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