Caretaker Couple - Oliver, BC

Long term position for a mature, vibrant, non-smoking caretaker couple, to look after and maintain our large vacation rental house and property, on a 5 acre vineyard in the South Okanagan.

We are a friendly, flexible and trustworthy couple, looking for caretakers who share these same qualities.

Caretaker's private character (1940’s) house is a comfortable, newly painted home, with a propane fireplace in living-room, cozy dining room, newly renovated bathroom w/shower only & heated floor, A/C, dishwasher, filtered water & water softener, fridge, stove, fir floors, large rec room w/heated floor, storage room with washer/dryer, garage/workshop w/additional fridge. 

This is not a full time job, so if you work at home, and have (or find) a position with flexible hours, it's additional yearly income.  Rent for caretaker’s house is $1000 per month, but we're also open to trade for labour done during our busy season.  Caretaker’s house has separate grounds with lawn and garden areas to be maintained by occupants without remuneration.

If interested, there is an opportunity to work in the vineyard and learn most aspects of viticulture.  This work starts as early as February with pruning, and then general vine maintenance straight through to harvest in the fall.  Pay for this would be at base rate on a trial basis.  Terms to be discussed.

Opportunity for caretakers to holiday in the winter, as little work is needed on the property during this time.  We rarely rent the guest house between November and April. 

No sub-lease of the caretaker house, and a caretaker's employment contract will apply.

This position is not suitable for more than 2 people.  No more than 2 cars at the caretaker residence (boat will be considered).

Pet(s) will be considered.

Due to time constraints, only Canadian citizens need apply, as position is available as soon as October 1, 2013.

Job Responsibilities:

Maintaining the exterior and interior of the guest house, and entire property to maintain standards and efficiency

Cleaning guest house between arrivals and departures mainly in the spring, summer & fall

Identifying maintenance and repair projects (an asset if able to do repairs)

Lawn-mowing (riding), weed-whacking, gardening, small repairs, and possibly some snow removal (generally very little snow in the area)

General handyman services and facilities, including knowledge of carpentry, irrigation, water softening systems, minor pool cleaning: (pool robot does most), etc.  Ability to operate small power tools, hand tools, weed-whacker etc.

May require some scheduling and supervision of household installations, trades and vendors for interior & exterior and seasonal projects

Vacation rental calendar management in conjunction with owners

Greeting of guests on arrival dates would be an asset, but not required.

Additional assets would be the ability to operate, maintain and repair (or arrange for) a variety of farm equipment such as a field tractor, vineyard lawn tractor, golf cart and trailer

Handling of special requests and related duties as needed

Job Requirements:

Maintaining the exterior of the house and property, along with cleaning the guest house between arrivals and departures, is the main priority, and these days vary.  Flexibility of schedule is seldom needed, but may need flexibility to work different days or different hours.  Must be available on Sundays as well.  Guest house booking schedule is generally known well in advance.

Previous caretaker experience an asset

Must speak and write English fluently

This is a working vineyard, so caretaker couple must be early morning people, especially if participating in vineyard work (as described above).

Exceptional organizational skills, with good management skills and great attention to detail. 

Be professional, polished, and maintain confidentiality at all times

Strong work ethic, communication skills, proactive and ability to anticipate

Ability to work independently and/or as part of a team under minimal direction

Experience in hands-on household work and knowledge of most areas of property maintenance

Must be physically able to handle general property maintenance work and cleaning duties

Must have own vehicles and valid driver’s licenses

Honest and committed mature couple who are self-starters, can multitask and have strong problem solving skills

Strong follow-through from start to finish on projects, and the flexibility to work outside of strict job description parameters

Must have basic computer skills to communicate with owners by email, and also the ability to fill in an Excel spreadsheet (provided) with hours worked.

Cellular phone is a very important asset; must be able to text message, and have open communication with employers on a regular basis.

Job Salary:

$20 per hour for cleaning

$15 per hour for all other work

We provide Workers Compensation

Please note: 

We pay $15 per hour, and the going rate in the Okanagan Valley is $11 - $13 per hour. 

See Kelowna/Okanagan "general labour jobs" postings on Craigslist to clarify.