Job Title: Full-Time Live-In Domestic Couple (Facilities/Houseman and Executive Housekeeper)
Reporting to: The Principals
Start: ASAP
Location: Rhinebeck, NY
Hours: Core hours: Thursday through Monday, 50-60 hours per week when the family is in-residence; otherwise, 5-days, 40 hours per week; must be flexible on hours, particularly when the family is in-residence, and flexible to work during the holidays if needed
Salary: $150k-$200k, DOE, plus room and board; annual cost-of-living increase in salary
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plan options; PTO (to be taken when the family is not in-residence), sick days, and main federal holidays (although must be flexible if needed)
The Family: The principal, his husband, 16-year-old son, and an 18-year-old daughter who lives primarily in Texas
The House: Large estate in Rhinebeck, NY, sits on 110 acres; the family resides at this estate during the summer months and typically spends weekends and holidays here during the winter season
The Staff: A property manager, driver that works weekdays, two helpers who go once or twice a week to do heavy cleaning and some laundry, and a groundskeeper
Pets: Two dogs
Other Homes: NYC and London (no travel required for this role as other locations are staffed)
Accommodation: An attached one-bedroom apartment (fully furnished, though the couple is welcome to bring their own personal furnishings if desired)
Key Responsibilities
Please find your primary responsibilities outlined below:
Please note the below list is not exhaustive.
Facilities/Houseman Role
Day to Day Management
General day to day checking of the property and grounds to ensure all is in good working order
Conduct all required seasonal maintenance and as needed (e.g. winterizing the home, assuring fuel supply is met for winter heating, shovelling snow, etc.)
Report and major issues/repairs to the Property Manager, to outsource vendors as needed
Oversee suppliers, contractors and various appointments as needed
Assist with landscaping projects, including general grounds maintenance, planting, seasonal upkeep, and ensuring outdoor spaces remain tidy, organized, and well-presented
Where possible perform basic electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and heating and air conditioning work as well as some carpentry work. Both as preventative and reparative.
Good knowledge of the various electronic and household systems – HVAC, generators, etc.
Oversight of all deliveries and general maintenance of the residence; making the family office aware of any necessary repairs or purchases that are beyond the scope of the household staff
Monitoring the progress of projects, to ensure that they are being prioritised in accordance with the principal’s wishes and that outcomes are being reached in a satisfactory time scale and to the standard expected
Ensuring the property are maintained at all times
Ensuring the property is ‘guest ready’ as required, to include; checking that all equipment is working, undertaking walk throughs as necessary and keeping the household fully stocked with necessary supplies at all times
Cars
Maintaining the cars – keeping on top of services, maintenance, repairs, and keeping fueled
Managing and assuring insurances and registrations are current
Executive Housekeeper Role
Household Cleaning
Ensuring all aspects of the property, interiors as well as exteriors, are maintained and cleaned
Cleaning throughout the house: vacuuming, mopping, dusting and wiping surfaces, cleaning bathrooms, wiping windows, etc.
Handling fine furnishings, marble, natural wood, silver polishing, art, and antiques
Tidying all rooms to ensure items are neatly stored and clean
Looking after the plants and flowers throughout the property
Arranging professional cleaning of furnishings as needed
Supplies
Ordering supplies and toiletries as needed
Recording and filing receipts efficiently, managing expenses and the petty cash
Maintaining household inventory
Deliveries
Unpacking and putting away household deliveries
Organizing returns as needed
Laundry & Clothing Care
Managing all the laundry, hand washing, and ironing
Ensuring linens are freshened as needed
Properly folding and organizing drawers and closets
Managing the wardrobes and closets, keeping them organized and neat
Organizing dry cleaning as appropriate, and arranging collections and drop offs
Contractors & Vendors
Greeting guests, couriers and tradesmen at the door and overseeing appointments when necessary
Checking all items in the home are in good working order and reporting problems to the Facilities/Houseman and/or the Property Manager
Facilities/Houseman and Executive Housekeeper Shared Duties
Family Assistance
Monitoring deliveries and arranging returns
Sorting mail, separating junk
Flagging any unexpected visitors when principals are not in residence
Drive the principals as needed; typically, on weekends, when their driver is off (e.g. take to/from the airport or train station, appointments, etc.)
Cooking
Manage household grocery shopping, maintain a fully stocked kitchen and pantry, and ensure items are replenished in a timely manner
Meal prep and cooking healthy meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner when the family is in-residence); the ability to follow recipes is helpful, and the family is also happy to provide training and guidance as needed
Formal service and table setting and clearing for meals and events; training and guidance will be provided by the family as needed
Provide support during events and family gatherings, including cooking and serving typically for up to 14 guests; for larger gatherings, a Sous Chef and additional event staff will be engaged to assist
Point of Contact
Ensuring excellent property security, serving as a point‐of‐contact in the absence of the Property Manager, for all emergencies and urgent questions
Inventories and Guest Arrival
Purchasing of all perishable and non-perishable items
Preparing living and outdoor spaces to the principals’ specifications for their or guest arrival
Pet Care
Care for their two dogs – feed, walk, take to the groomers and vet visits
Dog sit when the family is traveling
Requirements
Legally able to work within the United States
Proven similar work experience for a HNW private residence
English proficiency
Must have a valid drivers’ license and clean driving record (will have access to a house vehicle for work purposes, and for local errands/some personal use)
Happy to undergo a criminal background check
Discretion and confidentiality
Excellent references required from both current and previous employers
Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
WHEN APPLYING, YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR RESUME REFLECTING THE APPLICABLE EXPERIENCE OF BOTH CANDIDATES
