FEATURED JOB OPENING: Farm Caretaker Couple to manage a private farmstead in southeastern Washington State - Benge, WA

Seeking part-time farm caretaker couple to replace retiring owners. The farm has been in family for 106 years. Farmland has been leased out for production. Requiring a couple to take our place as long term caretakers and protectors of the buildings, grounds, land and equipment. Couple should be comfortable living in a semi-private location next to a paved road. This location is semi-arid with four distinct seasons. Temperatures range from -20 degrees to 115 degrees. Small grade school with one on one instruction is 7 miles away, with two K-12 schools within 20 miles. 

One of the couple would need to seek part or full time employment in one of the surrounding towns or possibly work from home for a basic income. The other would be required to work on the homestead four days a week in trade for use of a very nice well maintained, large 3 bedroom, furnished, 1960's brick rancher home, with radient heat and air conditioning. The remainder of the week could be dedicated to the development of business opportunities for the caretakers. We currently have a big game hunting operation in place. The development of an upland shooting preserve, sporting clays range or an agri-tourism operation is possible. These opportunities and several others exist depending on how hard you are willing to work. We would enjoy discussing these options with you and are open to ideas. We also have a large heated shop which is used for machinery maintenance, overhaul and service work year round. No livestock to feed or care for.

JOB RESPOSIBILITIES:

- Operation of JD and Cat tractors for field mowing, snow removal, fire control, field road grading and maintenance.

- Building maintenance, basic painting, plumbing, hvac systems, water softeners, electrical, carpentry, mechanical, machinery maintenance, servicing and cleaning.

- Field inspections for invasive weeds and cereal grain rye using 4 wheelers, pickups and on foot. Field GPS mapping and fence repair.

- Chemical application of roads, yard areas, spot spraying and weed patches and record keeping.

- Landscape maintenance, mowing, edging, tree pruning,fertilizer, pesticide application and rodent control.

- Grain bin and seed plant cleaning and maintenance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates will require the following skill sets with an agricultural background.

- Experience in business operations.

- Experience in merchandising and sales.

- Experience in computer application and bookkeeping.

- Chemical application experience and abilitiy to obtain pesticide licenscing.

- Basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, welding, carpentry, plumbing, painting, heating and a/c systems.

- Landscaping and irrigation knowledge.

- Must be able to lift 75 pounds

- Requires 10-12 hours per day/4 days.

- Candidates must be able to take directions and work unsupervised, staying on task, finishing projects in a timely matter.

**Landowner can provide training and assistance with some of these required qualifications. Also, this position requires that one be physically capable to work outdoors in most weather conditions. Canidates must be able to work within the USA and provide professional references/resumes. They must have a clean driver's record and possess a valid driver's license. A drug/alcohol/tobacco free history is required. A background check and drug testing will be conducted for a pre-employment analysis. Must have reliable transportation and be able to afford fuel, licensce and insurance for vehicle. Must have ability to pay utilities on home provided. Please No Pets. House intended for candidates use only.We are looking for couples that are experienced, reputible, dedicated, hard working, loyal, honest with no drama. Individuals that are clean, neat, focused, safe, punctual and reliable. This is a long- term opportunity for the right couple. Please respond with resumes and a brief explanation of why you feel best suited for this position. Serious inquiries only.