, being able to operate a stick shift truck, and have a three month minimum commitment. The compensation package will include $650 a month plus reservation and rental incentives for a couple (two people) or an individual (one person), one bedroom accommodation with access to outdoor cooking and the restaurant area, in room cable TV, AC, small fridge, computer/internet access, one day a week off accumulative, to be taken in succession during the slow time, and daily breakfast. The manager(s) will be responsible for all travel costs associated with the position. Please email (only) your resume(s) to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER WANTED for a cacao farm in Bocas Del Toro, Panama. I’m looking for the right person or couple to care for and maintain a beautiful hand crafted Tropical Island home and make the most of the 13 acre farm planted mostly in cacao. Being able to speak Spanish is helpful; enjoying the remoteness and privacy is required. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef and all transportation to and from the island is only by boat. You need to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. This is a lifestyle opportunity not a paid position. More info is available at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Pennsylvania

CARETAKER COUPLE NEEDED for a large estate in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Duties include landscaping maintenance, housekeeping, minor farming, animal care, and lawn and pool maintenance. Benefits include health and dental insurance, apartment, auto, and vacation. Must have experience. Salaries are negotiable. Please send resumes to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Scotland

HOUSEKEEPER AND PROPERTIES MANAGER COUPLE required for [Contact info available to subscribers], Perthshire A couple is required at this remote shooting lodge. They need to be resourceful, and be a complement to the existing estate staff and understand long winters and busy summer and stalking seasons. The housekeeper will be responsible for the lodge including seasonal help and cater for the family and other parties. The properties manager needs a wide range of skills both within the Lodge and around the Estate. To apply, please mail your resume and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

COUPLE REQUIRED. We are searching for a responsible, mature couple to caretake and help in a house in Borders village near Jedburgh. The position would include cooking and housework, part-time help in the garden, and looking after cars and driving. Dog lovers are essential. A three bedroom cottage is available by agreement. This may suit a couple who are semi-retired. Please apply with full resume and references to: [Contact info available to subscribers]

South Dakota

CAMPGROUND HOST needed at [Contact info available to subscribers] beginning April 2013 through October 2013. This position is located at a major water resource project with heavy summer visitation. Length of term may vary. Position includes free RV pad with electricity. Duties include welcoming campers to the area, assisting with weekend interpretive programs, minor litter pick-up, and regular rounds in the campground to be visible and answer questions. Please mail your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Tennessee

FARM CARETAKER needed in Franklin, TN. Duties will include taking care of the farm in general, grass cutting, weed eating, cleaning barns, cleaning windows, taking care of horses, cutting and bailing hay, etc. To apply, please write to Farm Caretaker, [Contact info available to subscribers]

Texas

THREE MONTH INTERNSHIP with the possibility of long-term employment available for a progressively minded person with a serious desire to be part of building and helping maintain a sustainable, organic, small farm in central Texas. Knowledge of Permaculture theory a plus. If your interests run toward hard work not much money, good food and doing a job correctly, then please apply in writing: [Contact info available to subscribers]

ON-SITE CARETAKER COUPLE needed to take care of the headquarters and wildlife and provide cooking and cleaning for a 17,000 acre South Texas hunting ranch. Please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers].

A MARRIED COUPLE is needed to work on our ranch. She to work in the house as needed. He to maintain the yard and grounds, and do ranch work and ranch repairs. Must be non-smokers/non-drinkers. Please send your resume and/or letter to: [Contact info available to subscribers].

[Contact info available to subscribers], a family farm nestled in the rolling hills of Milam County, needs volunteer help. We operate a raw milk dairy and cheese creamery. We also have a horse-powered vegetable CSA. Our newest ventures are aquaponics green houses for vegetables and sprouting seeds for animal feed (fodder system). We can always use a hand with daily operations and special projects. Please visit our website at [Contact info available to subscribers] to see if you would be interested in helping out, and if so, please contact us through our website. Thanks.

CARETAKER POSITION available for a small Hill Country ranch. Strong maintenance skills will be a plus. Prefer a semi-retired couple receiving retirement or social security income. A nice home and hourly wage provided. Please fax your resume to [Contact info available to subscribers]

FULL-TIME CARETAKER COUPLE needed for a cattle/game ranch in Robertson County, Texas. Daily duties include cooking, cleaning, yard work, and general maintenance. Applicants must be English speaking, self-motivated, hard working individuals who work well with others. This is a salary position with living accommodations and a ranch vehicle provided. Background check and employment screening is required. Serious inquiries only. Please mail your resumes and references to Caretaker Couple Position, [Contact info available to subscribers].

