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Northern Maine: Take care of a beautiful home in exchange for housing and utilities.

I've accepted a job in New Mexico and I need to sell my home in Saint Francis, Maine. Saint Franics is an international border town across the river from Canada. You would live in the house and take care of it until it sells. The real estate agent would call you at least 24 hours before any showing takes place.

You don't need to help directly with showings, just make sure the home is clean and tidy before any prospective buyer and the real estate agent arrives. During each showing you can go over to the next town (Fort Kent) for grocery shopping, visiting the bookstore, restaurants, etc., for 45 minutes to an hour, so the real estate agent and prospective buyer can have privacy to view all aspects of the property. The home has been on the market for two months and only one showing so far, so not a lot of action, but might be a bit more in the spring and summer. Houses sometimes sit for a year or more before selling in this area, but of course there are exceptions. It had been on the market for about 18 months when I bought it. So who knows. Could sell in 3 months or take more than a year, it's really hard to know.

Utilities will be paid for:

Electric

Heating oil

High-speed internet

Water

Saint Francis has a self-serve transfer station for garbage. There is a drop-off point about a 5 minute drive from the house. It is open on Saturdays. You can arrange for weekly garbage pickup at home, but I have never used that service. By the time you wheel the garbage bin to the end of the driveway (and then have to wheel it back after pick-up), you essentially could have driven to the transfer station and dropped it off yourself in a few minutes. However, to get to the transfer station, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended during the winter because it's at the top of a rather steep hill, so if you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, the pick-up service is recommended. A few people do brave the hill with 2 wheel drive, but it can be pretty dicey depending on the amount of snowfall. The road is plowed every snowfall (local taxes hard at work) but the last bit of the road to the transfer station isn't salted because it's not paved so it amounts to driving on packed snow. Some people who have 2 wheel drive stack garbage bags in the garage during winter and let them freeze, and then take it all to the transfer station in the spring.

The house is partially furnished and it is being sold with the furniture in place, so no need to bring anything other than blankets and pillows. Furnishings are as follows:

Big screen smart TV (65") with internet

Recliner couch

Kitchen table and chairs

Refrigerator

Various kitchen appliances

Minimal / basic dishes and utensils

Toaster

Microwave

Stovetop range and standard oven

Brand new large capacity Washer

Dryer

Lazy Boy reading recliner

Dresser

Bookshelf

Computer Desk with 21 inch monitors x 3

Console stand

Boot bench in the mudroom

Small couch in the all-season porch

2 cots in the master bedroom (a larger inflatable bed for better comfort is also available, but is not set up at present).

The nearest town with a large grocery store is Fort Kent, about 20 minutes away. https://stores.hannaford.com/me/fort-kent/8453

Fort Kent also has a small ski area called Lonesome Pines: https://www.lonesomepines.org/

Because it's pretty remote up here, labor is in high demand and there are several places that are always looking for workers (grocery store, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc.). My wife got offered a job the same day she applied at the restaurant she works at. The home is also suitable for remote work. High speed internet 150MB download / 20MB upload is provided by Spectrum internet. There is a Wi-Fi router as well as hardwire ethernet.

The house has a built-in dog door connected to a fenced kennel, and there is an amazing hiking trail right behind the house that has beautiful views of the Saint John river. https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/saint-john-valley-heritage-trail

Every year on March 1st there is a sled dog race on the trail, and it is super fun to watch. https://can-am-crown.net/home.php

Duties and expectations:

1. Shovel the driveway every time it snows, and keep the For Sale sign clear of snow. (snow shovels and rock salt are in the enclosed all-season porch)

2. Keep the entry ways clear of snow and periodically sprinkle rock salt so that prospective buyers can access the property safely (and for your own safety).

3. Keep the home clean and tidy. Coordinate with the real estate agent for showings.

4. Drip the faucets at night if the temperature is expected to drop below 20 F so the well inlet pipe doesn't freeze.

5. Mow the lawn once per week in the spring/summer/fall months. Manual push mower is in the garage. It's a relatively small lawn and doesn't take much time. Alternatively, my neighbor 2 doors down to the east offers mowing service at 100 dollars per month (25 dollars per cut, so it's 125 dollars for months that have 5 Saturdays instead of 4). I'd like to avoid that cost if possible, but if you have health issues that would make manual mowing an issue, maybe we could split the cost or you could pay the neighbor to do it.

