If you’ve ever had fantasies of running away to your own island, you might have a chance at making it a reality in the Bay Area. A particularly unique job post has recently been listed for new keepers at a beautiful Light Station right on the SF Bay.
The East Brother Light Station is essentially a tiny island with a historic lighthouse-turned-inn perched atop the rocky landscape. The lighthouse is located north of San Francisco, just off Point San Pablo. Reachable via a short boat ride, the charming Victorian bed and breakfast features five rooms, no wifi, and stunning views.
Now, the station is searching for new keepers to look after it starting in spring 2025 when the current couple plans to leave. The job posting describes ideal candidates as a couple who can run the historic inn, serving breakfast and dinner. The most important requirement is a current Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential NMC boat operator’s license to ferry guests back and forth between the island.
The new keepers would live on the island, with accommodation and a health plan provided. Compensation for the job is roughly $140,000 a year, with the potential for more.
The East Brother Light Station was originally built in 1873 at the entrance to San Palo Bay and the end of San Francisco Bay. The light station was built on the rocky island owned by the government starting in 1873, with the first light appearing in early 1874. After almost a century, the light station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. In the late 70s, a non-profit group was formed to restore the station into the beloved bed and breakfast it is today. The charming inn features five rooms named after some of your favorite places in the bay (there’s a San Francisco room, of course). Inn Keepers provide guests with a tour of the island and explain its history to guests, and you can fish with your own equipment.
So, if you think you’d be the perfect new keeper of this historic lighthouse (and don’t mind ferrying guests to the island), you can find the information on applying for the unique job on the East Brother Light Station website.