Sterling Staff

Major Domo/Estate Manager:

• Job Description:
  Usually oversees the operation of multiple homes and/or properties for the same employer. Typically strictly administrative. Works with butlers to see that the needs of the employers are met in each residence. May also handle the planning and execution of large social events.
• Qualifications:
  Experience as a butler or other similar position in Hotel/Resort industry. The ability to travel between homes at a moment's notice. Higher education preferred.
• Benefits:
  Accommodations at each employers homes. Medical sometimes dental and life insurance (as well as other corporate type benefits such as 401K), clothing allowance. Access to car. Substantial bonuses.
• Typical Salary/Compensation Range:
  $60,000-$180,000 US

Butler:

• Job Description:
  Usually in charge of one residence. Supervises, organizes and often helps train domestic staff. Serves meals and drinks, answers doorbells and telephone, sets the table for meals, makes out the household budgets, organizes parties. Some valet duties and light housekeeping. May also include scheduling of maintenance and staff for employers yacht, stables and plane. Lives in. Not to be confused with major domo or estate manager.
• Qualifications:
  Experience as an under butler, valet, ship steward or in hotel management. Higher education preferred. Knowledge of wines and spirits. Knowledge of security systems.
• Benefits:
  Free room and board. Medical and sometimes dental and life insurance ( as well as other corporate type benefits such as 401K) Paid vacations. Travel with employers. Access to car. Two days off per week. Substantial bonuses. Clothing allowance.
• Typical Salary/Compensation Range:
  $40,000- $120,000. US

Nanny/Governess:

• Job Description:
  Full charge in tending to children. Takes pro-active roll in playing and planning activities for her/his charges. Maintains their bedrooms and play areas, bathes, dresses and feeds them. Washes, irons and mends children's clothes. Typically lives in. Uniform sometimes, but often not required. A governess has the same duties, however is often additionally in charge of tutoring the child in a particular subject or subjects. A governess is traditionally from a teaching background. Male nannies, required to be of the same caliber, are sometimes referred to as "Mannies", we prefer the term "Governor". Not to be confused with au pairs, or babysitters.
• Qualifications:
  Experience with children. Formal education (Particularly in early childhood education, nursing, or credentials including nanny or governess certification from an established, accredited, institution or possessing an NNEB) preferred.
• Benefits:
  Room and board. Medical and sometimes dental and life insurance. Travel with employing family. Access to car. Two days off per week. Paid vacations.
• Typical Salary Range:
  $15,000 - $52,000 US

Caretaker:

• Job Description:
  Keeps grounds and equipment in good condition. May do yard work, painting, light carpentry and plumbing. Ensures securities. May also assist housekeeper with heavier household duties, such as moving and lifting. Lives on grounds. Uniform not required. Not to be confused with gardener.
• Qualifications:
  Must be physically fit. Experience with plumbing, painting and carpentry helpful.
• Benefits:
  Free room and board. Medical and dental insurance. Two days off per week. Paid vacations.
• Typical Salary Range:
  $25,000 - $45,000 US
  

Chef

• Job Description:
  Prepares meals for family and staff. Additionally, plans and prepares food for parties, luncheons and all other social events. Prepares detailed menus and orders groceries. Directs the operation and organization of the kitchen and the presentation and serving of the food. May live in. Uniform is often required. Not to be confused with cook.
• Qualifications:
  Restaurant, executive dining, catering or similar domestic experience. Must be able to plan, prepare and organize for frequent entertaining. Most private chefs have culinary degrees from top institutions.
• Benefits:
  Free room and board. Medical, and sometimes dental, and life insurance. Two days off per week. Paid vacations. Bonuses.
• Typical Salary Range:
  $35,000 - $70,000 US

Housekeeper or Houseman

• Job Description:
  Responsible for maintenance of household. Dusts, vacuums, waxes floors, makes beds, cleans linens, polishes silver, arranges furniture, mends clothing, does laundry. May supervise support staff. Typically lives in. Uniform often required. Not to be confused with chambermaid, ladies maid, parlormaid, waitress or laundress.
• Qualifications:
  Past experience as a general maid. Good understanding of household operations.
• Benefits:
  Free room and board. Medical and dental insurance. Two days off per week. Paid vacations.
• Typical Salary Range:
  $20,000 - $45,000 US
  

Domestic Couple Team:

• Job Descriptions:
  Often a married couple offering the combination of services of Butler/Housekeeper or Housekeeper/Caretaker, the first is referred to as a formal couple then later an informal couple. Both typically live in. Uniforms are often required for formal couples.
• Qualifications:
  Domestic experience and references in the field to which each claims expertise. A strong partnership with the other half of the team.
• Benefits:
  Usually a separate cottage on the property or separate apartment is provided as well as a food allowance. Access to car. Medical and sometimes dental and life insurance. One or two days off per week. Paid