Looking for an uncommon getaway this summer that doesn’t break the bank?
Consider a caretaking position.
No—I don’t mean caretaking someONE (although that is an undeniably noble effort). I was actually talking about caretaking a place.
As it happens, prosperous property owners around the country are always on the lookout for reliable people to help keep their homes and ranches in working order while they’re away—and those homes and ranches are generally in stunning locations.
A website called Caretaker-jobs.com provides a forum where caretakers and property owners can make a match. Here are a few of the listings I found on a quick search:
Seasonal Ranch Help Needed for Housekeeping and Grounds keeping in Glacier Park, Montana.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service via Wikimedia Commons
Caretaker Hosts Needed for Rustic Mountain Lodge in Whitepine, Colorado.
Photo by rjones0856 via Wikimedia Commons
Property and Farm Manager for Organic Farm and Garden in Priest River, Idaho.
Photo by S.hammarlund via Wikimedia Commons
Caretaker or Caretaker Couple in San Juan Islands, Washington.
Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management via Wikimedia Commons
Shall I twist your arm?
These kinds of positions make me nostalgic for my days in the Idaho backcountry … but I digress.
If you’re getting excited, don’t let the moment pass. Hop over and check out the details of these and other enticing opportunities at Caretaker-jobs.com.
This is a perfect opportunity for the experience of a lifetime! We are visiting Glacier National Park for the first time in late July and I can hardly wait to see it. What a fun experience this would be for a college student who is looking for a summer challenge mostly paid for and see a part of the US they have never seen before.
Priest River?!? I lived the best year of my childhood in that little town. Nostalgia, indeed!
Back when I was fresh out of college and didn’t have a clue about what to do with my life I took a job as what was called at that time ” estate manager”. I ran a 1200 acre estate in the gorgeous , scenic White Mountains of northern New Hampshire. Out west, 1200 acres may not seem like a lot but there in New England that was a sizable property ! I did it all, I did have a useless odd job man but it was mostly just me, and the boss when he was home occasionally . An early 1700’s house and barn, and an early 1800’s house and barn .And the dearest late 1600’s stone cottage. All drywall stone walls dividing the meadows but mostly deep forest, some said it was virgin but I doubt it . But it was old growth. The older frame house was completey furnished in period country antiques and the other house was empty mostly. The big barn was fixed up by a previous owner to look like a Japanese home with paper walls and such ( all inside to look like a traditional Japanese home but actually the real barn was there too.) The previous owner had been a rare book collector , so the barn had about 15,000+ volumes. I spent all my free time there, especially that long snowy NH winter. I probably will never live anywhere that lovely or poetic again. I learned to cook on a wood burning stove ( the eccentric boss wouldn’t let me use the electric range!) I did a lot of target shooting with the bosses antique firearms . I became quite an ” Annie Oakley” . Much more to tell of, but suffice it say I learned more in that one year than any other in my life. To be a ” caretaker” is a great opportunity for anyone .
This sounds like book material to me? How about it?????
Oh my MJ ! I have been working on the ” Great American Novel ” for years now. Got enough stories to fill more than one book, that I can assure you. Just need to change the names to “protect the innocent” as they always said on ” Dragnet”.
Well, that’s good news. It’s easy enough to change names. Maybe even yours if it’s spicy enough:) Seriously, the world would be a better place if you gave us a book. Put me on your waiting list.
My daughter just accepted an interior design internship in Bozeman, and now is looking for lodging for 2 months. This could be a wonderful opportunity for her! She’s used to working at a ranch-style campground for the past 5 years – not afraid to get dirt under her nails!!