NEED AN EXPERIENCED RANCH HAND. Skills must include the ability to work cattle; horses; weld; operate a backhoe; and all other related duties. We are near Pecos, Texas. House, salary, utilities and ranch truck furnished. Please fax your resume with references and phone numbers to [Contact info available to subscribers].

Vermont

VOLUNTEER(S) NEEDED beginning in October. I have a lovely, hilltop cape on a country road near trails for walking, horseback riding, cross-country and downhill skiing, biking. I am creating a home hostel and would like help putting up a ceiling of plywood. The room is in the basement. I need steps built leading off the two porches. The one or two helpers will have accommodations, have internet access, and use of the house while the exchange is in effect. I expect the work could be done easily in one or two weeks or sooner depending on how handy you are. I am also finishing up putting a cover on a teepee and making a storm-cap. The area I live in is close to a hydroelectric dam which we built and run, selling electricity to the grid. This rural town is a great example of sustainable living with its community gardens and farmers’ market. There are several maple syrup producers here and historic farms, organic vegetables and meat farms, cheese makers and a local beer pub. Hartland is near the Simon Pearce glass blowing operation nearby, open all year and wood-fired pottery both at my place and elsewhere in town offers a chance to see, make, and fire pots if you come when it is happening, often in April. Dartmouth College is nearby. There is a Shambhala Buddhist center nearby that I attend. The Connecticut River and its many bird refuges are great for kayaking or canoeing. I have two kayaks and an outfitters operates in the next town. There are also several covered bridges, one the longest in New England. If interested, please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Virginia

WANTED: A mature, single, healthy, English-speaking person to live rent-free in a separate guest house located on our acreage in a prestigious gated community in McLean. This is a long-term position. Living quarters, including utilities, will be provided in exchange for part-time house cleaning, house sitting and general household help. No salary, pets, or smoking, and you must have your own car in good working condition. The guesthouse is a large one bedroom with full bath, a small modern kitchen, washer and dryer and new carpeting. Please send a letter of interest and references to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Washington

A SEATTLE, WA COUPLE is seeking a Household Manager. This is a long-term, live-out position with the following responsibilities: managing staff, grocery shopping, serving of food, some cooking, light housekeeping (when needed), some laundry/sewing/ironing, performing daily chores, running errands, storing/caring for/cleaning high-end clothing, party/event planning, packing for wife’s travel, spraying off docks/decks/walkways, caring for pets, and possibly traveling with the couple. The ideal candidate will be a mature, professional individual who is also dependable, smart, confident, positive, happy, discreet, trustworthy, organized, healthy, hard working and self-starting. This person must also have Macintosh computer skills, good etiquette, a sense of fashion, experience/knowledge of high-end clothing and its care, a love of dogs, and a willingness to roll up his/her sleeves and help, if needed. Nonsmokers only. Privacy and confidentiality are paramount to this family. They travel frequently and are in residence about seven to eight months out of the year. Perks from the family may be included as well. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with flexibility. Don’t miss this wonderful employment opportunity! Annual salary $50,000 to $65,000 as commensurate with experience and skills. Please, no phone calls. Please send your resume to Liz at [Contact info available to subscribers] for consideration.

[Contact info available to subscribers] in rural Washington seeks a caretaker or couple with their own RV. Should have skills in building, plumbing, electrical, and off-grid living. Must be financially stable, with three years of storable food per person. Barter in summer, reasonable rent in winter. Must be available some daytime hours. Need ASAP. Must love dogs and the earth. Preference for spiritual, No drugs or drama. Hearts of Gold and Wills of Steel. Key words: Dollar collapse, earth changes. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers] would be a good fit.

