A special island.
A special place.

JOB VACANCY – HOUSEKEEPER
 

Isle of Jura | Start: March 2026
 

Experienced housekeeper required for a small, family-run self-catering business on the Isle of Jura.
 

£16 per hour
For an experienced housekeeper who can work independently and take ownership of day-to-day operations, the role and rate are negotiable.

Seasonal role: March–October
(With potential to become year-round for the right person, including a £1,000 performance bonus)
 

THE ROLE

This is a housekeeping-led role, but it’s not just cleaning.
We’re looking for someone who takes ownership, notices what needs doing, and keeps things running smoothly day to day.
 

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Changeovers for 4 small properties (each sleeps 2): cleaning, laundry, restocking

• Maintaining high standards – guests pay premium rates and expect spotless accommodation

• Stock management – noticing low supplies and ordering replacements

• Hot tub & sauna care – cleaning, water testing, routine checks

• Light gardening – mowing and strimming around properties

• Site upkeep – shared spaces, sheds, caravans, tiny house

• Guest interaction – friendly, practical problem-solving when needed

• Occasional cover on Islay (vehicle and ferry provided)

What we actually need:
Someone who sees the leaking tap, the low stock, or the storm rolling in — and deals with it.
 

HOURS & SEASON
 

March–October (core season)

• 30+ hours per week during peak periods

• Variable rota based on bookings

• Changeovers can fall on any day (2-night minimum stays)

• Two days off per week (rota-based)
   

November–February (if year-round role agreed)

• Around 20 hours per week

• Focus on deep cleans, maintenance and site care

• More flexible schedule

• Time for personal projects, local work, volunteering or travel
   

A 3-month trial period from March applies, with clear expectations on both sides.
 

WHAT WE OFFER
 

Immediate

• £16 per hour

• Temporary accommodation (on-site caravan) while we help secure long-term housing on Jura

• Work vehicle provided

• Training, systems and support
   

Longer-term (if the season proves a good mutual fit)

• Potential transition to a year-round salaried role

• £1,000 end-of-season performance bonus

• Increased autonomy and responsibility

• Opportunity to grow with the business

• Becoming a core part of a small, trusted team

LONG-TERM POTENTIAL

If this season is successful, the role could develop into:

• Greater operational responsibility

• Being the on-island point person when we’re away

• Less oversight, more trust

• Potential involvement in managing additional staff / projects as we grow

Nothing is promised — this season is about finding the right mutual fit — but there is genuine scope for someone looking to put down roots and build something long-term.

ABOUT JURA

Population ~250. One shop, one school, one pub.
Mountains, wildlife, dark skies, whisky — and weather.

Community is active if you engage, but isolation is real:
 

• Ferries get cancelled

• You can’t pop to the shops

• Winter can feel quiet

• Medical emergencies may involve air ambulance support
   

If you need constant stimulation, nightclubs, Starbucks or city life, this won’t work.
If you value space, nature, community, simplicity and purpose, it can be extraordinary.
Read my blog post for a bit of insight as to what makes Jura different / special: https://isleofjura.scot/is-jura-worth-visiting/ 

We’re looking for someone who wants a proper job, not a holiday with wages.
 

Jura has a strong local employment network, and so if you want to bring your partner, we can help them find work locally through estates, the golf course and other island businesses.

YOU ARE
 

• An experienced housekeeper who takes pride in their work

• Independent and proactive

• Organised, reliable, and a clear communicator

• Physically fit and happy with manual work

• Positive, adaptable, and practical

• Sense of humor - small team, island life, you'll need it ;-)

• Able to commit to the full season minimum

• Holder of a full UK driving licence

• Able to provide strong references
   

BEFORE YOU APPLY
Please read this page carefully before getting in touch. 
When you email us, include: 

• Brief summary of relevant experience

• Why this role and Jura life appeal

• What you're running towards 

• One detail from this page that stood out

   
Email: hello@bothanjuraretreat.co.uk

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal chat.