Sr. Service Technician

Rutherford Management Company; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 45,460 - 53,726; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Housing discounts

Career Development Support

Job summary

Rutherford Management Company is looking for a Sr. Service Technician in Santa Cruz, CA, to oversee maintenance operations across a multi-site portfolio. The successful candidate will prioritize resident satisfaction and lead with a hospitality-first mindset.

The role involves managing maintenance teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and maintaining high standards of property presentation. Competitive pay between $33-$39/hr along with comprehensive benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in facilities or property maintenance, preferably multi-site.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams or vendors.
• Experience with OSHA regulations and general safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance operations across multiple sites.
• Coordinate turnovers to ensure timely move-ins.
• Conduct regular property inspections and audits for safety compliance.

Skills

Facilities or property maintenance experience

Leadership skills

HVAC certification or related trade

Knowledge of OSHA and building codes

Organizational and communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maintenance work order platforms

Property management software

Job description

Pay Type: per hour Benefits: 401(k) matching, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, Medical insurance, Paid time off, Career Development Support

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

At Rutherford Management Company, our Sr. Service Technicians are trusted leaders who ensure our communities are safe, well-maintained, and beautifully presented. In this role, you'll oversee maintenance operations across a multi-site portfolio and serve as a key contributor to the resident experience.

You'll lead with a hospitality-first mindset-prioritizing resident satisfaction while executing high standards in preventative maintenance, vendor coordination, unit turnover, and curb appeal. Whether you're managing your team, resolving a service issue, or preparing for a renovation project, your leadership will directly impact the quality of life for hundreds of residents.

This role is ideal for a hands-on professional who thrives on balancing operational excellence with meaningful service.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations & Resident Service

• Triage and manage daily service requests across multiple communities
• Maintain exceptional response times and ensure quality repairs with a customer-first approach
• Participate in and oversee after-hours emergency on-call rotation
• Conduct regular property walks and risk audits to ensure safety and compliance

Preventative Maintenance & Capital Projects

• Create and maintain preventative maintenance schedules
• Partner with the Director of Construction on large-scale repairs and renovations
• Coordinate seasonal projects and assist in forecasting capital needs

Curb Appeal & Community Cleanliness

• Maintain a strong visual standard across all sites, from landscaping to signage
• Ensure cleanliness and presentation of entryways, amenities, and shared spaces
• Set the tone for first impressions through proactive inspections and quality assurance

Turnover & Unit Readiness

• Coordinate turnovers to meet move-in timelines with zero-defect expectations
• Collaborate with the Resident Experience Director and Leasing & Hospitality Specialist to ensure leasing deadlines are met
• Walk all completed units to ensure readiness and compliance with standards
• Supervise and mentor maintenance team members
• Source, schedule, and evaluate vendor performance
• Manage maintenance supply inventory and ensure budget-aligned purchasing
• Monitor controllable maintenance expenses across the portfolio
• Support annual budget planning and provide recommendations for capital improvements
• Track performance metrics and submit reports on service delivery trends

What Success Looks Like

• Residents feel safe, cared for, and confident in the service they receive
• Communities are visually appealing and functionally sound, day in and day out
• Turnovers are efficient, on time, and exceed quality expectations
• Maintenance operations support broader occupancy, retention, and financial goals

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in facilities or property maintenance (multi-site preferred)
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams or vendors
• Certified in HVAC or related trade strongly preferred
• Familiarity with OSHA, building codes, and general safety procedures
• Proficient with maintenance work order platforms and property management software
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills

Company Culture

At Rutherford, we lead with hospitality, and we expect our team members to do the same. Our Service Managers play a critical leadership role in our communities and help shape the day-to-day experience of our residents and team members.

We're looking for people who are:

Driven: You show up, follow through, and take pride in your work

Collaborative: You partner across roles to find solutions and elevate the team

High-Integrity: You lead by example, act ethically, and earn trust

Quality-Focused: You care about the details and always strive to do better

Service-Minded: You see maintenance as a form of care, and take it personally

Work hours are generally 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, with participation in a rotating emergency on-call schedule. Travel between properties is required for multi-site portfolios. Occasional evening/weekend availability may be needed for turnovers, projects, or emergency response.

This position will oversee the Maintenance & Facilities Operations of 348 apartment homes in a garden-style property and has three direct reports.

What We Offer

• $33-$39/hr, though new team members generally start between $33-$35/hr
• A high-impact leadership role within a growing hospitality-focused company
• Competitive pay, performance bonuses, and full medical/dental/vision benefits
• Housing discounts of 20% (where applicable)
• Participation in RISE, our signature development program focused on professional growth, leadership, and recognition. RISE is what sets us apart-it's how we support our team with purpose, heart, and high standards.

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.