Wisconsin

PROPERTY CARETAKERS needed. Seeking a caretaker team for a senior housing property located in the heart of Wausau. This team will possess strong customer service, cleaning with attention to detail, and excellent maintenance skills. Our candidates will be required to live on-site in a beautiful two bedroom apartment. Please send your resume or letter of interest to [Contact info available to subscribers]

CARETAKER NEEDED for a Northern Wisconsin home from October to May. Located in a beautiful rural setting, only 30 miles south of Duluth, MN and Lake Superior on 50+ acres. This is a great opportunity for those who love snow and winter weather. Looking for a responsible, financially secure single (woman preferred) or couple to live in the house and care for our property. The caretaker will be responsible for day-to-day maintenance of the house and property including lawn care and snow removal. The ideal candidate can operate and trouble shoot problems with lawn mowers, the snow blower and chainsaw. This is a great opportunity for an artist or writer looking for quiet time in a rural setting. References and background check required. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Wyoming

CAMP CARETAKER WANTED. A full-time position during the summer months, and part-time during the “off-season” is available through The [Contact info available to subscribers], owned by the Lions of Wyoming on Casper Mountain. Responsibilities will include: maintenance, repair, and the upkeep of the Camp facilities and grounds. Basic electrical and mechanical skills are required. On premises for five months. Computer and record keeping skills are also required. Will need to take and coordinate reservations for the Camp, year round and submit regular facility and reservation reports. The salary will be commensurate with experience. This opening is available immediately. To apply, please mail your resume – application to [Contact info available to subscribers]

SNOWED-IN ALPINE WILDERNESS RANCH at 8,200 feet, 50 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming, 22 miles from nearest plowed road, needs a caretaker. Various length stints are available through June 1. Gorgeous scenery, rich wildlife, indoor plumbing, home-generated electricity, wood heating, radio-telephone and satellite internet. Electrical and mechanical savvy a plus. See [Contact info available to subscribers] for pictures. Responsibilities: 1) be there, 2) keep water running, 3) monitor weather station, 4) feed cat, 5) shovel two roofs if snow exceeds three feet. No pay, but we supply food, fuels and “utilities”. Snowmobile not provided. References required. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

Situations-wanted Ads

Dallas, TX – Seeking house sitting assignments in the Dallas area. Very responsible, retired exec and wife. Considering downsizing and a move to Dallas. We own two very nice properties (3,000 sq ft lake house and 3,850 sq ft residence) and will treat your home as our own. Please respond to [Contact info available to subscribers]

House and/or pet-sitting wanted. Single, healthy, female, 63 available. Self-employed Healthy Kitchen Coach. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Couple looking for a long-term caretaking/security position in New Mexico. ISA Certified Arborist/Journeyman Carpenter, and IT/animal caretaker. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Carer. Companion. – Articulate. Well Educated. Culinary expertise. Computer savvy. Your special circumstances will get my skilled services. Anywhere in the world. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Excellent Caretaker/Homecare Provider seeking new assignment: experienced Estate/Home management. Personal assistant. Healthy cooking. Horticulture. Care for your beloved pets. Security presence. Can reside on property. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Cooperative Retirement Community. Elderly man needs help with security. I can provide a variety of personal care service in exchange for security services. Rural, eastern Colorado or anywhere in the U.S. Please write: Resident, [Contact info available to subscribers]

We are a couple in our forties looking to caretake, preferably in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, or Big Sur areas; or Western NY/ PA. We are professional gardeners and love animals. I currently work at a Santa Cruz Garden Center. Able to do high end tree, landscape, vegetable gardening. Good eye for creating a landscape in tune with natural environment. Responsible, clean, and dependable. Please email Kim and David at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Excellent Caretaker Available 9/1. Horse, pet, garden/landscape too. Oregon. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

San Francisco lady seeks long-term living arrangement as a caretaker/companion to a private residence in San Francisco: 15 hours per week of free services in exchange for a caretaker cottage or other private housing. Can be unfurnished. I have 12 years experience in housekeeping, light secretarial, keeping garden tidy and watered, pet care, light cooking, and coordinating maintenance and repairs. I am a mature, educated and stable person who can provide considerate, honest, reliable friendship and assistance, and I enjoy bringing comfort, security and peace of mind to others. Non-smoker. San Francisco references available. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Christian German Man. New, North East. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers].

Mature Canadian Husband and wife team – TESOL certified looking for pay opportunities after January 2013 house sitting/ caretakers/ teaching anywhere. Born and raised country, know the value of hard work and pride in accomplishment and property ownership. Please contact Tim and Sioux – [Contact info available to subscribers]

Caretaker Couple: Passionate about Earth stewardship and Service to Humanity. Wife is RN, massage therapist, colonic therapist. Husband: massage, advanced Craniosacral therapy, excellent handyman, passionate about sustainability, organic gardening, clean, quiet, honest, and reliable. We cook, clean, garden and caretake property, people, and pets. Seeking long-term work/trade arrangement n Northern California, in Napa, Sonoma, or Lake County. Available January 2013. Extensive references available. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Stuart-Hobe Sound-Jupiter Florida. Peace of Mind. Home, vacation and estate house checks, house sitting, property repair. Experienced. References. To learn more, please visit [Contact info available to subscribers]

