'Lighthouse' in middle of San Francisco Bay has opening for new keeper
Have you ever wanted to live on an island? Here's your chance.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Two years since it was last open, one of the Bay Area's most unusual jobs has an opening. The East Brother Light Station, housed on an island in San Francisco Bay, is seeking applicants for new innkeepers.
The light station is on a small island off Point Molate in the strait between San Francisco and San Pablo bays. It is home to an actual intact lighthouse and fog signal that dates back to 1874. The job, however, mainly revolves around managing a five-room inn on the island that serves dinner and breakfast to guests.
While getting paid to live on an island in the middle of the Bay might sound like a dream job, there dare some specific qualifications candidates must meet to take over the role.
The successful candidates, according to the nonprofit that manages the light station, would be a couple. The current keepers, Dre and Charity Elmore, will be leaving in March, after "two years of extraordinary service," according to a press release about the job.
In addition to being a couple, at least one of the applicants must have a Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential boat operator's license in order to ferry guests to and from the island. "High-quality culinary experience and capability are critical qualifications," as well, according to the job posting.
Along with ferry service, and cooking and culinary duties, innkeepers are expected to provide maid services for guests at the inn, which is open four days a week. The island is also available for day rentals and special events.
If you're interested in applying, the nonprofit is looking for the new keepers to start in April.
Of course, the big question with any job is, how much does it pay?
According to the job posting, "compensation is a function of business, occupancy level, and economy." Over the past two years, according to the nonprofit, that has averaged around $140,000 for the couple and has been "trending upward."
A health plan and living quarters on the island are also included as part of the pay package.
Oh, and did we mention that there's no wired phone or internet on the island? Also, there's no water pressure on the island, so keepers and inn guests typically don't shower more than once every few days.
If you have the proper credentials and a partner who would also be open to living on a small island in the Bay, recruitment is officially open, and applications are currently being accepted.
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