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.
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.