I am looking for a caretaking position December – March anywhere where the snow does not fly. Wanting relief from long Alaskan winter. Am a 65-year-old strong, capable, willing worker raised on a farm. So I have cow, horse, goat, chicken, and dog experience. Need only minimal living quarters. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Responsible Person seeking house sitting/pet sitting – prefer long-term. I can go anywhere, and would like to explore Alaska, Colorado, South and Northeastern States. Will need to be located close to public transportation. Duties negotiable in exchange for free rent. Please contact [Contact info available to subscribers]

Hello Seattle Area: Professional Alaska camp cook/lodge manager/housekeeper/ ferry naturalist is seeking a caretaker or other position in Puget Sound, SJI or Olympic Peninsula to get better acquainted with the area. Mature, single, non smoker, no pets and unlimited references. Let’s talk: Fran: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Professional couple-mechanical engineer/homebuilder and registered nurse/manager. Seeking three months+ warm weather approximately December 2012 – March 2013. Very flexible, capable, handyman, gardening, caregiver, non-smoking/non-drinkers, basic Spanish, easy going and friendly. Respond to: [Contact info available to subscribers]

Honest dependable couple with farm, ranch, and caretaker experience looking for a caretaker position in New England, NY, or Eastern Washington area. We come with high recommendations. Please contact Steve at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Seeking Reduced Rent for Part-Time Caretaking! You receive 4-8 hours/week of my services, reduced rent and constant occupancy for your property. I receive private bedroom/bath, and caretaking experience. About me: Technology Professional (Network Engineer) working from home five (5) days a week. My job allows working from anywhere in the world, via high-speed Internet and Cellular/Mobile phone access. I bring with me a positive attitude, willingness to learn and my constant curiosity. Partial list of skills: mail/parcel sorting, maintaining pool/spa, securing doors/gates, using and maintaining machinery, basic electrical, healthy and fit for walking around property, great with pets, clean driving record, administrative tasks, computer knowledge, non-smoker, self-motivated, US Citizen with valid passport. Available long-term anywhere within United States or territories, or 1-3 (one to three) months in Western Europe. Please contact Josh: [Contact info available to subscribers].

Storyteller comes complete with beautiful artist and cook. Pleasant and Fun middle-aged couple seeking a position as property caretakers/Estate managers, in exchange for housing and other reasonable compensation. Well rounded and experienced. Skills and talents include mouth watering Country Cooking, maintenance, gardening, cleaning, entertaining, art classes, tour guide, storytelling and a whole basket more. We have experience as innkeepers and fifteen years in the hospitality industry, management, customer service and quality control. We are non-smokers and non-drinkers. Perfect driving records, Dependable, detailed and very reliable hard workers. Outstanding references and resume available upon request. We look forward to hear from you and interview in person. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Professional Energetic/Goal Oriented Couple seeking Property Management/Security Caretaker Career for Private/Vacation Residence, Estate, B&B, or Ranch. Geographically flexible, Excellent Communication/Computer skills, Exceptional Work Ethics and Judgment. Great References available. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

Mature Honest Couple 57 and 55, non-smoker, drug free seeking to caretake your residence or business off season in Alaska. The location between the Kenai and Homer. Both self-starters, He has 37 years in construction, property-management, Handy-man services. She has experience in office and retail work. We have no pets, but can watch yours if necessary. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers]

Going away for the holidays? Professional couple seeking short-term caretaking assignment in the Southeastern PA region during the 2012 holiday season. Looking for rural or suburban locations in the Reading-Allentown-Philadelphia area so we can be closer to family in November/December. Child and pet-friendly. Please contact us at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Retired couple (50’s), seeks house/pet sitting position November/December to mid-January in Western U.S./Coastal British Columbia/Mexico for 3-10 weeks. Our twenty year old blind, deaf cat occupies our Camper. Road access, level parking, plug-in for 4WD Truck Camper and Wi-Fi required. Private setting preferred. Off grid OK. We provide loving pet care, plant watering, light maintenance. We are clean, quiet, 30 years married, financially independent with excellent references. Please email opportunities with photos to [Contact info available to subscribers]

Bright, responsible, professional seeks a holiday house sitting/caretaking situation for all or part of December 22, January 5. Love animals; have references; experienced and joyful traveler. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Semi-retired professional couple with horticulture, farming, financial planning and forestry experience in New Zealand, USA, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda seek a stimulating position in Central or Latin America as caretakers/volunteers/house and pet sitters. We have always had pets, have owned horses and our own homes and are keen gardeners with plenty of experience in home repairs and maintenance. We are also experienced in Africa in transferring technology through “Training of Trainers” and will consider long term volunteer positions that include supervising or training other volunteers. We are currently house sitting in Costa Rica and are accustomed to living in remote places. Please email us at [Contact info available to subscribers] for further details and local references.

