Grounds & Property Caretaker
Part-Time | Montara, California
POSITION OVERVIEW
DM Estate Staffing is proud to represent a warm, generous executive couple on the coast of Montara, California. Their 2-acre coastal property is a place they take great pride in, and they are looking for someone who will share that same sense of ownership and care.
This is a wonderful opportunity for a skilled, self-directed professional to become a trusted, long-term steward of a beautiful coastal estate.
AT A GLANCE
Location: Montara, California
Employment Type: Part-Time, W-2
Schedule: 3 days per week (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM : With a paid 30-minute lunch break
Guaranteed Hours: 24 hours per week
Compensation: $40–$55 per hour, depending on experience
Start Date: As soon as possible
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Exterior & Grounds Maintenance
- Full upkeep and care of a 2-acre coastal property
- Gardening, planting, and seasonal plant care — including tree planting and established tree maintenance
- Working knowledge of irrigation systems, including basic troubleshooting and adjustments
- Ability to execute directed projects beyond routine maintenance — things like drainage installation
- Fence repair, or similar work, following specifications and manufacturer instructions
- Act as our on-site liaison with licensed professionals for larger projects (hardscape, concrete, etc.) — meeting contractors, communicating our expectations, and flagging any issues with workmanship
- Power washing of hardscape, patios, walkways, and exterior surfaces
- Gutter cleaning and routine exterior inspections
- Cobweb removal from exterior structures
- Storm cleanup — debris removal and post-storm property assessment
- Seasonal furniture arrangement and repositioning of patio pieces
- Car cleaning and light vehicle care
- Sealing fences and occasional exterior painting
- Awareness of coastal plant species and how salt air, wind, and moisture affect growth and upkeep
Light Interior & Handyman Support
- Maintain a running punch list of small interior tasks for use during inclement weather or storm season
- Change air filters, vacuum vents, and address similar routine interior maintenance
- Light handyman tasks as needed — changing light bulbs, minor fixes, and general household upkeep
- Occasional support to the housekeeper when interior assistance is needed
Future Pet Support
The family plans to welcome a small dog to their home in the future. We are looking for someone who genuinely loves animals and would be happy to occasionally assist with:
- Feeding
- Taking the dog outside on a leash as needed
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- $40–$55 per hour, depending on experience
- QSEHRA (tax-free health insurance reimbursement)
- 9 paid vacation days per year
- Paid sick time
- Paid holidays for federal holidays falling on scheduled workdays
- Access to a retirement plan
- Discretionary year-end bonus
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 or more years of relevant grounds, estate, or property maintenance experience
- A genuine outdoor professional — someone who takes initiative and true ownership of a property
- Working knowledge of irrigation systems and coastal plant care
- Experience with or willingness to learn small heavy equipment such as a mini excavator or skid steer. This is a "nice to have" (not required!)
- Comfortable with light handyman tasks and interior maintenance support
- Conversational English — clear enough to coordinate with the household team and family
- Must live within reasonable commuting distance of Montara with a reliable personal vehicle
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
- Willing to complete an in-depth background check and provide stellar references from prior employers
- Non-smoker — no smoking or vaping, on or off the property during working hours
- A genuine dog lover — the family plans to have a small dog and this is a must
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This is an active, hands-on role. The ideal candidate is physically fit and comfortable with sustained outdoor work. Requirements include:
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods
- Lift and carry up to 40–50 lbs. regularly
- Work comfortably in varying coastal weather conditions — wind, fog, and occasional rain
- Perform repetitive physical tasks such as digging, raking, pruning, and hauling
- Navigate uneven terrain across a 2-acre property
- Operate standard landscaping and grounds equipment safely
ABOUT THE FAMILY
Our client is kind, appreciative, and invested in the people who work with them. They want to build a long-term relationship with someone they can trust, someone who takes pride in their work without being micromanaged.