Multi-Talented Caretaker Couple for Farm in Mountains of Western North Carolina - Waynesville, NC

Seeking an experienced, strong, energetic, organized, and self-directed working couple with a positive attitude to maintain private residence, grounds, equipment, organic farm and livestock in scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Salary and home are provided. Job commences September 1, 2014.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary jobs include but are not limited to animal care, gardening, and landscape maintenance.  At least one member of couple should have horse/livestock care and handling skills (vet tech and barefoot trimming would be a plus), knowledge of vegetable gardening, tractor and mower operation and basic maintenance, basic computer abilities.  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 outside service agents in order to maintain a secure, courteous, and pleasant environment. Required computer skills include email, Google research, and expense recording in Microsoft Excel or Word.

Animal care:  Horses (4), llamas (6-10), sheep (7-10), 3 goats, 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. 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, 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 chores, and interior/exterior cleaning of windows and interior woodwork.  Will need to learn the basics of the computer controlled lighting, sound system, TVs and entry gate.  Maintain the domestic water and generators. Manage special projects as directed by owner.

Equipment maintenance:   Arrange for maintenance and repair service for owner’s vehicle and farm truck, ATVs, Ventrac mower and tractor, power and yard tools, in addition to keeping equipment clean and fueled. Responsible for delivery or pickup of equipment to be repaired, or arrange for such to be done.

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 assistance from laborer and part-time owner presence). The couple (only) will reside in the caretaker home that is provided, with a limited number of pets. Keep both houses and yards in clean and orderly condition. Perform other duties as may be assigned. Typical work day is 8:00-5:00, beginning with feeding, checking with owners to plan activities. Weekends and holidays off except for feeding and rare occasional, part-time weekend work with comp time.

Must be non-smokers, no illegal drugs, but light social drinking 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 more horses is possible.