Caretaker jobs in Canada

The Caretakers role is to control and perform the essential operational tasks during non-tourism and maintenance periods/projects. This role is intended for a couple, partners, friends, or colleagues looking to work together. Please apply on behalf of both parties. Caretakers provide the communication link between site and administration, keep records and various physical and administrative tasks required to operate. It is your responsibility to oversee all site operations to the standards and policies outlined by Arctic Kingdom and Blachford Lake Lodge.

Duties will be focused all around the site but will focus primarily on the day-to-day functions that affect both current maintenance plans and preparing for future guest operations at Blachford Lake Lodge. Opportunity to participate in activities outside the site can be participated in at your discretion, when possible, if it doesn’t compromise your safety as limited individuals on site.

Please note that this is a general job description that is different in winter/spring/summer/fall. Some responsibilities may not be applicable to every season.

Working in an off-grid community environment requires flexibility, communication and the expectation that no day is the same. There are job requirements that may not be listed here. Days and work can be challenging and sometimes unexpected in this off-grid environment, and are not always regular hours. No day is the same, but you have the opportunity to work in one of the most magical locations on earth.

Reports To:

Blachford Project Management Team

• The caretakers are in an interim management position. It is important to always lead by example, and maintain a positive attitude, despite possible challenges. There may or may not be additional staff to manage/coordinate.
• Always support the Management team to ensure success of the property by providing expertise and assisting with decisions when needed.
• Relieve other staff members on their days off.
• Adhere to community living and have a respect and awareness of general lodge practices and functions.
• Diplomatically meet with all contractors, visitors, inspectors, staff; and ensure needs are being met to their satisfaction and Arctic Kingdom’s standards.
• Be aware of and communicate the various available programming of both Blachford Lake Lodge and Arctic Kingdom to guests, contractors, visitors and staff.

• The safety of all personnel on site is your responsibility first and foremost at all times.
• Ensure to complete the daily check in with the designated communication party.
• Plan for contingencies and be well prepared in the event of an emergency.
• Ensure all staff, visitors and contractors that visit and stay at the site have been given a comprehensive welcome orientation and site tour upon arrival on site.
• Practice emergency preparedness with staff and guests.
• Ensure all safety, medical and firearms equipment are properly stored, handled and maintained, and that proper use and location of equipment is known by staff and clients (if applicable).
• Ensure all health and/or medical issues are addressed promptly, according to recognized standards of care, and Incident Reports are completed (at time of incident) and filed (post trip).
• Provide pre-plane/heli weather reports to expediting team and flight operator. Keep all records.
• Site management risks include the possibility of fire, risk of injury or property damage due to extreme weather, risk of injury due to equipment malfunction, fuel spills, etc.
• Site contingency planning and emergency preparedness are the responsibilities of the Systems Manager.
• Ensure proper gun safety throughout the camp.
• Ensure wildlife, waste and spill safety plans are carried out.

• Ensure strong familiarization with all site equipment in order to facilitate or assist in setup and breakdown as well as in daily maintenance and/or repair activities.
• Lead or direct inventory control of all camp assets.
• Be accountable for the proper handling, maintenance, repair and storage of equipment.
• Ensure that camp facilities (washrooms, guest quarters, common areas, etc.) are adequately maintained, safe for use and clean following Arctic Kingdom and Blachford Lake Lodge’s standard operating procedures.
• Be responsible for the ordering, purchasing and receipt of local goods in coordination with the expediting team and the Management Team.
• Follow all existing procedures for lodge and site operations.
• Any changes to procedures and expectations must be brought to and approved by the management team.

• Responsible for ordering, purchasing and receiving all lodge, systems and construction related supplies, parts and needs while maintaining ALL receipts and order history in the appropriate online folders and drives.
• Control inventory of all maintenance and equipment assets, including (but not limited to) fuel, shelters, power systems, heating systems, electrical, tools, etc.

• Ensure all structures are set up, cleaned, and maintained to withstand different seasons and ensure that their structural integrity is sound. Schedule repairs and upgrades as needed.
• Ensure structures are visually esthetically pleasing to guests and staff from all outdoor and indoor angles.
• Keep all site equipment stored properly, and basic inventory up to date.
• Ensure the set up and regular maintenance of all site systems: hot tub with chemical needs, bathroom sinks, toilets and showers; heaters; generators and electrical outlets; incinerator; kitchen ranges and heaters.
• Follow standards listed in the fuel management plan, waste management plan, and water management plan.
• Provide environmental and water samples for hot tub and drinking water on a regular basis. Maintain clear and constant communication with expediting team in Yellowknife and Blachford Lake Lodge administration team over all sampling.
• Ensure equipment standards for the wildlife safety plan are followed.

• Maintaining trails
• Roll necessary hiking trails from lodge for guest use.
• Brush cutting
• Flagging
• Signage
• Snowshoeing/packing of trails
• Snowmobile trails
• Gear and accessory maintenance and upkeep
• Break and maintain trails
• Lake
• Docks
• Boats and lake markers
• Maps
• Portages
• Upkeep the same as all trails on system
• Wood stock
• Both in and out of camp as required
• Coordinate kindling
• Sourcing, hauling and mapping

• Maintain air strip and heli pad as necessary. At times this may require testing of ice conditions, clearing snow, and treeing pathways.
• Brief all staff, visitors and contractors on how to operate safely around aircrafts and assign duties to other staff members for loading and unloading of both fixed wing and non-fixed wing aircraft.
• Plan and execute with Lodge Manager any specific needs for various groups arriving/departing site.
• Work and communicate with expediting team any specific freight handling or needs.
• Deliver baggage and freight.
• Maintain a kind, welcoming demeanor with all guests and airline staff.

• Prior to the signing of your contract there may be small projects and or renovations that need to be completed during the caretaker's duration on site.
• These will be tasked to you based on discussed abilities or you will be given the adequate support to be able to complete the necessary upgrades.
• Projects and requirements will be laid out by the management team and owners.

• Supervise, and report to the management team regarding any concerns that might warrant discipline and terminate site staff and or contractors as required.
• Assign hours of work and tasks for additional site staff and contractors to ensure camps are operational at Arctic Kingdom and Blachford Lake Lodge standards at all times.
• Provide training to the site staff and or contractors for their roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure all staff accommodation is kept tidy and reputable.
• Ensure staff members adhere to smoking, drug and alcohol policies as well as community living policies.

• Champion warm welcomes and fond farewells for all visitors, staff, contractors etc whenever arriving/departing site.
• Report all feedback and notable experiences with management team.

• Doing regular dishes and maintaining a clean food safe kitchen at all times.
• Taking care of your personal food needs, ordering, storage, rationing, prep etc. in co-ordination with/under the Head Chef.
• Food service as needed: planning, preparing, cooking and providing meals for additional staff, site visits, contractors for varying periods of stays, Etc.

• Our relationship and reputations with our Indigenous guides and international guests are important relationships that Arctic Kingdom and Blachford Lake Lodge constantly foster and work to develop. It is important that our Caretakers work to foster these relationships, showing respect, equality, and cultural awareness and sensitivity to all persons and cultural diversity involved in all aspects of the operation.

• Be in good physical condition and capable of lifting heavy loads.
• Have a healthy mental standing for isolation in remote locations for extended periods.
• Working long hours and being available for work extended periods in challenging conditions is common.

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Previous experience off grid caretaking/off grid living required
• Basic systems and maintenance skills required

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Any relevant certificates

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Blachford Lake Lodge is located on Chief Drygeese territory, the traditional land of Yellowknives Dene First Nation Akaitcho, Treaty 8 territory.