Service Technician

Rutherford Management Company; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutherford Management Company in Santa Cruz, CA is seeking a Service Technician who takes pride in keeping communities clean, safe, and welcoming. You will respond to maintenance requests, prepare apartments for move-ins, and help maintain curb appeal across multiple sites.

This hands-on role requires 2+ years of maintenance experience, skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and painting, a valid California driver's license, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of general maintenance experience (apartment or multi-site preferred).
• Skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, appliance repair, and painting.
• A sense of ownership and pride in your work.
• Strong communication and time management.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation (required for multi-site roles).
• A team-oriented attitude - we succeed together.

Responsibilities

• Knock out service requests with skill and a customer-first mindset.
• Get apartments ready for move-in fast, detailed, and defect-free.
• Keep curb appeal and common areas in top shape.
• Troubleshoot and repair plumbing, electrical, appliances, locks, and more.
• Support special projects, inspections, and preventative maintenance.
• Communicate clearly with your team and residents.
• Be part of the on-call rotation to handle the occasional after-hours maintenance emergency.

Skills

Plumbing

Electrical

Carpentry

Appliance repair

Painting

Communication

Time management

Driver's license

Job description

Location: Santa Cruz, CA | Company: Rutherford Management Company

Do you take pride in your work, thrive on variety, and enjoy solving problems with a smile? We're looking for a Service Technician who's passionate about maintaining beautiful, high-functioning communities and creating exceptional living experiences for our residents.

At Rutherford Management Company, our hospitality-first culture means we don't just fix things-we take care of people. As a Service Technician, you'll play a key role in creating clean, safe, and welcoming homes by responding to maintenance requests, preparing apartments for move-ins, and keeping our communities looking sharp.

What You'll Do:

• Knock out service requests with skill and a customer-first mindset
• Get apartments ready for move-in fast, detailed, and defect-free
• Keep curb appeal and common areas in top shape
• Troubleshoot and repair plumbing, electrical, appliances, locks, and more
• Support special projects, inspections, and preventative maintenance
• Communicate clearly with your team and residents
• Be part of the on-call rotation to handle the occasional after-hours maintenance emergency

What You Bring:

• 2+ years of general maintenance experience (apartment or multi-site preferred)
• Skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, appliance repair, and painting
• A sense of ownership and pride in your work
• Strong communication and time management
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation (required for multi-site roles)
• A team-oriented attitude - we succeed together

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Be part of a company that’s redefining property management through hospitality
• Work with a supportive, upbeat team that values professionalism and personality
• Grow your skills and career in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Competitive pay, consistent hours, and great company culture

Pay Scale: $22-$26/hr,

with most new hires starting between $22-$24/hr

Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, with some evenings/weekends for on-call rotation

Location:

The role serves one of our largest portfolios. Located in the Santa Cruz area, this role will serve over 204 apartment homes across 11 communities. This team member will work with a team of other Service Technicians and report to the Service Manager and Resident Experience Director.

Driving Requirement

This position requires regular driving. Candidates must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License, a reliable personal vehicle, and current automobile insurance in compliance with California state law.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift/move up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and perform physically active tasks including bending, kneeling, reaching, walking stairs, and standing for extended periods.

Rutherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, cannabis use, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.