Seeking position as a live-in caregiver in the Santa Cruz area. I am a middle aged lady with great organization skills. I am good with children and love animals. My other skills include house cleaning, gardening and cooking. I understand how demanding these days can be and that’s why I would be a great asset to have. Please call [Contact info available to subscribers] after 6pm Monday to Friday and anytime on weekends or email [Contact info available to subscribers]

Responsible professional couple seeking house sitting/petsitting opportunity between January 1-22 in the U.S. or nearby islands. We are non-smokers/non-drinkers employed on a cruise ship as a security officer and a nurse seeking a new environment to explore on our vacation. We are very experienced in taking care of animals and are free to travel anywhere in the U.S or nearby. Please contact Dana at [Contact info available to subscribers].

I am a Rare Jewel. You have finally found a caretaker/companion who is an energetic grandmother with integrity and loyalty being number 1. I am reliable as a House manager, personal assistant, calibrating finances, landscaping challenges, gardening, planning dinner parties from two to 100 people, with menu experience, fine wine, music to compliment the mood, along with the ability to honor your guests as royalty. My personality allows me to engage with diverse people from all over the world, because laughter is the universal language and it make’s others happy. Communication is imperative along with respect for one another. One of my forte’s is saving money. And I like making a difference in others lives. I will take care of your family treasures you have worked so hard to establish your memories with. I am sincere and passionate in all that I do. Life is an adventure. Geographically I am flexible and I have FBI clearance. With my Sterling references, we should at least speak over the phone. At present I am in Northern California, so if I do not answer, leave a message as to when you could call back in the afternoon at 2:00 California Pacific time, so I can be available for you. My email is [Contact info available to subscribers].

French/German-Speaking Europe. Tri-lingual young family (teachers) of four with German citizenship seeks house sitting situation in German or French-speaking Europe for year-long sabbatical Summer-2013 – Summer-2014. Please contact Brian at [Contact info available to subscribers]

Fun, trustworthy, pet professional seeking a “Live in” situation where I can share all of my love and appreciation for animals of all types. (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Birds, etc.). I have over 30 years of pet care experience. “A true Pet Whisperer type”. Pet services provided: exercise with transportation. Walks and Beach trips. Complete grooming care – with equipment. Feeding – Special diets if required. Other services: Home and property care. Gardening, light house work, I like to cook. Throughout the years I have rescued more than 100 pets, and currently have Afghans and Lowchens that are my pack. Excellent references available. Please call Priscilla at [Contact info available to subscribers]

I’m a mature, responsible, dependable, woman with a strong work ethic, seeking a caretaker, house sitter, petsitter position in the warmer climes of the Pacific Northwest (Northern California or Oregon). I come with 20 years experience from my own business, caretaking and cleaning trophy homes in the Colorado Rockies. I enjoy keeping busy and don’t mind solitude as I am a budding writer. I travel with three incredible mousers, keep an immaculate home and thoroughly enjoy working inside and out. I have a great love and respect for animals and nature. Your property and pets will be in competent hands and treated with loving care. I have excellent, verifiable references available and will prove to be a great asset for any setting. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers].

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SUBLET – New York City. One BEDROOM apartment on the Upper West Side. Spacious. November 2012 to June 2013. $1,200 a month. Non-smoking apartment. Must love cats and be a health conscious individual or couple (Buddhist/ Vegetarian cat lover???) two cats. Utilities, Wi-Fi, cable included. Close to two parks. Three elevator Doorman Building. Great natural light. This is a beautiful opportunity for the right person. Please email [Contact info available to subscribers]

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PROPERTY OWNERS and homeowners: If you need to hire help quickly for your property, for $75 you can purchase hundreds of Situations-Wanted Ads published in THE CARETAKER GAZETTE over the past year by experienced property caretaking and house sitting subscribers who are looking for positions now. To order: please call (206) 462-1818 or email caretaker@caretaker.org