Caretaker Jobs

Caretaker jobs can be a win-win situation for both the employee and the property owner. The caretaker gets an opportunity for employment that includes a place to stay and the owner receives protection for his or her property.

The number and types of caretaker opportunities increases every year as owners realize the benefits of having a caretaker on-site. There are a variety of different types of caretaker jobs, each having different responsibilities. Some of the most popular types of caretakers include:

• Residential property caretaker or house sitter: Homeowners who travel for long periods of time enjoy having a feeling of safety and security with someone living in their home while they are gone. A caretaker living in the home can deter burglaries which might occur if the house is empty for an extended period of time. The caretaker can also take care of the pets, water the plants and provide or arrange for any required maintenance.
• Second home caretaker: A caretaker living in a second home, or on the same property, can provide security on a home that might be vacant for large periods of time. The caretaker can also perform or manage any landscape or maintenance jobs and respond to any emergencies such as a flood or fire. Having a caretaker looking out for the property might also result in lower homeowner's insurance premiums for the owner. Caretakers give the owners the opportunity to use the property at any time, which they could not do if they had rented out the second home.
• Animal caretaker: Some animal owners hire a caretaker for their animals. The caretaker's involvement could range from regularly visiting and walking the dogs, providing pet day care, daily exercising and feeding of boarded animals at a stable or being responsible for a herd of horses or cattle.
• Commercial property caretaker: The owner of a working farm, historic home, school or a small inn may hire a caretaker to help with the day-to-day management of the property. The caretaker may be responsible for specific aspects of the property. The caretaker may also have total responsibility during the evening and on weekends, providing free time for the owner.
• Off-season resort property caretaker: Ski resorts, summer camps, nature retreats and other seasonal properties usually have caretakers living on the property during the "off-season." Their presence can deter thieves and they can be alert for weather-related issues such as frozen pipes or flooding. They may also be asked to provide light maintenance.
• Managers for "gentleman" farmers and ranchers: An owner might not have enough experience or interest in running a farm or a ranch and may hire a live-in caretaker to run all aspects of the property.
• Fire lookout: Many federal and state park and forest services have fire lookout towers located in fire-prone areas. The tower is manned during fire season with a fire lookout that would constantly monitor the surrounding areas looking for fire or smoke.
• Cemetery caretaker: Some owners of remote cemeteries hire caretakers to provide landscaping and security, particularly from vandalism.

Owners and caretakers each benefit from a caretaker job:

Having a caretaker can provide a cost-savings for insurance and maintenance as well as on-site security. The caretaker can:

• Identify necessary maintenance repairs
• Provide repairs or manage contracted outside laborer
• Protect the property against burglaries or break-ins
• Live on the property during the off-season or when the owner is living somewhere else

Being a caretaker has a combination of benefits not often seen in other jobs including the opportunity to:

• Live inexpensively in an area of your choice
• Live rent-free
• Manage your own time
• Set your own priorities

Caretaking is a good job for someone who wants an alternative living environment. It does not take any specific skills or education. Some property owners would like to have a caretaker with specific skills like maintenance, animal care or gardening, but many owners are most interested in hiring someone they trust.

Many caretakers are retired and looking for a short term or long term opportunity to do something useful and enjoyable while they live rent-free in a different environment. Being a caretaker is one of the best jobs for a retiree. Retirees with maintenance and gardening experience can become residential or commercial caretakers. Those with experience in management and customer service can become caretakers at a small inn or bed and breakfast.

Young families with children often find that being caretakers for property owners is an excellent way to minimize their living expenses while they expose their children to a different lifestyle and environment.

Being a caretaker can be an excellent way to get a first-hand understanding of a business or lifestyle. Some caretakers take this as an opportunity to learn about ranching, running an inn, or operating a business while they save their money or look for a business opportunity.

The best place to find a caretaker job is online. There are many online search sites and job boards that provide leads to all types of caretaking jobs:

An owner may list caretaking opportunities on one or several search sites, so it is important to conduct your search on several sites:

• Caretaker-Jobs.com
• Housecarers.com
• The Caretaker Gazette
• Pet-Sitters.biz
• Simply Hired

• Craig's List
• EstateJobs
• Careerjet
• The Caretakers' Website
• Red Goldfish

The best way to find out if this something you would like is to jump in and take a short-term assignment. If you enjoy the responsibility of taking care of property and if you like the flexibility of working independently, caretaking may be the perfect job for you.

• Top Job Search Websites
• Proper Dress for Job Interviews
• Rules for Collecting Unemployment
• Perfect Job Quiz
• Career Choice Quiz

• K-Mart Job Applications
• Sears Online Employment Application
• Target Job Applications
• Taco Bell Job Applications
• Winn-Dixie Employment Application

• Post Office Jobs
• Dance Jobs
• Medical Bill Review Telecommute
• Jobs in Switzerland
• Career Occupation Description