6. Watch out for moose and deer on the roads. It is a relatively high-hit area. I've had three near misses the last two years.

7. Enjoy the beauty of the area, explore the Heritage Trail, Togue Pond wilderness area, Saint John River, Can-Am Sled Dog Race, The Bogan Bookstore, Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park; apply at post office in Fort Kent for international passports so you can explore Edmunston Canada, Quebec, Montreal, Nova Scotia, and other nearby attractions, to get the most out of the Northern Maine experience.

8. Optional: if things turn out to be longer term, I might convert the shed behind the garage into a chicken coop to have seasonal fresh eggs during for Airbnb purposes, as well as putting in raised planters in the back yard for potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, garlic, squash, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, applies, plumbs, and a beehive. I would pay for materials, tools, livestock, and seeds, and you would do the labor.

Potential conversion into an Airbnb approach:

If we get 3 to 6 months into the caretaking effort and the house hasn't sold yet, one idea is to list the house on Airbnb so the rental income could start helping me pay the monthly mortgage. In the summer and fall months there are quite a few hunters and fishermen that come north and short terms rentals are in relatively high demand for those months. In that case, you would be the Airbnb hosts who live in the house, and the guests would have the master bedroom and master bathroom + extra bedroom, and you would have the smaller guest bedroom and guest bathroom on rental nights. You would be the cleaning crew for the home after the guests leave, and I would pay you for that service as well as give you part of the profits from the rental, and you would also be free to use and live in all areas of the home during the days and nights when there isn't an active Airbnb reservation.

However, I'm not entirely sure about the Airbnb idea. Might be more trouble than it's worth. Or it might be a really profitable and good way to have a long term caretaking situation, who knows. I am open to keeping the property long term if it turns out that the Aribnb idea works out. After 3-6 months we can discuss that option and see if you are liking the area and if you want the caretaking adventure to be long term+ Airbnb hosting. And if yes, we will test out the Airbnb for a season, and see if we can make a profit or at least break even on the mortgage vs. rental income, at which point I would make a decision whether to take the home off the market and do the Airbnd approach long term.

If you don't favor the Airbnb idea, we can keep it simple and just do the straightforward caretaking duties until the home sells.

FEATURED JOB OPENING: Ranch Caretaker Couple - Central AZ

We are currently looking for a dedicated and experienced Caretaker couple for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind 100 acre private property located central Arizona. As capable and hardworking Property Caretakers, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of our property. We are looking for a couple that has the skill sets, attitude and aptitude to help maintain, and in some cases, restore this historic property. This beautiful desert ranch setting will feel secluded, but is just a 25 minute drive to Cottonwood or Oak Creek, less than an hour to Sedona/Flagstaff and an hour and a half from Phoenix.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Conduct daily inspections of the property and facilities to identify and resolve maintenance or security issues
Daily feeding of ranch animals
All proper care necessary for a small head of cattle
Perform regular cleaning and upkeep of all grounds, including irrigation, landscaping and pool maintenance (basic training available for pool maintenance)
Conduct property improvements: hay fields, fencing, etc.
Conduct general repairs and maintenance tasks
Regular cleaning of the main house and guest accommodations
Coordinate with the owner for larger maintenance projects and services
Coordinate on-site contractor visits as needed
Maintain an organized inventory of supplies and equipment
Report any significant issues to the Property owner promptly

Required Qualifications:

Previous experience in property maintenance or facilities management
Previous experience in operating heavy equipment
Must be self motivated and have the capability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and perform physical labor
Must be able to successfully complete a criminal records check
Applicants must have no drug or alcohol abuse concerns

Ideal Candidates:

Strong attention to detail and time management skills
Demonstrated ability to accomplish most minor tasks without direct management involvement
Previous experience in carpentry, welding, mechanical components, plumbing and basic electrical are strong assets
Previous experience working on farm and with cattle
Must be able to work independently and safely
Physical ability to perform demanding tasks, including lifting and outdoor work
Good communication and interpersonal skills with a basic understanding of how to use computers and the internet to support business functions

In addition to your salary, we will provide on site housing, mobile phone service, streaming television, basic health care and all utilities, including Starlink Wi-Fi as part of your employment.

Couple’s salary: Depends on experience, but will be a flat monthly salary with the opportunity for additional performance bonuses.

