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Orchard Caretaker - Olive Odyssey Crete 2025 (Summer)

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The experience

Join Olive Odyssey in Crete to help care for a 4-hectare olive orchard at 450m altitude. As the summer caretaker, you’ll support the land’s upkeep while I’m not there daily, ensuring its vitality. This role suits nature lovers who enjoy outdoor work!

What you offer

20 hours of help per week

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English

Between 20 and 50 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Be from outside Greece

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals or couples who enjoy hands on outdoor tasks. Basic DIY and gardening skills are a plus, and you should be comfortable working independently in a hot yet ventilated summer environment. We expect you to follow safety guidelines, communicate any issues, and commit to the 4-5 hour daily schedule. Flexibility and a willingness to learn about olive care are key!

You’ll receive a warm welcome and clear guidance on all tasks. We provide a comfortable tent, running water, a gas kitchen, and food provisions delivered 3-4 times weekly. Electricity via a 512Wh power station (with solar panels and a generator), a small fridge, and free Wi-Fi data are included. Shower and toilet tents are available (with compost toilet and hot water heater in progress). You’ll work in a scenic orchard, with the chance to explore Crete.

Activities & Shift

No previous experience for the following tasks. We are learning toghether :)
Fix and maintain the irrigation system.
Water the land weekly (minimum 2 hours).
Install an automatic irrigation clock and fertigation system.
Position and monitor olive fly traps.
Remove and chip pruned branches from the ground.
Mechanically remove weeds competing with trees.
Prune dead branches from trees.
Check fences and guide out neighboring goats/sheep.
Pour simple cement on the access street for easier entry (own transport is a plus).

Rules

Work Commitment: Complete 4 hours of work daily, 5 days a week, as agreed. Notify me if unable to work due to illness or emergency.

Safety First: Wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and sturdy shoes. Follow safety guidelines for tools and tasks (e.g., irrigation, pruning).

Respect the Land: Avoid damaging trees, fences, or irrigation systems. Report any issues promptly.

Cleanliness: Keep the tent, kitchen, and toilet/shower tents tidy. Dispose of waste properly (compost toilet instructions will be provided).

Food Usage: Use provided provisions wisely. No waste, store leftovers in the fridge. Notify me if supplies run low.

Alcohol and Smoking: Limit alcohol consumption and smoke only in designated areas away from the tent and trees to prevent fire hazards.

Independence: Work autonomously but check in with me 2-3 times weekly via Wi-Fi or phone for updates.

Guests: No unapproved visitors on the land.

Personal Belongings: Secure personal items; I'm not is not liable for loss or damage.

Departure: Leave the site clean and notify me before leaving.