Gardner/Handy Person/Couple Team - near Stonington, CT

A wonderful couple with unique health challenges is searching for a dedicated Caretaker/Grounds/Handyman or couple team (will be a part-time role for one member) to care for their 30-acre property (land is a mix of hayfield, wetlands, and forest) and 4,300 sq ft home. Candidates must have knowledge of plants and conservation practices. Salary commensurate with experience and adjacent housing is provided.

The property owner has three physical disabilities that they have crafted a safe living space around:

• RSD/CRPS, a pain syndrome aggravated by hot, cold, airflow, vibration, humidity, and noise.
• A tracheostomy that requires humidity and control of dust and pollen.
• Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) and breathing issues, and she must minimize odors and chemicals. Deodorizer-type smells can’t be tolerated.

Planning projects requires flexibility in thinking and time management. Ideal candidates will be organized and self-motivated and take direction well, have an eye for detail, be willing to get his or her hands dirty, and be involved in jobs big and small.

 Caretaker/Grounds/Handyman needed to work 50 hours a week, flexible schedule. Must be willing to be on-call for occasional emergencies. Responsibilities include grounds maintenance, handyman projects, supervising outside vendors, and working with and filling in for full-time housekeeper as needed.

While there are no formal gardens, the property does have several flower and vegetable gardens. Will be responsible for their care and upkeep as well as the care and management of the rest of the 30-acre property, composed of hayfields, wetlands, and forests. 

50% of the position is grounds work. Pulling weeds, watering plants, or shoveling snow are all duties that are needed daily. Must be willing and able to work in inclement weather conditions. This is a hands-on role and outside vendors are limited. 

Responsibilities and Other Considerations:

Property owners try to keep an organic yard and don’t use chemicals or non-organic pesticides or herbicides. Will be responsible for planning the yard so it is enjoyable through the windows when the property owner can’t be outside (most of the summer). Maintain the yard and property throughout the seasons, including snow removal.

Must be willing to tackle projects from changing lightbulbs to maintaining hurricane shutters to tarring the driveway.

Vendor management. The property owners have some reliable vendors in place (water treatment, mowing, excavation) but their location can make finding vendors difficult. As the property/owner representative and go-between to the public, this candidate is expected to act professionally and with kindness.

Must be willing to assist with pet care. There is an indoor cat and a large dog. Must enjoy animals!

Excellence in communication is essential. Must be a good listener who can learn the intricacies of the job. The property owners need to know how things are going, what work is being done, and have comfortable two-way communications.

The greatest challenge that the property owners see is working around and with their limitations. This means some evening hours are required to accommodate sleep and health issues. A year-round plan is required with longer hours scheduled during the growing season. 

Competitive Salary ($120k+/yr for couple) and benefit package offered. Must be vaccinated for COVID-19 to be considered.