Work Camping Couple - De Pere (Green Bay area), WI

Apple Creek Campground near Green Bay, WI, is seeking a professional, friendly, and outgoing couple to assist with the daily operations of the Campground. The couple will be customer-focused, have great communication skills, and have a variety of campground knowledge/experience.

The couple will reside at the Campground (on a Campground-provided RV site), from April through October, and report to the Manager. This position will be a part-time, non-exempt employee with 28 hours per week per person. Salary is $15/hour per person.

Manager Couple - Garland, TX

SELF - STORAGE MANAGERS (COUPLES) NEEDED

SEND RESUMES FOR BOTH PEOPLE APPLYING

U-Stor Self Storage is one of the best storage facilities in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Sizes vary from 5x5 to 10x30. We are looking for a manager and assistant manager couple to live on site at the property. Applicants are required to live on the property and should have experience in sales, marketing, bookkeeping, minor computer skills, and maintenance. We are looking for a very friendly, enthusiastic couple that will be able to meet the public well and be able to fill up the vacant units. Friendly, outgoing personality will be a big factor in our decision. We will need an independent person that is good at meeting people and will take initiative to make acquaintances throughout the community. The manager and assistant manager will work as a team to cover the office hours (Monday through Saturday 10-6) and to clean and take care of the property. There will be some light maintenance which will include cleaning units, repairing drywall, picking up trash, etc. We are looking for a long term, stable arrangement. The property is very nice and comes with a 2-bedroom 1-bath apartment that includes all utilities and appliances. One small pet is okay, however, there is a $500.00 pet deposit.

PLEASE SEND RESUMES FOR BOTH PEOPLE APPLYING!!

Health insurance is not offered for this position.

Duties and responsibilities of the Storage Manager and Assistant Manager

Leasing units
Marketing nearby businesses, houses, apartments
Give “Knock your socks off” customer service
Collections and Delinquencies
Light maintenance – repairing drywall, picking up trash, cleaning units, etc.
Arrange and schedule marketing
Answer phone calls and convert them into visits to the property.
Make community connections and contacts
Promote Referral program
Cover the office hours of 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM – Monday through Saturday

Amenities

- Apartment – 2-bedroom 1-bath apartment approx. 1000 square feet in size. Office is attached to the apartment. All appliances are furnished in the apartment including washer and dryer. Attached one car garage.

- Gas allowance – Due to making daily bank deposits, we provide a gas allowance of $100.00 per month.

- Electric, water, trash are included.

- Holidays are paid. These holidays included are Memorial Day, 4^th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

- Two days off a week/If we have the coverage

- No commute time.

Gross yearly non cash compensation	$30,384.00
Gross yearly cash compensation	$38,220.00

- $68,604.00 per yr for the manager and assistant manager combination

- Paid every other week.

- One small pet is okay. ($500 non-refundable deposit required)

- $1000.00 apartment deposit required upon hiring (refundable)

Deposit for apartment can be paid with Gas check

PLEASE SEND RESUMES FOR BOTH PEOPLE APPLYING!!

Requirements for the Manager and Assistant Manager

Sales Experience needed.
Reliable.
Honest.
Friendly.
No Mini Storage Experience necessary.

FEATURED JOB OPENING: Two Full-time Caretakers needed on Georgia Barrier Island. Salaried position with private housing - Savannah, GA

We are seeking two individuals to live and work on-site as caretakers for a private, off-grid vacation property located within a National Wildlife Refuge. Accessible only by boat, the property offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for those with a passion for remote living and hands-on work. This position is available for a couple or two individuals able to live together.

Key Requirements and Details:

One member of the caretaker couple MUST have experience operating vessels in coastal waters with significant tidal currents.
Boat captains are responsible for ferrying passengers to and from the island using both 25’ (12-passenger) and 19’ (6-passenger) boats.
Caretakers will collaborate with the managing caretaker couple. Caretakers are the only year-round residents of the island.
Both individuals must be comfortable living and working in shared spaces with common areas.

About the Property:

• The 180-acre compound includes four historic family vacation homes, two caretaker residences, three swimming pools, and multiple structures. We also host researchers and volunteers in two small cabins during the summer months.

• The island is completely off-grid, powered by solar energy and three diesel generators. Water is supplied by a well and pump. All other resources are transported by boat.

• Public access to the island is limited to day-use areas managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); private property is off-limits to the public.

