Estate Handyman / Maintenance Operative - Ref 1896 Date: August 21, 2026

Estate Handyman / Maintenance Operative – Coastal Argyll, Scotland

Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a capable, practical and self-motivated Estate Handyman / Maintenance Operative to join a friendly estate team in a varied, hands-on role. Working across self-catering holiday and residential properties, as well as estate grounds, machinery and infrastructure, the successful candidate will play a key part in keeping the estate well maintained, guest-ready and operating to a high standard.

This position would suit a reliable all-rounder with strong practical skills, excellent attention to detail and the confidence to work independently while contributing positively as part of a wider team. The role offers real variety, from property repairs, refurbishment and preventative maintenance to grounds work, machinery upkeep, private water supply checks and liaison with specialist contractors when required.

The right candidate will be trustworthy, organised, proactive and proud of delivering excellent workmanship. Strong communication skills and a professional, friendly manner are important, as the role involves working with estate staff, tenants, guests and contractors. Previous experience in property maintenance, facilities management, rural estates, hospitality properties or a similar practical maintenance role would be highly valued.

In return, the role offers a rewarding working environment within a dynamic, beautiful coastal estate near Oban, Argyll; the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills, a supportive team culture, competitive salary dependent on experience and the potential to live in an estate house. Applications from married couples will also be considered, with the possibility of part-time role (eg housekeeping, gardening, administration) for a spouse where appropriate.

Job Overview

We are seeking a talented, reliable, practical and proactive Estate Handyman / Maintenance Operative to join our estate management team. This is a varied, hands-on role responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, repair and upkeep of the estate's self-catering holiday accommodation, residential buildings, commercial buildings, machinery, grounds and infrastructure.

The successful candidate will be a skilled all-rounder with experience in general property maintenance; mechanical repairs and maintenance; woodland, fencing and grounds maintenance; private water supply maintenance and overall ensuring that all estate assets are maintained to a high standard. The role requires someone who can work primarily independently, as well as part of a team when the activity requires. The role requires a great communicator, able to prioritise workloads effectively and competent at organising and coordinating with specialist trades when required. You will take real pride in delivering and ensuring the delivery of excellent standards of work across the estate.

Key Responsibilities

Property Maintenance

• Carry out routine inspections of estate properties and identify maintenance requirements.

• Undertake general repairs including joinery, painting and decorating, plaster repairs, tiling and basic plumbing and electrics.

• Undertake periodic checks and maintenance including ensuring buildings are wind and water-tight; health and safety related checks and organising relevant maintenance.

• Carry out basic electrical maintenance where appropriate and within competency.

• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from estate staff, tenants and self-catering guests.

• Undertake refurbishment as required of letting properties between occupancies to ensure they are presented to a high standard.

• Carry out preventative maintenance to minimise future repairs.

Self-Catering & Estate Properties

• Ensure all self-catering properties remain fully operational and guest-ready.

• Resolve maintenance issues quickly to minimise disruption to guests.

• Install, repair and maintain fixtures, fittings, appliances and furnishings.

• Organise and implement winter maintenance schedules for each property to ensure maintaining high accommodation standards.

• Assist with refurbishment projects and property improvements.

Mechanical & Estate Equipment

• Carry out routine servicing and minor repairs to estate machinery and equipment.

• Maintain estate vehicles, boats, trailers, tractors, mowers and other mechanical equipment where appropriate.

• Report faults requiring specialist attention and liaise with external contractors.

• Keep workshops, tools and equipment clean, organised and maintained.

Woodland, Grounds & Infrastructure

• Assist with general groundskeeping and landscaping duties including mowing.

• Help maintain roads, pathways, fences, gates and outdoor furniture.

• Help maintain woodland paths, estate tracks and public areas.

• Help collect firewood for winter fuel for residential and holiday lets.

• Maintain estate’s private water supply including regular checks, filter changes and any required maintenance.

General Estate Duties

• Support the wider estate team with seasonal projects and events.

• Carry out fencing repairs and basic construction work.

• Assist with waste management and recycling.

• Help monitor estate health and safety standards.

• Be available to respond to emergency maintenance issues when required.

• Work collaboratively with other members of the estate team and contractors.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Previous experience in property maintenance, facilities management or a similar handyman role.

• Strong practical skills across a range of trades.

• Proven aptitude and experience using and maintaining grounds-keeping machinery.

• Ability to perform robust Health & Safety assessments and ensure safe practices.

• Experience safely using power tools and maintenance equipment.

• Strong organisational skills

• Proven ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.

• Strong problem-solving ability combined with proven planning skills ensuring efficient working practices and issue resolution.

• Strong attention to detail, tidiness and pride in excellent workmanship.

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable:

• Experience working on rural estates or hospitality properties.

• Experience with boats and outboard engines

• Basic plumbing, electrical or joinery qualifications.

• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates.

• Chainsaw qualifications.

• Trailer towing licence.

• Machinery operator (eg 360 digger) qualifications.

• First Aid qualifications.

Personal Qualities

• Trustworthy, dependable, strong communicator and self-motivated.

• Positive, flexible and willing to turn your hand to a wide variety of tasks.

• Friendly and professional when interacting with guests, tenants and contractors.

• Able to remain calm under pressure and prioritise to respond to urgent maintenance issues.

• Well organised and proactive, with excellent time management skills.

• Strong attention to detail and committed to maintaining exceptionally high standards across the estate.

• A love of Nature and desire to live in and enjoy an unspoilt natural rural environment.

What We Offer

• A varied and rewarding role within a beautiful dynamic rural coastal estate environment.

• Potential to live in an estate house

• Opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of residential and holiday properties.

• Supportive and friendly estate team.

• Ongoing training and opportunities to develop new skills.

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.

Married couples will be considered and there is the possibility of a part-time housekeeping role for the spouse, subject to appropriate skills and experience.

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sophie@theestatesofficeargyll.com