This is the 44th year that East Brother Lighthouse has been open for business after being restored in1979. Beginning in 1980, East Brother has hosted over 10,000 overnight visitors. Revenue from the bed and breakfast operation is used to maintain the buildings and grounds along with hard work by a group of volunteers. Since 1979, the nonprofit East Brother Light Station, Inc. has invested several million dollars, including in-kind labor and services, to maintain East Brother Light Station, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is a California Historic Landmark and is the oldest building in Richmond. Completed in 1874, East Brother is also the oldest lighthouse in San Francisco Bay
East Brother innkeepers typically serve for about two years.
For media coverage of the recruitment, see:
https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/get-paid-live-island-san-francisco-bay-19960207.php https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1008585717980502&set=a.653881826784228&type=3&mibextid=qC1gEa https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/lighthouse-in-middle-of-san-francisco-bay-has-opening-for-new-keeper/ https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/12/04/strange-job-alert-this-bay-area-lighthouse-is-looking-for-a-new-keeper/
After the standard two years’ service, champion innkeepers Dre and Charity Elmore are headed back to New York where Dre previously honed his maritime skills serving tourists on the Erie Canal. He also had lots of experience as a chef. Charity swapped out running a farmhouse for running a lighthouse. They will be departing East Brother Island in March 2025, when a new set of innkeepers will take over. Recruitment is officially open, and applications are being accepted.
This is a team job for two people, typically consisting of a couple.
Information on how to apply is described below. NOTE THAT AN ACTIVE COAST GUARD MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL NMC BOAT OPERATOR’S license is an absolute requirement for at least one of the team members. KEEPERS SEARCH NOW OPEN Richmond, CA: East Brother Light Station, Inc., a non-profit corporation, is seeking applicants for Keepers of East Brother Light Station, an island in San Francisco Bay that is the home of an intact 1874 lighthouse and fog signal. After two years of extraordinary service, our current keepers, Dre and Charity Elmore will be leaving at the end of March 2025. Keepers Search FAQs Who Should Apply The successful candidates will be a couple, one of whom must possess a Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential NMC boat operator’s license. They will operate the five-room inn, serving both dinner and breakfast, as well as providing ferry service for guests and all other tasks from chef to maid. High-quality culinary experience and capability are critical qualifications. Start Date and Compensation The inn is open four days a week, and the island is also available for day use and special events. The new keepers will start April 2025 allowing two weeks for training. Compensation is a function of the level of business, occupancy level, and economy. In the last two years, it has averaged $140,000, trending upward, for the couple. Compensation includes a health plan and living quarters on the island. Ratings and Media East Brother has consistently earned five-star ratings from Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google. We have also been featured in the news:
Sleep in this San Francisco Bay lighthouse for gourmet meals, hair-raising history, The Mercury News, 11/11/2024 Stay in a Gorgeous Victorian Lighthouse On A California Island for One-of-a Kind Getaway, Islands, 11/4/2024 I spent the night in a lighthouse on a tiny California Island. Here’s how you can too, Los Angeles Times, 1/11/2024 Firing up the Dual-Tone Lighthouse Foghorn on East Brother Island Sweet Dreams Over San Francisco Bay, 11/7/2022 Rob on the Road: East Brother Light Station (KVIE) East Brother Light Station Reopens to Visitors (California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns) East Brother Light Station Bed and Breakfast (Atlas Obscura) This Little-known B&B Near San Francisco Will Be Your New Favorite Summer Destination (Only in Your State) The East Brother Lighthouse (The Bold Italic) A Lighthouse Hidden in Plain Sight (Napa Valley Register) The 6 Best Weekend Escapes from San Francisco (Sift)
How to Apply Applicants should use this online form to apply. A completed application will require proof of a Coast Guard license. If you do not have a current Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential NMC boat operator’s license, please do not apply. Please, NO PHONE CALLS from potential applicants! Email questions to EastBrotherLightStationJOBS@gmail.com.