Caretaker Responsibilities:

• Maintenance and Repair: Includes upkeep of historic homes, bridges, docks, 20+ miles of roads and trails, and various outbuildings.

• Facilities Maintenance: Monthly servicing of boats, diesel generators, solar array, a small fleet of pickup trucks, groundskeeping and recreational equipment.

• Troubleshooting plumbing, electrical, propane, and appliance issues as needed.

• Firewood Management: Collecting, splitting, and preparing firewood.

• Hospitality-style interactions: Transporting luggage and groceries, addressing repairs during guest stays, answering questions, and assisting with outings.

• Housekeeping: Provide turnover cleaning of homes between guest stays and perform deep seasonal cleanings as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Annual salary: $28,000 per individual (paid bi-weekly).

• Health insurance and benefits package including bonuses, simple IRA, phone and vacation stipends.

• A private, two-bedroom cottage is provided on the island (pet-friendly).

• Gated parking is provided on the mainland.

If you’re ready for a unique, off-grid lifestyle in a stunning natural environment and have the skills and experience required, we’d love to hear from you!

FEATURED JOB OPENING: On-Site Property Hosts - Dunsmuir, CA

Position Summary

Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge, (the soon-to-be name of the enterprise currently known as Railroad Park Resort -- https://www.rrpark.com), is seeking an energetic, hospitality-minded couple, (or two close friends/roommates), who believe in the transformative power of service to play a vital role in hosting our unique lodging and campground operations.

We are located amidst the magical wilderness of Mount Shasta, at the eastern gateway to the “Klamath Knot”, a global biodiversity hotspot. We are in a densely-forested, spring-fed valley, at the base of a Jurassic-period crystalline rock formation and State Park, connected to the Pacific Crest Trail! Our property features historic caboose lodging, vintage cabins, a farm-to-table restaurant, scenic campground facilities, a year round stream, a meadow for events, and connection to myriad hiking trails.

With new ownership by Jubilee College, this is a moment of culture shift, new guests, new activities, and new ways to heal the land and serve the people. This position offers an opportunity to join a team managing our distinctive 43-acre property, where every interaction is seen as a chance to create meaningful connections and contribute to our guests' joy, well-being, and experience in nature. The ideal candidates will have a can-do attitude, creativity, and an ability to not only learn systems, but to build and improve them, as well as a desire to create new activities across diverse situations. Candidates should thrive at pitching-in wherever useful across lodging, campground, housekeeping, guest services, including dreaming up new star-gazing evenings, setting up the big screen for “movies in the meadow”, flipping pancakes in the campground, rescuing middle-of-the-night lock outs (!), and welcoming people at the front desk to one of the most magical places in the world! Candidates should love this region, the values of the College, and relish the opportunity to practice kindness & service with guests who come our way.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

This two year position includes year-round on-site lodging.

The position is quite busy for six months of the year, and slower with more space for personal exploration, during the other half of the year!

FULL TIME: High season, April 15-October 15: (Wednesday to Sunday),

PART TIME: Low season, October 16 - April 14: 3 days per week (Friday to Sunday)

Three (3) weeks vacation in January, February or March!

Onsite Lodging Operations

Support the Lodging Manager across lodging, campground, and all activities
Support the hosting of large groups and special events
Look for ways to bring values of service, equity, magic, and sustainability into all operations
Work shifts at the front desk to welcome guests, share local area recommendations with enthusiasm and insider knowledge, and schedule reservations with warmth and attention to detail
Develop and manage inventory systems tbd, possibly to include guest activities & events, housekeeping, and the Mystic Market, while ensuring quality and sustainability
Conduct quality checks of accommodations with an eye for both cleanliness and guest delight
Collaborate with Facilities Manager & night security Manager to enhance guest comfort
Enhance processes for cleanliness and safety as expressions of care
Look for opportunities to build and improve on all processes and systems - from software to recycling - for ease and efficacy for our guests, and for our team
Foster a positive work environment and team culture

Guest Engagement & Hosting:

Interact with guests proactively. Create magical moments that exceed guest expectations. Connect them to adventures, activities and volunteer opportunities in the region.
Host and create special activities (movies in the meadow, live music, nature hikes, Awakin circles)
Foster an environment where guests feel truly welcomed, valued, and delighted to be here

