Job Details

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.