Estate Maintenance Technician
Woodside, California • Full-Time • Non-Exempt
POSITION OVERVIEW
Our client, a warm and welcoming family based in Woodside, California, is seeking a skilled and dependable Estate Maintenance Technician to join their private household team. This is a hands-on, varied role for someone who takes genuine pride in keeping a property running beautifully — someone who spots a problem before it becomes one, knows how to fix what they can, and knows when to call in the right people.
The property is a five-acre estate in the heart of the Peninsula, with a relaxed but well-maintained character. The hired candidate will report to the Chief of Staff and work closely with the on-site Estate Manager. Local candidates from the San Francisco Bay Area are strongly preferred.
AT A GLANCE
Location: Woodside, CA (Bay Area candidates only, please)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 8:00/9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; occasional evenings or weekends for events/emergencies
Reports To: Chief of Staff, in collaboration with Estate Manager
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Employment: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Travel: Occasional trips to secondary property in Mendocino, CA (a property manager is in place there)
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
General Maintenance & Repairs
- Perform hands-on maintenance and minor repairs across the interior and exterior of the property — basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and general troubleshooting
- Operate a Segway mower and other lawn and grounds equipment; maintain a small grassy area and water plants as needed
- Care for the property’s small flock of chickens!
- Identify potential maintenance issues before they escalate and address them proactively
- Change light bulbs, replace filters, and handle routine upkeep tasks throughout the home
- Assist the housekeeper with heavy lifting and moving of furniture or equipment
- Perform seasonal decorating and assist with holiday setup and takedown
- Perform basic painting and touch-ups
- Clean and maintain exterior hardscape, including patios, walkways, and outdoor surfaces
- Move, arrange, and store outdoor furniture seasonally or as needed
- Maintain and service all estate equipment, including mowers and small machinery; schedule professional servicing as needed
- Monitor for and address pest and rodent concerns; escalate to a specialist if needed
- Respond to alarm monitoring notifications and assist with on-site emergency situations
- Troubleshoot basic HVAC, home automation, and AV systems; escalate to the appropriate vendor when needed
- Stock emergency supplies and maintain general site safety awareness
- Run household errands as requested
Vendor & Contractor Oversight
- Serve as the primary point of contact for outside vendors and service providers visiting the property
- Supervise and escort all vendors while on-site, ensuring the family’s privacy and safety at all times
- Communicate professionally with contractors, schedule visits, and follow up on work performed
- Evaluate repairs: complete what can be handled in-house, and source and manage the right specialist when a job requires it
Property Inspections & Documentation
- Conduct regular walkthroughs of the main house and grounds, noting anything in need of attention
- Maintain clear records of work completed, upcoming maintenance, and vendor contacts
- Build and maintain a maintenance inventory; keep supplies stocked and organized
Additional Support
- Accept and manage deliveries, including heavy packages and materials
- Assist with setup and breakdown for private events or gatherings
- Respond to emergency situations on-property as needed
- Be a flexible, positive team presence — no job is too small
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of five years of hands-on experience working in a private estate or high-end residential setting
- Mechanically inclined with a working knowledge of how residential systems operate (plumbing, electrical, HVAC basics, irrigation, etc.)
- Ability to read a technical manual and learn new equipment quickly
- Comfortable using WhatsApp and basic communication tools for team coordination
- Professional and polished when interacting with vendors, tradespeople, and household staff
- Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Must be authorized to work legally in the United States
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative and service-oriented by nature
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
You are a true generalist who takes ownership of wherever you are. You have an eye for detail, a calm and can-do attitude, and you genuinely enjoy the variety of estate work. You don’t need to be told twice, and you’re as comfortable chatting with a plumber about a job scope as you are quietly handling things on your own. The principals are known to be wonderful people to work for — this is an environment where good work is recognized and respected.
CONFIDENTIALITY & CONDUCT
The highest level of discretion and professionalism is expected at all times. All household information, family activities, and property details are strictly confidential. This position operates within a private home, and respect for the principals’ privacy is non-negotiable.
This is a smoke-free and vape-free household. Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the property or during working hours.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb ladders for extended periods
- Physically capable of performing light grounds maintenance and manual labor tasks as needed
BACKGROUND SCREENING
All candidates will be required to provide a minimum of three verifiable professional references from previous household employers. Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, driving record, and employment verification. Strong references and an impeccable personal record are essential.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Hourly Rate: $60.00–$75.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
Equivalent Annual Range: $124,000–$156,000
Benefits include:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee; partial coverage available for partners and dependents
- 401(k) with employer match
- 10 paid sick days
- 6 paid holidays
- Paid vacation (accrual details to be discussed at offer stage)
- Discretionary bonus
- Yearly wage review