Housekeeper Job in Highland Park, Illinois

Owners of a historic David Adler home in Highland Park are seeking an experienced, organized and detail-oriented (nearly) Full-Time Housekeeper who will efficiently clean both the main house and coach house on an 8-acre lakefront property. Schedule is 3-4 days/week, approximately 30 hours but may be more for right candidate. Flexibility with hours and scheduling is required depending on family’s event and extensive travel schedule. Additional availability for holidays and special events required (help with serving, cleanup, etc.) The ability to work around the family when they are at residence, while at the same time cleaning and organizing in an productive and high-quality manner, is key. Must be comfortable with role fluctuation when family is traveling (i.e. large organization projects and working alongside Estate Manager, Assistants, Nannies and other staff). Candidates must also be comfortable working around two young children (one is an infant) and two very friendly dogs 2 cats when they are in the home (when family travels, animals are boarded). Applicants must be exceptionally trustworthy, understand the importance of maintaining discretion and able to work collaboratively alongside domestic staff. An individual who can prioritize and work independently with an impeccable eye for detail is a must. The right fit for this role will be skilled with organizing and cleaning of fine items and knowledgeable re: various surfaces and artwork. Experience cleaning historic homes and/or vintage flooring/fixtures/furniture is a HUGE PLUS. At least 3 years of private housekeeper experience working in a 10,000 square foot or larger residence is required and experience working on the North Shore is strongly preferred. Impeccable references and background check required. Standard ‘uniform’ required (dark pants, button up or polo type shirt with solid color). Start date is ASAP with 2-week trial period to assess performance. RESPONSIBILITIES: In concert with Estate Manager, create daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual task lists Cleaning and preparation of master, guest and children’s bedrooms; make beds and change linens as required Tidy up all rooms as needed Empty and clean trash containers and diaper pails/dispose of trash in a sanitary manner Scoop and dispose of cat litter Wash/put away dishes and clean kitchen according to agreed hygiene standards Sort, wash, load and put away laundry; ironing as needed (family of four with two small children) Clean wash basins, mirrors, tubs and showers Sweep, scrub, mop and polish floors Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery and draperies as needed Dust and polish furniture and fittings; clean metal fixtures and fittings Knowledge of cleaning fine artwork Wipe down glass surfaces Wipe down refrigerators and freezers; dispose of expired food in refrigerator, freezer and pantry Clean appliances as needed Polish silver as needed Assist in harvest of large organic garden (cleaning, sorting, storing, disposal of bad produce; manual harvest is done by an outside company) Indoor plant care (ie watering etc) Change light bulbs keep light bulb inventory Organization projects -- ex: closets, storage, declutter etc. As needed assistance with animal care (meal portioning, feeding, etc.) Assistance with entertaining, especially during holidays (ex: setup, helping during event, serving, clean up, etc.); collaborate with staff to prepare home for guests Run errands (ex: dry cleaner, seamstress, dropping off donations, etc.) as needed in collaboration with other staff Keep cleaning and household supply lists; notify when inventory is running low Maintain all cleaning equipment and materials in a safe and sanitary working condition Monitor and report necessary domestic repairs and replacements QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: Reliable transportation to Highland Park (clean driving record and license required) Understand the importance of maintaining discretion (confidentiality agreement is required) Agree to a background check Several excellent and recent references Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos along with ability to write simple correspondence (ability to communicate via email and text; ability to make inventory lists, etc.) Physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend (high energy level; active and fit) Professional with positive attitude; hard working with high personal standards Self-starter with a calm demeanor in high-performance roles Non-smoker 3 years of full-time housekeeper experience in home with large square footage, ideally with one consistent family Experience working on the North Shore or similar Eligible to work in the United States Interest in longevity Fluent in English Comfortable with dogs/cats Strong knowledge of proper care for various surfaces COMPENSATION: $18-$22/hr Please review the job description carefully and if you feel you are a good fit for the position, please apply and include ALL of the following: Please include: Your cover letter Resume References (email address and phone number) Letter(s) of recommendation A professional photo We look forward to reviewing your application!