Live-In Builder, Property Steward & Caretaker
10-Acre Hilltop Property · St. Helena, California
We are looking for an experienced, hands-on and easygoing person to live and work on a beautiful ten-acre hilltop property on the Napa River in St. Helena.
This is a special opportunity for someone who has spent years building, remodeling, maintaining homes or taking care of land—and who would now enjoy settling into one beautiful place and watching it improve over time.
The position is part builder, part property caretaker and part long-term steward of the land. We are looking for someone who notices what needs attention, knows how to fix things and takes pride in keeping a property looking and working as it should.
This is not a corporate construction-management job. There will not be layers of paperwork, meetings or complicated reporting. We care much more about common sense, good communication, reliable work and doing things properly.
The property
The property is approximately ten acres in a private hilltop setting on the Napa River in St. Helena.
There is a two-bedroom caretaker suite that will become the employee’s home. The first paid project will be making some light updates to the suite so it is comfortable, attractive and ready to live in. Once completed, the suite will be provided as part of the position.
It is a wonderful setting for someone who enjoys being outdoors, working independently and taking care of a place that feels genuinely special.
The first projects
After updating the caretaker suite, the main project will be remodeling the North House.
The Property Steward will do much of the hands-on work and help coordinate good local tradespeople when specialized plumbing, electrical or other professional work is needed.
At the same time, we will begin improving the landscaping and irrigation so the entire property looks its best for photographs in spring 2027. This will include repairing and adjusting irrigation, cleaning up planted areas and generally bringing the grounds back to life.
During the winter, we will begin working with an architect on plans for a pool guest house. Once the North House is finished, the pool guest house will become the next major project.
There should be several years of interesting, satisfying work for someone who enjoys seeing projects through from beginning to end.
Everyday property stewardship
Between the larger projects, the job will include the normal care and upkeep of the property:
Keeping an eye on the houses, grounds and property systems
Taking care of routine repairs and preventive maintenance
Carpentry, painting, patching, and finish work
Troubleshooting irrigation and landscape problems
Keeping the grounds neat and healthy
Meeting and working alongside outside tradespeople
Keeping tools, materials and work areas organized
Noticing small problems before they become large ones
Helping the property feel cared for, secure and ready for the owners and guests
The position will have a normal, but flexible working schedule and regular time off. Living on the property does not mean being on duty around the clock.
Who we hope to find
This could be a great fit for someone who has worked as a builder, remodeler, lead carpenter, construction superintendent, property caretaker or maintenance professional.
It may also suit someone who has run a small construction or property-maintenance business and would now prefer a steadier pace, fewer clients and the satisfaction of focusing on one special place.
The ideal person:
Has many years of hands-on residential construction, remodeling or maintenance experience
Can show examples of homes or projects they are proud of
Is comfortable with carpentry, painting, finish work and everyday repairs
Has some experience with landscaping and irrigation
Knows what they can handle personally and when to call a specialist
Works well independently without needing constant direction
Is dependable, honest, discreet and pleasant to have around
Communicates clearly and follows through
Has good references and a valid driver’s license
A current or previous contractor’s license would be helpful, but it is not essential. Broad experience, good judgment and pride in your work matter more than titles.
Compensation and housing
Full-time employee position
$50–$60 per hour, depending on experience
Approximately 40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, but flexible
Private two-bedroom caretaker suite provided
Work materials, protective equipment and property tools provided
Stable, long-term employment for the right person
How to apply
Please send us a short note telling us about yourself, what kind of work you have done and why living and working on a Napa Valley property appeals to you.
Include a résumé or simple work history and, if possible, photographs of a few projects you have completed. A polished corporate résumé is not necessary. We are much more interested in what you know how to do, the quality of your work and what former clients or employers say about you.
We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds.
Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
