Caretaker

Farm Caretaker

Are you interested in being self-sufficient, livening off the land, good at fixing things, enjoy cutting wood, wood working, gardening and being outside year-round? Able to see the big picture and work towards long term goals while maintain the daily routine. If any or all of this sounds good, we might be right for you.

Small farm seeking Jack or Jill of all trades needed for a volunteer caretaker position (no money will change hands) in exchange for free rent and utilities (electric, WIFI, and water; propane not included, farm products are a possibility). 25-40hrs a week based on working style, your needs and the farming needs- flexible. Stand-alone studio style building renovated 6 years ago in an amazing location, less than 10ft from a brook with private pond in North Stonington CT. Located on a mid to small sized farm that does agrotourism. No animal experience needed... but will occasionally be working with them.

Must be able to pass a background check.

Must have good professional references.

Must be drug free and willing to take a drug test upon request.

Must be trustworthy.

Must be self-motivated and honest.

Must have alternate legal means of income as well as own health insurance.

Must have own transportation.

Must work well alone and with others.

Must be able to work outdoors enthusiastically in the cold and heat

Our idea candidate should able to communicate well and often, work on their own primarily and with others as needed, identify issues, solve them, document your hours. Be conscientious of others, and able to effectively communicate and take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others. Guidance will be given as to priorities, but caretaker will have to make judgment calls based on changing conditions and seasons at the farm.

Work includes everything you can think of for caretaking - general maintenance, grounds keeper, and more... Activities will include cutting trees, splitting wood, building, repairs, painting, stone work, fence repair, fence moving, fence building, water level adjustments, irrigation moving, weeding, mowing, weed whacking, weeding, planting, machine maintenance, animal feeding, stall cleaning, etc. Must be able to operate or willing to learn to operate a chainsaw, wood splitter, table saw, chop saw, hand tools, tractor, riding mower, weed whacker, gator, ATV etc... The job may require occasional animal care, laundry, cleaning. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and mechanic experience a plus.

Our ideal candidate is someone who is an early riser, has a flexible schedule to work around the weather, is handy, easy going, loves to be in the outdoors regardless of the weather and has a positive attitude. Someone who wants to produce their own food, be sustainable and contribute to the community. Property is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with fishing and hunting, and a wood workers dream, if you like building things with sawmill off cuts.

Thus far what we have found works best is someone in good physical shape that likes to keep busy, has a passive income that they are looking to make go farther (such as retired), loves the idea of being self-sufficient & sustainable and willing to work around the weather adjusting their schedule accordingly. Military service and Eagle Scout are a plus. Couples welcome.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Application Question(s):

• Do you have an alternate means of legal income and health insurance which will enable you to volunteer at the farm.
• Willingness to use a chainsaw & wood splitter.
• Can you do basic carpentry (use a table saw and chop saw) or willingness to learn.
• Can you do basic plumbing or electrical, or willingness to learn.
• Operate a tractor, gator, lawn mower, weed wacker, or willingness to learn.

Experience:

• Groundskeeping: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person