FEATURED JOB OPENING: Caretaker Couple sought for Historic Ranch in Arizona

We are new owners of a historic ranch outside of Oracle (mile marker 196.4 on the Arizona Trail (AZT)). We're in need of a skilled caretaker couple to join us at the 3.2-acre ranch. We're looking for shorter-term but could be long-term. It could be a great opportunity for someone needing to get back to rural living (perhaps missing their hiking days)/needing space to do some thinking. Room & board included. See below.

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The historic High Jinks Ranch is recruiting a caretaking couple. We are in the midst of a significant rehabilitation of the property while at the same time renting out rooms for overnight guests. Details below.

Where: High Jinks Ranch (Oracle, Arizona)

About: The historic and rustic High Jinks Ranch is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains southeast of Oracle, Arizona. The 3.2-acre ranch was founded in 1912 by Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody who staked the High Jinks Gold Mine at the site. The ranch provides unsurpassed opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and stargazing. Surrounded by the Coronado National Forest, this National Historic Registered site is a gateway to the Arizona Trail (AZT), an 800-mile (1,300 km) trail that traverses the north-south length of Arizona. The ranch serves as a popular water replenishment station for horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. The ranch is a one-hour drive from Tucson and Saguaro National Park and a two-hour drive from Phoenix. As of January 2022, High Jinks Ranch is renting overnight accommodations via hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/arizona/high-jinks-ranch.

Job Description: We are looking for a skilled caretaking couple who have a positive and proactive approach to work, an appreciation of the historic nature of the property, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service to join our friendly team. We are looking for caretakers who can help to create a space for our guests’ spiritual grounding and rejuvenation. The caretakers will be responsible for on-site, day-to-day management of various in-home and external maintenance projects on the property. They will help keep the property safe (from wildlife and troublemakers) as well as clean and hospitable for staff, paying overnight guests, and our pets (currently cats). The key to this role will be to ensure that the general maintenance, cleaning of guest rooms, and security of the ranch is upheld to a high standard. Our successful candidates will have previous caretaking experience and be able to use their initiative to work independently, communicate effectively, and work well in teams to ensure the upkeep of the ranch.

Start date: Target start date is by February 22, 2022 (in time for AZT Spring hiking season). There will be a four-month contract with opportunity to extend.

Hours: Up to 40 hours per week

Salary: Free rent and utilities, free wifi, $200/month food allowance, 50% of guest room cleaning fees ($15-$25/per room), and 5% of rental fees (you can see on hipcamp.com the overnight accomodations we have). The ideal candidates will have an RV and can work with us to set up the best spot for the RV. We will set-up electrical and septic hook-up.