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Caretaker Needed for Country Property near Portales NM
One to three people are routinely needed (long-term) to care for a 7-acre area within a 160-acre rural property on the
high plains of southeastern NM. Except for the 7-acres, the remaining property is in a soil reserve, meaning that it is
used primarily for soil conservation (erosion control, no grazing).
This is a rent-free living opportunity. No salary is involved. The tasks are such that one person could handle them.
However, having more than one caretaker spreads the tasks, automatically provides additional security, and insures
continuity of knowledge. Having more than one caretaker also allows for a continual presence on an almost 24/7 basis.
We maintain a list of applicants that have a potential interest. Please inquire.
This country property is quiet, safe, secure, serene. The residence is a late model (16'x80') all-electric mobile home with
central heat and air. RV hookups are also available.
Climate is moderate, non-humid, lots of sunshine, occasional light snow in winter.
Please be 100% free of: smoking, all other tobacco, drugs, any illegal items & substances, partying, animals/pets,
children, problematic alcohol, & heavily scented items. Expected behavior is: mature, responsible, respectful,
considerate, clean, tidy, attention-to-detail, & safety-oriented.
Please do not be overloaded with financial commitments or have wants or warrants against you. Two caretakers in the
past were not in touch with reality concerning their financial situation and therefore were unable to continue in the
position because of their financial inability to meet their needs. You will need a reliable vehicle and an outside source of
income that does not require your leaving the property to earn it (in the case of a couple, this may be modified). Paying
jobs closer than Portales are scarce. No customers, sales people, or members of the general public are allowed on the
property. Be able to successfully pass a background review and provide adequate identification. Have a valid drivers
license.
Disabilities are ok if they are compatible with the duties and other people. If you are taking prescription medications, be
willing to discuss their effects on your mental and physical condition.
Garden space is available. Two small enclosed shops. Pure rainwater catchment system with ample storage capacity. A
simple method is provided to purify drinking water that exceeds municipal standards. A 3600 sq ft enclosed shop is
nearly completed that can be used for non-destructive, relatively clean hobbies, projects and storage.
Duties are primarily mowing, driveway maintenance, weed control and minor maintenance of structures, minor fencing
repairs, and assistance with completion of the 3600 sq ft enclosed shop. Duties are moderate. You will have plenty of
time to pursue your interests. A tractor is available for mowing of grounds and maintaining the driveway (about 4 times
per year).
Skills: use of hand tools, light carpentry, light electrical, light plumbing repairs, grounds keeping, minor mechanical,
operation and maintenance of small tractor and its implements. If you are a couple, one of you should have the needed
skills. Some flexibility may apply regarding your skill-set.
Your being able to exercise initiative and follow through with tasks is important. Once orientation is completed, our
hope is that you will be able to operate mostly on your own without frequent guidance. Several times in the past, we
have had to assume almost a parenting role.... this is contrary to caretaking principles and stresses all concerned.
Questions are always welcome and guidance is always availble if needed.
You would pay for your own electricity. If desired, you can activate land line dial-up internet for about $20 per month.
The owner will provide local land line phone service (a $40/mo. value). If you wish, you can activate and pay for
satellite TV and satellite internet. Only two cell phone services provide "coverage" here: T-Mobile and Plateau Wireless.
Security deposit is $100 and electric deposit is $50 (both are returnable if all is well).
You will need to bring your own linens, blankets, cooking/eating utensils, hand tools (if you have them), etc. A washer
and dryer are available on-site. Back-up systems for most critical items exist. A 24-hour convenience store with fuel is 5
miles distant.
Serious shopping is 30 miles distant in Portales via interstate-type highway. The property owner lives in Portales. Very
little traffic exists. This property can be purchased, although a sale in the near future is highly unlikely due to market
conditions and other factors. A potential buyer would typically want additional on-site help.
Many rural areas are not mapped properly, especially this property. MapQuest and similar mapping endeavors will
typically produce misleading, erroneous, false results. That includes this property. If you want accurate info, ask the
owner, not the internet.
Please do not feel obligated to respond to this email unless you have a definite interest in this position. When emailing
us for more details, please use jfeb@yucca.net . Or call John, 575-226-6440. If your call does not go through, it might
be necessary to put *82 in front of our phone number.
Please do not send us anything as an attachment, just place all items in the body of your email.
Approximations are below for utilities assuming you are not sharing expenses with another person.
NOTE the different options.........
>Electricity = $50 to $160/mo. The owner contributes a total of $50 per month toward electricity (pro-rated among
caretakers). The owner pays for outdoor security lights.
>Cell phone = $20 to $50/mo (2 options: with or without contract. T-Mobile and Plateau Wireless are the only
companies that consider this area to be their local area. Alltel, now assimilated by Verizon, falsifies their local area.)
>Land phone line = provided by owner in the larger of the accommodations (a $40/mo value)
>Land line dial-up internet (slow) = $20/mo
>Satellite internet = $65 to $80/mo
>Satellite TV (requires a contract) = $35 and up/mo
>Antenna TV = free, but reception is not great and is limited to 2 or 3 channels
Having a phone (either cell or land line) is a must for this position. Recall that the owner provides a land-line at no cost
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