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Available to start by March 2025
Excellent written and verbal communication
Can-do, willing to pitch-in, energetic, positive, enjoys people!
Problem-solving / decision-making in fast-paced hospitality environment
Very basic handyman skills - able to assess issues/make connections
Peace-maker who sees the good in others; able to diffuse tensions
Diversity of lived experience that expands our team!'
Strong computer skills (Google Workspace & Canva)
Valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle

Physical requirements:

Ability to move throughout the property, including outdoor terrain, climb stairs frequently, and occasionally lift items (up to 50 pounds)
Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions throughout four distinct seasons
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

Training in Hospitality, Business, or related field
Proficiency in property management software (training provided)
Experience with historic properties or unique accommodations
Knowledge of Northern California tourism industry
Background in events management, catering, or wedding coordination
Basic maintenance and handyperson skills
Ability to speak another language

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $20/hour per person
Free Housing: 750 sq ft partially furnished one-bedroom second-story apartment above the Mystic Market / Gift Shop, (valued at $1000/month)
Includes all utilities (electricity, water, internet)
Pet-friendly with approval (breed/size restrictions apply)
Private entrance, dedicated parking space, and a scenic view from all windows
Paid time off: three weeks vacation in either Jan, Feb or March
Paid sick leave
Employee discounts: dining and retail
Professional development allowance

Schedule & Availability

Primary schedule:
40 hours per week, typically Wednesday-Sunday during high season (April 15-Oct 15)
24 hours per week, typically Friday-Sunday, from Oct 16 to April 14.
On-call responsibilities:
Evening on-call phone coverage (8pm-8am) for approximately 4 days per week. Collaborate with the Night Audit/Security Guard for additional coverage.
Rotating holiday and weekend emergency coverage (shared with other managers)
Flexibility for special events and seasonal peak periods

More about the Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge

Jubilee Railroad is a truly unique property located amidst the magical wilderness of Mount Shasta, in a densely-forested valley just beside Castle Crags State Park. Our property has been a top north state vacation destination where guests can eat, play, and stay. We have earned Tripadvisor “Certificate of Excellence” property and a strong and loyal customer base.

Our property consists of:

Lodging: 23 custom train caboose hotel rooms and 4 vintage cabins
Food: A full service restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hosting: A gift shop, and four apartments/houses for events
Camping: A 45 space RV park and tent campground with game room and camp store
Swimming & More: A pool/hot tub, river, ponds, a dog park, playground, snowshoe rentals, and other beautiful amenities
Views: Castle Crags and forest lands

Our one-of-a-kind wilderness lodge property is located in the town of Dunsmuir, a small 1600-person community situated within one of the most beautiful places on Earth. We acknowledge and give thanks to the land on which we live and work, and to the Nom Ti Pom Wintu people who cared for this place for thousands of years. We have four distinct seasons - snowy winters, flower-filled springs, hot summers for swimming, and colorful changing leaves in the fall.

In 2024, the non-profit Jubilee College (https://jubilee.college), purchased Railroad Park Resort & The Dining Car restaurant, which has been beloved locally for 56 years, and has received top reviews from both guests and critics alike. Jubilee College is a new, small two-year liberal arts school designed for a diverse community of young people who believe that a better world is possible and who want to reach for it with others, to create it. The College is rooted in physical work, rigorous study, and contemplative practice.

We will not only be continuing to operate the resort (under the new name of Jubilee Railroad) and restaurant, but we have intentions to greatly expand both, as a hub and center in in northern California for sacred hospitality, great food, and living in ways that restore earth and community.

We aim to put much greater attention on the health of the lands, water and forests of our valley, to begin sourcing from regional farms and suppliers and to choose foods that are more indigenous to this place. We will build deeper partnerships with the local community and businesses, and serve as a welcoming joyful place for diverse visitors and guests from around the world. We will invest in more environmentally-sound building, energy, water and waste practices, and to both live and inspire a spirit of hospitality and care with our team and with all of our guests.

The first 28-person class of students at Jubilee College will start in the fall of 2026, and a part of their program will be to help maintain the campus as well as to support employees in expanding and deepening the resort. Student housing will be built in new facilities up the valley behind the resort. College classes will be held in downtown Dunsmuir in a remodeled 20,000 square foot building - formerly the elementary school. College students, faculty, and fellows will bike between the resort and downtown, contributing to the town’s increased economic, social, and artistic vitality.

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