Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated House, Estate & Grounds Maintenance Engineer to take ownership of the daily upkeep, preservation, and security of a prestigious Grade II* listed property. This is a unique opportunity for a versatile professional who takes pride in maintaining heritage standards while managing extensive grounds and modern estate facilities.
You will be the primary caretaker of the property’s physical environment, working closely with the House Manager to ensure the estate remains safe, functional, and visually exceptional for property owners, residents, and guests.
This is a multifaceted position that demands a hands-on approach and a deep respect for historical architecture. Your daily activities will span interior property maintenance, expansive groundskeeping, and overarching facility security.
You will be responsible for conducting meticulous property inspections, performing skilled handyman repairs, and executing a comprehensive grounds management plan. Beyond direct maintenance, you will coordinate specialist contractors, ensuring all external work strictly complies with listed building regulations and our high standards of quality.
Responsibilities
- Heritage Property Maintenance: Lead the preservation of a Grade II* listed building through skilled carpentry, painting, basic plumbing, and minor electrical repairs.
- Grounds & Landscape Management: Maintain exceptional outdoor spaces, overseeing lawn care, hedge trimming, sustainable waste management, boundary repairs, and pond maintenance.
- Security & Facilities Operations: Implement daily security protocols, manage automated lighting and energy systems, and ensure fire safety compliance across the estate.
- Contractor Supervision: Oversee visiting contractors to minimize disruption and ensure adherence to strict heritage property guidelines.
- Health & Safety: Maintain continuous compliance with all health, safety, and fire regulations relevant to a historic residential estate.
Skills
- Heritage Conservation: Knowledge of listed building regulations and heritage preservation standards.
- Carpentry and Joinery: Ability to perform basic to intermediate woodworking repairs.
- Plumbing and Electrical: Competency in basic plumbing maintenance and minor, safe electrical work.
- Painting and Decorating: Capability to finish and restore surfaces to a high standard.
- Horticulture and Landscaping: Turf management, tree/hedge maintenance, and seasonal garden planning.
- Equipment Operation: Proficiency in safely operating and maintaining grounds maintenance machinery, hardware tools, and estate vehicles.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Ability to repair fencing, stone walls, drainage systems, and water features.
- Facilities Management: Experience monitoring utility meters, automated lighting, and energy-efficiency systems.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Knowledge of fire safety testing, emergency lighting checks, and general workplace safety protocols.
- Basic Mathematics: Required for measurements, material estimations, and utility monitoring.
Soft Skills and Attributes
- Problem Solving: Ability to proactively identify maintenance issues and determine the most effective solutions.
- Organization and Time Management: Capability to systematically plan maintenance schedules, manage checklists, and organize workshops.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for liaising with the House Manager, residents, and local businesses.
- Contractor Coordination: Leadership skills to supervise external workers and enforce quality standards.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous oversight of both property décor and systematic safety inspections.
- Physical Stamina: High level of fitness required to meet the manual, daily demands of estate management.
About You
The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a meticulous eye for detail. You must possess a strong background in general property and grounds maintenance, ideally with experience in historic or estate settings. Because this role involves physical labor, operating heavy machinery, and interacting with various stakeholders, you must be physically fit, highly organized, and an excellent communicator. A valid, clean driving license is essential.
Pay: £28,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Experience:
- Estate Maintenance: 5 years (preferred)
Language:
Location:
- Reading, Berkshire (preferred)
Work Location: In person
