Opportunity for lease and utilities in trade for work at a 4Culture-supported, south county landmark!

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 90 to 140 hours a month (greater in the summer) of labor by the caretaker performing these tasks:

  1. Trim grass around buildings monthly during growing season.
  2. Care for chickens on a daily basis.
  3. Set out water and food for feral cat colony on daily basis.
  4. Feed, water and generally care for two cows and two horses, move to pasture and to barn as needed, remove manure to compost bins, daily.
  5. Meet with Museum staff at least monthly.
  6. Work weekends, staff special events, facility rentals and other duties as assigned. Much summer and weekend work.
  7. Weed, water and care for farmhouse gardens, hops demonstration garden, vegetable garden, and water orchard as needed during dry season.
  8. Odd jobs as requested.

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, electric and garbage (at the nearby golf course).

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess skills handling livestock, including awareness of issues of health and daily care; will enjoy tending vegetable and flower gardens; is able to meet and work with the public providing exceptional customer service, speaking appropriately to individuals of different ages and backgrounds; is physically able to walk or hike on uneven out door surfaces, carry 30+ pounds, bend and use his/her hands; has a good work ethic, meets commitments of both time and effort; and has a devotion to history, historic preservation, farming or the environment. The caretaker must maintain his/her own tax records, and no cash is exchanged as part of this lease.


Application Process: Fill out a City of Auburn employment application, available on line at www.ci.auburn.wa.us or at Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main St. Auburn, WA 98002, Human Resources office, first floor, or by calling 253-931-3040 to request an application by mail. The lease is open and applications are accepted until it is filled.

© courtesy of 4Culture, Chickens at Mary Olson Farm, 2008