Ukiah, CA Caretakers Needed

(Patrice, Ukiah, California)

We are seeking a family or individual(s) interested in sustainable farming and raising own food to live on and work our forty acre property near Ukiah, CA. Our enterprise consists of an organic garden, small greenhouse, milk cow, Jacob sheep, Angora and Cashmere goats. We are raising chickens for meat and eggs, heritage turkeys, Muscovy ducks and geese.



These are some of the skills that would be particularly useful. You should have strength in any three or more of these areas:

Water systems (spring, well, pond)

Pool maintenance

Building

Gardening Fencing

Animal care (milking, rotational grazing)

Lumbering (firewood & tree management)

Solar and alternative energy

Landscape & permaculture

Shearing

Butchering

Cooking

Music

Electrical

Horse care (hoof care)

Website design

Food preservation

Mechanical



We require someone handy with (own) tools and basic repairs and someone with an ability to understand what it takes to respond to needs as they arise on a rural property with modern infrastructure.



We are really seeking self starters, someone who can reason and think for themselves and care for the property as if it were your own. Honesty and reliability are a must. No smokers please or folks with dependencies. Children are welcome, but pets must be discussed individually as there may be some issues with the livestock or livestock guardian dogs.



The work will be flexible, averaging about twenty hours per week, with some projects taking more time and some weeks' workload to be lighter, leaving plenty of time for off-site work or personal pursuits. The property very private but easily accessible - three miles from highway, all paved road, ten minutes north of Hopland.



This is a work exchange position, so you should have an outside source of income. Benefits do include fresh eggs, milk & meat, and food from the garden.



There is an older, refurbished motor home provided for housing or we welcome your own motor home. We have a private flat site available with water and electrical hook-ups and hook-up to satellite computer available. We are able to pay electrical unless your usage is excessive, then with a monthly cap.



To be a good fit, you would have an abiding interest in alternative energy, conservation, organic gardening, sustainable farming/ living, music and/or the arts. We would like a commitment of three to six months, but if mutually compatible, long term.



If interested, please e-mail patriceep@yahoo.com with resume, photos and references. This position is currently available.