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SalaryA rare opportunity for a proactive and passionate Caravan & Camping Park Manager/Caretaker to make the beautiful Crystal Waters EcoVillage their home.
The Crystal Waters Co-operative (‘the Co-op’) is a unique, non-profit community organisation within the Crystal Waters EcoVillage. The Co-op manages various facilities and services to support the community's social, educational and entrepreneurial endeavours. We host an array of events, from educational workshops to lively music gatherings, catering to both temporary guests and residents.
Our EcoPark, a registered Caravan/Accommodation facility, is a haven for visitors seeking a connection with nature and community.
We are on the lookout for an On-site EcoPark Manager/Caretaker with exceptional interpersonal skills and a positive can-do attitude, who will be responsible for the overall operation and management of the park.
Ideally, we are looking for candidates who are experienced, organised and understand Camping and Caravan Park operations, with a positive outlook to resolving issues.
This is a very hands-on role, managing all guest arrivals, departures, onsite reservations and overseeing cleaning and maintenance.
This role is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle choice that offers the rare chance to live and work in the heart of Crystal Waters EcoVillage, a natural paradise teeming with native flora, fauna and birdlife.
This is a part-time position commencing as soon as practicable. The successful applicant will reside onsite in a furnished one-bedroom standalone cabin.
About the workplace
Crystal Waters EcoVillage is located in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It is set in 640 acres of bushland at the headwaters of the Mary River, 25 minutes’ drive from Maleny.
Established in 1987 as the world’s first permaculture village, Crystal Waters received the 1996 World Habitat Award for its pioneering work in demonstrating new ways of sustainable living.
The Crystal Waters Co-operative is a non-profit community organisation operating mainly through the involvement of members as volunteers. It owns two commercial lots within Crystal Waters EcoVillage, one of which is the Ecopark.
The EcoPark provides both short-term and semi-permanent accommodation for visitors attending courses, the markets, music events, workshops and other events, as well as holiday makers to the Sunshine Coast, school groups etc.
About the role
This is a hands-on role in the day-to-day operation of the EcoPark, including leading and managing staff, guest activities, infrastructure, rosters, logistics and administration. Full training will be provided by the outgoing manager.
As this is a position of management responsibility, the applicant will require a diverse skill set, have responsibility for getting the job done, and developing strong professional relationships with both short and extended stay guests.
You will be supported by our Co-op Board of Directors and our Maintenance/Groundsperson for any larger maintenance issues. You may also be required to attend to issues that arise after hours in the park.
The successful applicant (or couple) can have additional jobs but are required to reside in the EcoVillage and for their scheduled work to take priority.
Duties
- Manage all operational requirements of the EcoPark, including consumables, grounds, building and financial resources.
- Provide a high level of customer service to all residents, visitors, and community members.
- Operate and manage bookings and queries for the Crystal Waters Eco Park, being available at agreed and communicated hours to respond to and welcome people.
- Cleaning amenities, cabins and campground
- Manage a small team to ensure the facilities and tasks including rubbish removal, property maintenance and cleaning are maintained to the highest standard.
- Screening of applications for long-term stays and managing accommodation agreements
- Manage creative solutions that are non toxic, regenerative and sustainable in line with the businesses/community ethos and permaculture principles
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will have a diverse skill set with a unique blend of hands-on skills such as cleaning, site maintenance and admin, as well as highly-developed communication skills, an ability to put people at ease and an innately welcoming presence.
The successful applicant must have the following:
- Previous experience in a customer-facing role, preferably in hospitality, retail or tourism.
- Well-presented and friendly, professional demeanour.
- Computer literate with front office skills, proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and willing and capable to learn the online booking system via Wordpress.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a friendly and professional manner.
- Ability to build and maintain strong and positive relationships with guests and the Co-op Board, maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
- Time management skills and an ability to work flexibly as needed.
- Well organised and able to work well with other staff and volunteers to ensure smooth operations.
- A proactive approach with a keen eye for detail and maintenance.
- Good common sense with ability to solve practical problems.
- Demonstrated experience in Conflict resolution and acting in the best interests of a number of different stakeholders.
- Willingness to understand and embrace the principles and values of the Crystal Waters Community Co-operative, and apply our systems and processes.
Additional skills are not essential but will be highly regarded:
- Previous experience in managing/hosting accommodation or caravan parks.
- Previous management experience, scheduling and supervising staff.
- General building maintenance/handy-person skills.
- A creative flair for marketing and social media.
Benefits
- A rare opportunity to live and work in Crystal Waters EcoVillage.
- A work environment that promotes personal growth and community involvement.
- Fully furnished 1-bedroom cabin suitable for a single person or couple (no cats or dogs permitted).
- Fast cable Internet.
- Negotiable hours – could suit someone who is already self-employed and works remotely.
The successful applicant will have the option to work between 15 and 30 hours per week. This position offers an hourly rate of $30ph, with a portion of the salary allocated to subsidise the rental cost of the Caretaker cabin.
This position may be offered either on an employee basis or as a contracted position.
How to Apply
If you feel you are the right candidate for this role, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume/s (for each person) or business profile, and cover letter addressing the role requirements.
Shortlisting will commence immediately, so submit your application in as soon as possible.
The starting date will be between April and June, with initial interviews and training conducted via video conference if necessary.
No recruiters, please. We will not accept any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.
