Seeking Caretaker Couple to Manage Private Island - Egmont, BC

ISLAND CARETAKERS, EGMONT, BC

Position: We are seeking two mature caretakers in good health with reputable references for a live in full time salary position. Ideal for a nature loving couple who are hard workers and committed to exceptional hospitality. The right candidates are motivated to learn the multiple aspects of the property and take on new challenges with commitment and professionalism.

Location: A private island and residence with modern infrastructure systems off the coast of Egmont, BC, Canada. Knowledge of the local area and terrain would be an asset.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITES / REQUIREMENTS:

• General Maintenance: Responsible for overseeing all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural and water collecting systems as well as AV/Stereos/TV and Internet systems.  Equipment and tool management and maintenance. Includes but not limited to land vehicles, construction/landscaping equipment, tractors, golf carts, generators, solar power equipment, tools related to carpentry, electrical, etc. Hot tub and sauna care and maintenance. Capable of troubleshooting problems arising within the scope of all the systems in place and having a general understanding to enable performing repairs to all of them. 

• Security: Monitoring security systems and emergency preparedness in the event of property damage, fire, or injury to occupants and visitors on Island. Constant physical presence on Island and being vigilant of activities on and around Island. 

• Competent boat operator:  Required to be available to chauffeur owners and visitors, housekeepers, tradespeople performing repairs/maintenance to Island. Possess sufficient mechanical knowledge to perform basic maintenance and repairs to boats. Experience with small boat operation, routine outboard maintenance, knowledge of marine safety & navigation.  Must possess have a BC Boaters License.

• Water Systems Knowledge : Ability to manage and maintain potable and irrigation water system including desalinating equipment.  Management of septic systems. Managing the water systems on the Island is imperative and requires constant attention year-round to ensure adequate water supply at all times.

• Grounds, Gardening, and Yard Maintenance:
  • General construction and carpentry knowledge. Occasional small construction projects.
  • Landscaping and gardening both creation and maintenance of vegetable garden, annual flower/shrub ordering and installation and care of a multitude of potted flowers is required. A green thumb preferred.
  • Duties includes eaves trough cleaning, pressure washing of decks, exterior window washing.  Externally this includes clean up after windstorms, spring and fall clean-up of property, beach clean-up and general maintenance of the property. 
  • Organize and removal of all garbage and recycling.
  • Firewood collection, chainsaw operation and some wood splitting.
  • Outdoor furniture cleaning
  • Maintain tennis and pickle ball courts. Winterize before dew and frost, get summer ready when weather appropriate.
  • Painting and staining – buildings and decks. Some light outdoor art/sculpture upkeep and cleaning.

• Operations Management: Strong organizational and leadership skills, ability to recruit, hire, motivate, manage and supervise seasonal workers. Proficiency with technology including computers, cell phones, Wifi, internet research, record keeping, completing and filing ongoing reports. Light accounting duties including invoice approval and time sheet management. Various required tasks and errands as required by owners during both the on and off season. Eagerness to learn and take ownership of duties and the property. Attention to detail, diligence and a strong work ethic is a must.

• Hospitality: Cleaning and maintenance of building interiors and laundry. Incredible care and attention to detail for the furnishings and home. Potential seasonal cooking. Seasonal entertaining assistance as well as turnover cleaning during the guest season in the summer months. Guest preparation and hospitality style interactions. Yearly supply inventory, sorting/organizing and ordering support as needed. Preparedness for when the owners arrive is required including seasonal deep cleaning. Opening of the house, some grocery trips and assisting guests are requested occasionally.

• Overall: Must be dependable, adaptable, self- starters and keen problem solvers. Willing to learn new skills as well as provide guidance to others. Must work well with others and be a team player. Have the ability to communicate effectively, constructively and timely. Know when you ask assistance from appropriate individuals. Behave in a professional, collaborative manner regardless of personal beliefs. Always act as good ambassadors within the local community.

• • Flexible work schedule as the roles are not always Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm.
  • Up to date First Aid Certification would be an asset.
  • Ability to lift 30 to 50 lbs
  • Non-smoking, drug-free workplace.
  • Discretion and confidentiality agreement required.
  • Must have a valid BC Drivers License with a clean drivers abstract
    • Must currently hold status to legally work in Canada

BENEFITS AND HOUSING:

Compensation commensurate with experience. Caretakers to reside in a fully, newly furnished 1 bedroom house with utilities provided. Pet friendly.

INTRODUCTION TO THE OWNERS:

               The island is privately owned by a prominent Vancouver business owner and family. They reside in Vancouver. The owners frequent the island mainly in the summer months of June – September (with occasional off-season visits) due to work commitments and other travel schedules. During their time on the island, they love to welcome their extended family & friends to spend time together, enjoy all the island has to offer and have fun. An important entertaining element of the island is the invitation of key business associates for relationship building. This requires an element of confidentially and extra attention. Family and friends, enjoying life and experiences are very important to them. Their priorities on the island are to make memories, laugh and unwind.

ISLAND SCHEDULE:

The island is used seasonally with opening weekend being the May long weekend each year. During the fall, winter and early spring months, maintenance, upkeep and prepping for the summer season is required in order to meet the opening weekend deadline. Summertime, the island is occupied by the owner with lots of hosting. Both friends, family and business associates are entertained on the island during the open season.