A lucky volunteer willing to look after a historic lighthouse on a gorgeous Northern California peninsula can live rent-free in exchange for their work.
The Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County is hiring someone to take care of the lighthouse and surrounding area for the upcoming fall and winter, according to the National Park Service.
Whoever gets the position will enjoy some pretty sweet perks: They’ll live in a free apartment near the Lighthouse Visitor Center, complete with utilities, internet, basic furnishings, laundry and parking.
The volunteer will also work with a National Park Service ranger and/or another volunteer.
The job runs from Nov. 6 through Feb. 1.
The application for the role says that the purpose of it is “to strengthen the connection with and foster stewardship of Point Reyes National Seashore among park visitors.”
“The volunteer does this by staffing the Lighthouse Visitor Center and the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse as well as roving the immediate area,” the description says.
The volunteer will be expected to work about 30 hours at the lighthouse and its visitor center, talking to people about the area’s history and nature, and making sure the lighthouse remains safe.
“At the lighthouse, the volunteer will give 15-minute talks about it’s history. In the visitor center, the volunteer will sell merchandise using a point-of-sale system as well as answer questions,” the description adds. “Roving involves being available to visitors outside, answering questions, and proactively interacting with them.”
Pets also aren’t allowed, and the volunteer will also need to pay for groceries and provide their own vehicle.
The lighthouse, built in 1870, was meant to alert ships about the Point Reyes Headlands, a dangerous rock formation sticking out into the Pacific Ocean.
It remained in use until 1975, when the US Coast Guard added an automated light and handed over authority of it to the National Park Service.
In 1991, the lighthouse made the National Register of Historic Places list.
To reach the lighthouse today, visitors have to walk Visitor Center before descending down hundreds of stairs, if weather conditions are safe.
To apply for the position, those interested can click here. A background check will be conducted and references will be checked. If selected, training will be provided.
