Estate Maintenance Technician

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

DM Estate Staffing is a domestic staffing firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, dedicated to connecting exceptional Private Service Professionals with private clients and family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat clients, we have grown thoughtfully by doing one thing well: finding the right person for the right home.

Every member of our recruiting team has worked personally in the homes of prominent private clients, as estate managers, private chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just understand private service in theory; we've navigated its nuances, its demands, and its deeply personal nature from the inside. That perspective shapes every search we conduct and every candidate we represent.

We encourage you to regularly explore our job board and apply for any roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background aligns with what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.