JOB SPECIFICATION
Fixed-Term Island Caretaker Positions (2 Available)
Fixed Term – 12 months to commence on 2nd January 2025
We are instructed by the Owner of a Private Island located off the Coast of Ireland in an area of outstanding natural beauty, to seek two Island Caretakers for a fixed term Contract of one year.
This unique role offers an adventurous, off-the-grid lifestyle in one of Ireland’s most breathtaking locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Property Maintenance: Routine repairs, upkeep of facilities, and managing essential systems (water, heating, electricity).
- Housekeeping
- Cooking
- Gardening and Landscaping: Maintaining outdoor areas and managing grasslands/agriculture as needed.
- Animal Care: Caring for animals or livestock (Dogs, Horses, Cattle) ensuring their wellbeing.
- Health, Safety, and Security: Enforcing safety protocols, conducting equipment checks, and managing security.
- Communication: Regular reporting to the owner’s solicitors/agents
- Hosting visitors and contractors as required.
· Working Hours: Up to 48 hours per week, with shifts structured to comply with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, including adequate rest periods and breaks. On-call duties may be required but are balanced with appropriate time off. Due to the nature of the role, which includes unpredictable environmental conditions and property maintenance, the caretaker is expected to maintain a degree of flexibility. However, all deviations from standard hours will comply with the legal requirements for rest and maximum working time as per the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Overtime will only be required in exceptional circumstances and compensated with time off in accordance with the Organsiation of working Time Act 1997.
· Basic financial accounting tasks including recording cash inflows and outflows in ledgers promptly and accurately, maintaining and organising receipts for all expenses and payments, and managing a petty cash book for minor daily expenses. It includes preparing basic income and expense summaries for property operations, tracking and reconciling utility bills and other recurring expenses, and systematically filing invoices and payment records for auditing and reference. Additional responsibilities include assisting with budget planning for maintenance and repair costs, periodically reporting financial status to property owners or managers, and handling ancillary tasks such as monitoring overdue payments and coordinating reimbursements.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Fluency in English and/or German and/or Mandarin
- Experience in property maintenance, gardening, and basic repairs
- Comfortable living in a remote environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills, physical fitness, and proficient English.
- Citizens of the EEA (the EU, plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein), Switzerland and the UK, can live and work in Ireland without an employment permit. If you are from a country outside of the EEA, Switzerland and the UK, you need permission to live and work in Ireland
Desirable Skills
Experience in swimming, diving, sailing
Certifications (i.e, First Aid, Manual Handling, Water Safety).
Agricultural/Marine/Mechanical/Electrical Qualification.
Key Attributes
- Motivated, adaptable, resilient, and team oriented.
Unique Considerations
- These roles may suit a couple or duo seeking a unique lifestyle.
- Fully furnished staff accommodation is provided, including utilities (electricity, heating, water, WiFi).
- Monthly food allowance of €200 per person to cover pantry staples and essentials.
- Candidates must be aware of limited access to conveniences due to the island’s remote nature and must be highly organised.
- The roles may not be suitable for families with school-going children due to the lack of schools and amenities on the island. Travel to and from the mainland is weather dependent particularly during the winter months.
- Salary is commensurate with experience
If you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and can meet the demands of this rewarding role, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact: To request an application form, please email [email protected] and mark “Caretaker Position” in the Subject Bar.
Role of Hammerstones Solicitors
PLEASE NOTE that Hammerstones is not the employer for this position and act solely as the owner’s appointed agent for managing various legal and administrative responsibilities associated with their property assets. Hammerstones Solicitors are overseeing this recruitment process only on behalf of the owner. All employment arrangements and responsibilities will be directly with the owner of the island.
