Job Description
Estate Manager - Santa Barbara - $130,000-$170,000 + bonus
- Santa Barbara County
- Full-time, direct hire (40-45h per week)
- Comprehensive health insurance plan
- Retirement plan with match
- Onsite housing + vehicle allowance
- Two weeks paid vacation.
Job Description Our client is seeking an experienced
Estate Manager to oversee the full operations, maintenance, and long-term care of a 100-acre private estate featuring a 16,000 sq. ft. primary residence, multiple auxiliary buildings, extensive water and power systems, and high-level fire-safety infrastructure. This role requires a hands-on, technically skilled leader who can manage complex systems, supervise staff and vendors, and ensure seamless day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities Property & Systems Management - Oversee all water systems (wells, filtration, pumps), HVAC, electrical, solar/propane generators, IT/security, and communications systems.
- Perform regular inspections of buildings, grounds, equipment, and infrastructure.
- Handle minor repairs (light carpentry, plumbing, electrical, appliances, and low-voltage systems).
- Maintain cleanliness, functionality, and readiness across all estate structures and outdoor areas.
Project Oversight - Plan and manage repairs, upgrades, renovations, and capital improvement projects.
- Coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, and specialized vendors.
- Maintain property-wide preventive maintenance schedules and punch lists.
Staff, Vendor & Budget Management - Supervise a small resident staff and oversee rotating contractors.
- Source, schedule, and manage service providers (landscaping, pool, tech, trades).
- Manage budgets, quotes, contracts, and invoice approvals.
- Maintain strong relationships with vendors and communicate regularly with ownership.
Grounds, Fire Safety & Equipment - Oversee landscaping, hardscaping, brush clearing, and wildfire-prevention practices.
- Maintain trails, fences, roads, orchards, gardens, and outdoor structures.
- Operate and maintain estate machinery: tractors, mowers, chippers, forklifts, and power tools.
- Conduct inspections for fire extinguishers, generators, wells, propane tanks, and other systems.
Pool, Orchard & Livestock - Monitor pool chemicals and coordinate service providers.
- Maintain orchard irrigation, pest control, harvesting schedules, and reporting.
- Oversee chicken care, egg collection, and coop maintenance.
Administration & Reporting - Maintain service logs, maintenance records, inventories, and schedules.
- Track expenses, document deliveries, and prepare quotes for approval.
- Participate in regular meetings with the Ranch Manager and ownership team.
Health & Safety - Enforce estate safety protocols and conduct property-wide safety inspections.
- Ensure proper licensing, COIs, and compliance for staff and vendors.
- Proactively identify and report hazards or policy breaches.
Qualifications - 10+ years managing large private estates, ranches, resorts, or campus-style properties.
- Strong background in construction, facilities, engineering, or technical systems management.
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude and ability to perform routine repairs.
- Experience supervising staff and coordinating multiple vendors.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with MS Excel/Word, maintenance logs, and operational documentation.
- Ability to operate machinery and estate equipment safely.
- Clean driving record & background check required.
Job Tags
Full time, For contractors,