Multi-Talented Caretaker Couple for Farm in Western NC - Waynesville, NC

SUMMARY

Seeking an honest, experienced, strong, energetic, organized, and self-directed working couple with a positive attitude to serve as Farm Managers, maintain livestock, mountaintop farm, grounds, and equipment in Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Salary and home are provided.  Job commences approximately June 22, 2016.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to animal care, gardening, and landscape maintenance.  At least one member of couple should have livestock/horse care and handling skills (vet tech and barefoot trimming would be a plus), knowledge of vegetable gardening, tractor and mower operation and basic mechanical maintenance, basic computer/ Internet skills.  Must be self-starters, have ability to see what needs to be done, and work well with or without supervision. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential to cooperate with family members and their guests, as well as with other employees and service contractors in order to maintain a secure, cooperative, and pleasant working environment. Required computer skills include email, Google research, and expense recording in Microsoft Excel or Word.

Animal care:  Horses (3), llamas (6-10), sheep (6), 5 goats, 8-10 chickens, 2 livestock guardian dogs, and barn cat; require cleaning, feeding, ordering supplies, basic first-aid, and keeping track of veterinary needs and administering maintenance meds; purchase and storage of animal supplies and feed, including hay. Occasionally supervise visiting grandchildren’s use of horses.

Gardening and landscaping:  Help with planning and growing an organic vegetable garden; care of the landscaping along the drive and around the two houses to include mowing, weeding, weed-whacking, raking, chain sawing, leaf-blowing, mulching, and pruning; keeping driveway, ditches and drains cleared, assisting in the removal of dead trees.

House maintenance:  Misc. routine care, minor repairs, basic care of water and heating systems including basic maintenance (changing filters), minor troubleshooting, and turning system off and on depending on the season and owner occupancy. Schedule and supervise outside contractors for basic housekeeping, pest control, and various repairmen.  Will need to learn the basics of the computer controlled lighting, sound system, TVs and entry gate.  Maintain the domestic water system and back-up electric generators. Manage special projects as requested by owner.

Equipment maintenance:   Arrange for maintenance and repair service for owner’s vehicle and farm truck, ATVs, Ventrac mower and farm tractor, chain saws and yard tools, in addition to keeping equipment clean and fueled.

Financial:  Responsible for maintaining checking account and credit card for expenses directly related to farm and owners’ home.  Keep check book balanced, keep a record of receipts and provide a spreadsheet monthly showing related expenses.

General:  Provide a presence as security for entire property. Perform all required grounds-keeping with participation of owner and full-time helper). The couple (only) will reside in the caretaker home that is provided, with a limited number of pets. Keep both properties and yards in clean and orderly condition. Perform other duties as may be assigned. Typical work day is 8 hours for the man and 6 for the woman, beginning with feeding, checking with owners to plan activities. Weekends and holidays off except for feeding (and occasional weekend tasks offset with comp time). Must be non-smokers, no illegal drugs, but light social drinking is acceptable.  No children. Separate timber frame house, salary and access to pickup truck provided as needed.  Salary depends on experience. Pasturing and barn for two horses is possible.