Remote - Historic Lodge in Alaska Wilderness - Looking for Caretaker Couple - AK

Hi there,

We are looking for a hardworking, self-motivated couple for a seasonal or year-round position as caretakers of our Lodge. This a unique opportunity to live at Alaska's oldest hunting and recreation lodge, established in 1937.  Our Lodge is a fly-in only lodge (off the road system) and is located 125 miles from Anchorage (the nearest city).  The lodge is made up of 12 log cabins and several other sheds situated on 5 acres of private property.  There is no other private property or neighbors close by, it's a self-sufficient type situation, we produce our own electricity by diesel generator and have our own well and septic.  The lodge hosts high-end guests and provides first class service for hunting and eco-tour clientele on a seasonal basis.

JOB DESCRIPTION / TASKS: 

     We require year round caretakers but have broken it down into three 4-month segments.  You may apply for any combination of seasons.  The primary tasks are feeding the horses each morning and reporting the weather five to seven times a day for the FAA (studying, passing a test and becoming certified is required for this), as well as general lodge maintenance of the buildings and generator.  At a remote self-sufficient operation like this it is impossible to list all scenarios / tasks that may occur.  Having someone who is capable, creative and can figure out how to make things work until proper support arrives is key.  The lodge is powered by diesel generator and we have satellite systems for the phone, internet and tv.  These positions require people who are self-motivated, detail oriented, hard workers who can look around for themselves to see what needs to be done to make things better.  Maintenance, mechanical, and cooking skills are very helpful.  Other tasks may include: pumping fuel, unloading airplanes, splitting firewood (hydraulic log splitter), shoveling snow, cleaning lodge facilities and guest rooms.  Some physical strength is required as horse feed bags weigh 50lbs, fuel containers weigh about 100lbs and propane tanks weigh about 180lbs.  Again it is impossible to list all potential tasks that may arise.  

SEASONS:
     OCT - JAN:  This is the quietest time of the year, with not much if any other staff around.  Not many guests, but some snowmachiners may travel through that require fuel, housing, or meals.  Some guided trips and trapping excursions may occur toward the end of January as well.  Self entertainment and a good relationship with your partner is key during this time of year.  It is a very peaceful and relaxing time of year.
     FEB - MAY:  This is a fun and busy time of year with the winter races that come through our lodge:  Iditarod, Iron Dog, and Iditarod Trail Invitational.  Keeping the maintenance going, opening and closing buildings for use, caring for guests, housekeeping and cooking are some of the expanded activities during this time.  We also provide winter tours and ptarmigan hunting.  Additional staff and guides come out to help with these events as well as stock all our out camps and cut firewood for the upcoming season. 
     JUN - SEP:  This is also a fun and busy time of year with our youth camp for at-risk boys, summer guests in June and July and hunting season in August and September.  Keeping the maintenance going, caring for our guests, house keeping, helping with cooking, closing down the buildings at the end of the season, and meat care are some of the expanded activities during this time of year.  This time period is when we are fully staffed. 

COMPENSATION:

   Compensation includes room and board and utilities a monthly paycheck as well as seasonal gratuities, and will vary depending on experience and seasonal time of the year and will be discussed at time of interview.

QUALITIES / SKILLS:

     We are looking for a couple that is hard working, self-sufficient, personable, positive, problem solvers who can think outside the box to make things work.  Our company mantra is: "Attitude is Everything!"  Additional skills that can help are mechanical, horse experience, cleaning, cooking, plumbing, electrical, hospitality and service, as well as snow machine experience.  We turn the power (generator) off at night and have limited internet along with satellite tv.  The satellite internet is good for email and basic web browsing but not good enough to stream videos.  Keeping entertained with just the two of you is important during the off-season.  We need caretakers who are trust worthy and don't have substance abuse issues, criminal records, or are "running" from something.  We would prefer just the two of you, please no pets.  We are a non-smoking, non-marijuana, non-drug facility.

Thank you for your time and interest.

God Bless,

Steve Perrins II