Sr. Service Technician

Sr. Service Technician

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

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 Environment

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
• Paid time off-including PTO for volunteer work
• 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.

Background Check and Drug Screen Required