Estate Caretaker / Site Operative (Live-In Preferred)
Location: Laneham, near Retford, North Nottinghamshire
Salary: £32,000 + Benefits
Accommodation: Rent free private on-site static caravan available
The Opportunity
We are looking for a practical, capable and self-reliant person to become a key part of a growing rural property and business operation.
The role is based at a Georgian country house and rural property set within approximately 10 acres in the village of Laneham, near Retford, North Nottinghamshire.
Approximately 2 acres of the site are occupied by a growing manufacturing business producing specialist electronic measurement equipment supplied worldwide. The remaining land comprises gardens, woodland, fields, pasture, a beck, grounds and smallholding livestock.
The property includes a substantial beck and historic watercourse running through the grounds, creating one of the site's most distinctive features. Maintaining and improving the watercourse, bridges, banks, drainage and surrounding vegetation forms an important and ongoing part of the role.
The property and business are both undergoing significant development and expansion. We are looking for somebody who wants to become part of that journey and help build and maintain something exceptional over the long term.
This is not a standard grounds maintenance role.
It is a varied, hands-on position for someone who enjoys machinery, outdoor work, practical problem-solving and taking responsibility for keeping a site running smoothly.
We strongly prefer a live-in candidate or couple interested in becoming part of the property long-term.
Typical Responsibilities
- General grounds and property maintenance
- Grass cutting, strimming and hedge management
- Woodland and vegetation management
- Management and maintenance of the property's substantial beck and historic watercourse, including vegetation control, drainage, bridges and bank maintenance
- Maintaining tracks, drives and hardstanding areas
- Fencing installation and repair
- Firewood production and storage
- Site security and general oversight
- Assisting with landscaping and development projects
- Supporting contractors and deliveries
- Machinery maintenance and basic repairs
- Care of small livestock and estate animals
No two days are the same.
Plant & Machinery
You will be expected to confidently operate machinery including:
- JCB 3CX backhoe loader
- Trailers and towing equipment
- Compact tractor and attachments
- Log splitter
- Chipper
- Workshop and estate equipment
Additional plant may be hired for specific projects.
Additional Responsibilities
As the business continues to grow, there will occasionally be opportunities to assist with wider site projects, stock movements, workshop organisation, site moves, deliveries and other practical tasks.
This is a hands-on environment where everyone, including the owner, works together to get jobs completed when required.
Essential Requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Confident towing trailers
- Experience operating agricultural, estate, construction or plant machinery
- Practical maintenance and repair skills
- Able to work independently without constant supervision
- Reliable, trustworthy and organised
- Comfortable working outdoors throughout the year
Desirable Experience
- JCB / backhoe experience
- Tractor operation
- Chainsaw use
- Fencing
- Groundworks and drainage
- Livestock or smallholding experience
- Estate maintenance
- Construction or landscaping background
Accommodation & Benefits
A private static caravan is available on-site for the right candidate.
A company single-cab pickup may be available for estate and business duties, subject to licence, insurance and operational requirements.
This role would particularly suit somebody with a farming, estate, agricultural, plant, construction or smallholding background who enjoys rural living and wants to become part of a long-term property and business project.
Partner / Spouse Opportunities
We recognise that many suitable applicants may be applying as part of a couple. For the right live-in candidate, there may also be part-time opportunities available for a partner or spouse.
These could include:
- Domestic cleaning
- Light assembly and packing work
- Workshop support
- Livestock and estate animal care
- Gardening and grounds assistance
- General administrative or practical support roles
The exact opportunities available will depend on experience, interests and business requirements, but we are open to building a role around the right people.
What We're Looking For
We are not looking for someone who needs constant direction.
We are looking for someone who sees what needs doing and gets on with it.
The ideal candidate will take pride in maintaining a property, enjoy operating machinery and be comfortable turning their hand to a wide variety of practical tasks.
Important
Applicants should have genuine hands-on experience operating agricultural, estate, plant or construction machinery.
This is not an entry-level position and is unlikely to suit applicants seeking a change of lifestyle without relevant practical experience.
We are looking for somebody who can make an immediate contribution to the property, grounds and wider operation.
Recruitment Process
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview and site visits during July 2026.
An immediate start is available for the right candidate.
Apply
Please email:
- A summary of your experience
- Details of machinery and plant operated
- Current availability
- Salary expectations
- Whether you are interested in on-site accommodation
Email: [email protected]
Pay: £33,000.00 per year
Experience:
- agricultural experiance: 5 years (preferred)
- towing trailers on licensed highways: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
