Household Assistant

Reports To: Principal

Location: Victoria, BC - Primarily in person at the household property or from the satellite office located near the house.

Compensation: $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

This is a full-time live out position. The normal work schedule will be 40 hours per week; however, the successful candidate must be flexible with the willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays. In addition, while most of the time will be spent supporting the main residence and guest properties located in Victoria, B.C., additional travel to alternate properties may be required.

OVERVIEW

The Household Assistant is responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of a large private residence, guest suites and additional properties in accordance with the Principal's standards and preferences. This will include but is not limited to general housekeeping (cleaning), oversight of interior household inventories as well as proactively taking on various household projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with meal planning, preparation (e.g. table setting), serving and clean-up, including providing direct coverage for the Cook during absences.
• Conducts housekeeping activities; specifically the detailed cleaning of the main residence and guest suites; ensuring a level of consistency and detail in accordance with the Principal's preferences and standards.
• Oversees all laundry services and dry-cleaning required including, but not limited to, ironing, pressing, steaming, folding and stain removal of clothing, linens, etc.
• Manages all indoor plant care and coordinating floral arrangements with external vendors, as required.
• Oversees the household garbage and recycling programs including coordination of curb-side pick-ups and off-site drop-offs at appropriate waste or recycling facilities.
• Manages household (including main residence and guest suite) inventory levels including, but not limited to linens, bedding, towels, utensils, dishes, serving ware as well as cleaning supplies and other sundries.
• Ensures that health, wellness and safety standards are met and exceeded, including purchasing of organic and natural products, as well as proper use of all household products.
• Maintains closets and storage spaces to ensure they remain organized, clean and well stocked in accordance with the Principal's standards and preferences.
• Cares for all fine furnishings, artwork and antiques including dusting, polishing and washing of delicate surfaces and materials such as silver, marble, crystal and leather.
• Assists the Household Cook with meal planning, preparation (e.g. table setting), serving and clean-up, including providing direct coverage for the Cook during absences.
• Assists with regular grocery shopping and other personal household errands, as and when required.
• Prepares the main residence and suites for visitors and ensuring guests needs are met.
• Conducts weekly inspections of the residence(s) and working with the household staff and property manager to schedule any required maintenance, including routine interior upgrades and repairs.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Minimum 5+ years related experience working in a housekeeping capacity within a luxury hotel or private home environment.
• An undergraduate degree or diploma in Hospitality Management is considered an asset.
• A Serving It Right and/or Food Safe certification is considered an asset.
• A valid class 5 drivers license and clean drivers abstract are required.
• Experience with all areas of household maintenance; including, but not limited to: cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, decorating, etc.
• Experience planning, preparing and serving meals.
• Excellent interpersonal as well as written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to work additional hours, weekends and holidays on an as requested basis.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Pro-active with the ability to prioritize household requirements.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently while maintaining professional – personal boundaries, discretion, and privacy at all times.
• Exceptional organizational skills with an eye for detail and dedication / commitment to the Principals.
• Ability to manage and maintain private and confidential information with a high degree of professionalism.
• Computer-literate with strong Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) expertise and the ability to provide routine IT support in coordination with the System Administrator.
• Must be comfortable working with large dogs, including help with regular grooming & washing.
• Nice to have: willingness to help prepare for dog shows; potentially attending on occasion to aid with set-up & tear down.
• Nice to have: Ability to operate large vehicles - e.g., extended cargo van or RV/truck & trailer.