Family with newly built main residence in Lincoln Park of Chicago, Illinois is seeking an experienced, organized, and detail oriented full-time housekeeper who will efficiently clean 7,000 square foot informal residence. Schedule is on Monday – Friday at 40 hours per week. Family is open to the schedule preferred by housekeeper (e.g., 7am-3pm, 8am-4pm, 9am-5pm, 10am-6pm, etc). Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays are required when family has events and residence needs to be prepared for family and guests arrival. Family has another residence in Michigan, which is approximately 75 minutes drive from Chicago. Housekeeper must be willing to work at Michigan residence approximately 3-4 days per month (once per week) during peak season (summer months). The ability to work around the family’s schedule while at the same time cleaning and organizing in an efficient manner is important. Applicants need to be honest, trustworthy, understand the importance of maintaining discretion (confidentiality agreement required), collaborative to work with domestic employees (private chef, nannies, night nurse), experienced working with principals and children that are around residence often (discreet and staying out of the way is important), adept at organizing and general cleaning, knowledgeable with cleaning various surfaces and artwork, experienced assisting with entertaining, skilled with laundry, and proficient with ironing. Candidates must be comfortable working around dogs and young children. Candidates with many years of private full-time housekeeper experience working in a 5,000+ square foot or larger residence is required. Safe vehicle for transportation is required. Uniform preferred by housekeeper is provided and required. Family is open to local candidates and domestic relocations. Start date is flexible for the right candidate.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Cleaning and tidying of 7,000 square foot residence
- Sweep, scrub, mop and polish floors
- Vacuum carpets, rugs and draperies
- Dust and polish furniture and fittings
- Clean artwork and fine furniture (following specific care instructions)
- Clean metal fixtures and fittings
- Empty and clean trash containers
- Clean wash basins, mirrors, tubs and showers
- Wipe down glass surfaces
- Wipe down refrigerators, wine fridge, mini fridges, ice makers, etc.
- Dispose of expired food in refrigerator, freezer, and pantry (private chef will handle nearly everything relating to food)
- Make up beds and change linens as required
- Pack and unpack principals and children for travel
- Keep cleaning supply and household inventory (use inventory for creating lists to run errands)
- Keep light bulb inventory and change light bulbs
- Laundry for clothing and linens (sort, wash, fold, etc.)
- Iron clothing and linens as needed
- Maintain all cleaning equipment and materials in a safe and sanitary working condition
- Monitor and report necessary domestic repairs and replacements to principal(s)
- Wash dishes and clean kitchen according to agreed hygiene standards
- Clean appliances
- Manage dry cleaning, dry cleaning inventory, and inspect clothing and linens upon return
- Run errands (e. g., grocery store, dry cleaner, seamstress, florist, drop off donations, etc.)
- Declutter and organizational projects, as directed by principal(s) (e.g., closets, storage, etc.)
- Clean entryway of home
- Care for indoor and outdoor plants
- Polish silver
- Clean, tidy and organize outdoor living spaces (e.g., rooftops, decks, balconies, etc.)
- Schedule and oversee vendors and contractors (e.g., schedule window washing, winterizing irrigation system for winter months, seasonal landscaping displays, etc.)
- Assistance with entertaining (e.g., preparation for event, helping during event, clean up, etc.)
- Display seasonal holiday decorations (e.g., Christmas tree and decorations, etc.)
- Meal preparation on days when private chef is off work (e.g., putting together ingredients left by chef, chopping vegetables, etc.)
- Maintain vehicles, fill gas tank, take for service appointments and keep accurate records of services completed
- Assistance with dogs (e.g., clean up after, walk occasionally, etc.)
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to travel domestically to Michigan residence
- Understand the importance of maintaining discretion (confidentiality agreement is required)
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos along with ability to write simple correspondence
- Technology proficient (e. g., email and text messages for communication, etc.)
- Physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, climb stairs, kneel and bend
- Professional with positive attitude, hard working and pleasant to be around
- Collaborative to work with domestic employees
- High energy level
- Active and fit
- Discreet and calm demeanor
- Non-smoker
REQUIREMENTS:
- 5-10+ years of recent and consistent full-time housekeeper experience
- 2-3 references from domestic positions
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Fluent in English (verbal and written communication)
- Safe vehicle for transportation
- Driver’s license and clean driving record
- Willing to run extensive background checks, motor vehicle checks, drug tests, and psychological evaluation
- Vaccinations (e.g., COVID-19, MMR, TDap, Flu Shot)
- Comfortable with dogs and young children
- Seeking longevity / long term commitment (e.g., at least 2-5+ years)
- Live a close proximity to family’s residence in Lincoln Park or willingness to relocate within a commutable distance
COMPENSATION:
- $90K+ gross annual salary (based on experience and qualifications)
- $500 gross monthly health insurance stipend
- Two weeks (10 days) vacation paid
- Seven government holidays paid
- Five sick days paid
- Gas reimbursement when driving to and from Michigan residence
- Discretionary annual bonus and raise (performance evaluation required)
Please read the job description carefully and kindly apply with your cover letter, resume, references (email address and phone number), letter(s) of recommendation, and professional photo if you feel that you meet all of the requirements. We look forward to hearing from you!