historic farm caretaker

August 18, 2010 in Work + Land opportunities

Overview: The City of Auburn is seeking applications for Caretaker, Mary Olson Farm. The Mary Olson Farm dates from 1879 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

This 70+ acre property includes seven historic buildings, a stream, 100+ year old orchard, gardens, pastures and dense forests.  It is managed as a limited use City of Auburn Park by the White River Valley Museum. The caretaker reports directly to the Museum Director.Lease in Trade for Work:  The Caretaker is responsible for the following tasks which will vary with the seasons and with the uses of the Farm. The lease calls for approximately 29 hours a month from October to April/May and up to a total of 83 hours monthly during the summer of labor by the caretaker performing the following tasks:

1.      Trim grass around buildings monthly during growing season.
2.      Care for chickens and set out water and food for feral cat colony on daily basis.
3.      Feed, water and provide general care for two cows and two horses, move to pasture and to barn as needed, remove manure to compost bins, daily.
4.      Meet with Museum staff at least monthly.
5.      Work some weekends, staff special events, coordinate facility rental (weddings, parties, etc) and other duties as assigned. Summer weekend work anticipated.
6.      Weed, water and care for farmhouse gardens.
7.      Other work-related jobs as requested.
8.      Be available when necessary to perform above tasks.
9.      Understand and follow directions from supervisor, posted work rules and procedures.

The City of Auburn provides the following in trade for performing the
caretaker’s duties.

1.      Mobile home, 12 x 60 feet located at the Mary Olson Farm.
2.      Utilities to include water, septic, and garbage (at the nearby golf course).

Qualifications:  Possess skills handling livestock, including awareness of issues of health and daily care; ability to tend gardens; ability to meet and work with the public, providing exceptional customer service, and ability to speak appropriately to individuals of different ages and backgrounds; physically able to walk or hike on uneven outdoor surfaces on the farm, carry up to 50  pounds for short distances, bend and use hands to perform and complete above tasks in a timely manner; meet commitments of both time and effort; and has a devotion to history, historic preservation, farming or the environment, and shows initiative in performing job responsibilities. The caretaker is not an employee of the City and receives no benefits.  He/She must maintain his/her tax records; no cash is exchanged as part of this lease.

Application Process:  To apply please submit a letter of interest, resume and any other supporting material to the City of Auburn Human Resources Department , Auburn city hall, 25 W. Main Street, Auburn, Washington 98001.
The position is open until filled.

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