Job Description
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Grounds Manager/Estate Caretaker is responsible for the care, functionality, and long-term vitality of landscapes, infrastructure, and estate grounds, including the owner's residence and surrounding property.
This position combines operational responsibility for infrastructure and land management with a trusted caretaker role, ensuring the estate remains secure, functional, and always well maintained.
The role requires strong technical capability, sound judgment, discretion, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the land and the estate.
Living on site is an essential component of the position, providing daily presence, oversight, and continuity of care.
Core Responsibilities:
Work Planning and Priority Setting
• Develop and maintain structured task lists and execution timelines.
• Provide clear communication regarding progress, challenges, and resource needs.
• In partnership with the Vineyard Director, develop and maintain a comprehensive annual estate work calendar that includes recurring seasonal responsibilities such as:
o Fruit tree pruning
o Olive + fruit harvests
o Creek and ditch annual maintenance
o Drainage inspections
o Ecological area management
o Irrigation system reviews
o Road and infrastructure assessments
o French Tomato project
• Anticipate seasonal needs and prepare resources proactively.
• Cleans and services residence vehicles and bikes
Landscape
• Work in direct collaboration with the Vineyard Director to implement and maintain the aesthetic, ecological, and functional vision for the Estate.
• Ensure that landscape execution, plant material selection, maintenance standards, and infrastructure improvements align with long-term estate objectives.
Estate Grounds and Landscape Management
• Oversee care and maintenance of all estate grounds, including:
o Owner residence surroundings and landscape
o Residence Park and gardens
o Perimeter areas, buffers, and non-vineyard land
o Natural and ecological areas
• Maintain high standards of appearance, functionality, and care
• Ensuring consistency with estate aesthetic and environmental objectives
• Preparing the property in advance of owner visits
• Provide continuous on-site presence and oversight of the estate
• Monitor the overall condition, safety, and security of the property
• Serve as first point of awareness for issues requiring attention
• Observe and report any unusual conditions, damage, or risks
• Ensure property access points, roads, and grounds remain functional and secure
• Exercise discretion, professionalism, and respect for privacy always.
• Maintain drainage systems and erosion control structures
• Monitor water flow, runoff, and infiltration
• Identify risks related to erosion, flooding, or infrastructure damage
• Support water retention and land stability initiatives
• Monitor and secure residence during severe weather conditions
• Maintain the caretaker house in the same manner as the residence
Qualifications:
Required
• Strong experience managing agricultural, estate, or land infrastructure
• Strong practical and mechanical skills
• Ability to live on site and serve in caretaker capacity
• High level of reliability, responsibility, and discretion
• Valid CA driver's license
• Lift and carry 25 pounds
• Able to communicate fluently in English & Spanish
Preferred
• Vineyard or agricultural experience
• Experience maintaining estate property or private residences
• Experience with irrigation, drainage, and land infrastructure
Personal Attributes
• Strong sense of ownership and responsibility
• Highly observant and attentive
• Practical and solution oriented
• Organized and dependable
• Trustworthy and discreet
• Respectful of privacy and property
• Strong connection to land and environment
Schedule and Compensation
• Full-time, exempt with a salary range of $71,000-75,000, depending on experience
• Free housing, on property
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holiday
• Health Insurance benefits – medical, dental, vision, HSA, EAP, 401k
Application Requirements
• Resume with relevant work experience
• Three professional references
• Background check required
• Proof of legal authorization to work
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Job Tags
Full time, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Live in