Porter Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties, and Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “porter job description template,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles—but let’s be honest, most of them are painfully generic.

They go straight into bullet points and buzzwords…
 “Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.”

The problem?
 That kind of job post doesn’t actually help you attract a great porter. It just fills space.

Because great porters aren’t checking boxes—they’re keeping your building running smoothly, preventing problems before they happen, and creating a clean, safe environment for everyone who walks through the door.

But most job posts don’t reflect that.
 They don’t explain what the job really is, who it’s for, or why it matters.

So if your current job post feels like a formality, here’s how to turn it into your best recruiting tool.

👉 And if you haven’t read our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It breaks down why most job posts fail—and shows you exactly how to fix them.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down.

WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

What A Porter Actually Does - Their Roles

A porter isn’t just someone who takes out the trash or mops the floor.

A good porter keeps your facility running like clockwork. They’re the quiet engine behind clean hallways, stocked restrooms, tidy lobbies, and functional back rooms. They spot issues early—like a leaky pipe or a safety hazard—and fix them before they become bigger problems.

They take pride in keeping the space safe, presentable, and welcoming—whether it’s a residential building, hospital, office complex, or hotel. Their work might not always be front and center, but when it’s done right, everyone notices.

That’s why being reliable, observant, and proactive matters just as much as knowing how to handle cleaning supplies or operate a floor buffer.

In short:
 If your facility feels clean, cared for, and well-run—there’s probably a great porter behind it.

Two Great Porter Job Description Templates

We’ll provide two tailored job description options:

1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.

2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.

 

✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Porters

📌 Job Title: Day Porter Needed at Reliant Property Group (Downtown Atlanta)
 💼 Full-Time | $17–$19/hr | Monday–Friday, 7AM–3PM

🎥 A Quick Word from Our Facilities Manager
 (Watch this 1-minute video to meet our team and learn what we’re looking for: [Insert Loom or YouTube Link])

Who We Are
 Reliant Property Group manages over 2 million square feet of commercial real estate in the heart of Atlanta. We serve tenants ranging from fast-growing startups to Fortune 500 companies—and we take pride in maintaining spaces that feel clean, safe, and professional. With a reputation built on reliability and care, we know our day porters are essential to keeping that promise every single day.

Our Company Culture
 At Reliant, we’re detail-oriented, respectful, and team-first. Everyone—from the front desk to the maintenance crew—is treated with dignity and trust. We believe great work starts with great people, and we make sure every team member feels supported and heard. Clean spaces and clear communication are the standard.

About the Role
 We’re hiring a full-time day porter to support our commercial building at Peachtree Center. You’ll work closely with the facilities supervisor to keep public areas clean, organized, and safe—making sure tenants and guests always feel welcome. If you take pride in your work and notice the little things, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

  • Maintain common areas: lobbies, elevators, hallways, restrooms

  • Restock restroom supplies and monitor cleanliness

  • Sweep, mop, vacuum, wipe surfaces, and empty trash bins

  • Report facility issues or safety concerns promptly

  • Assist with event setups and light maintenance tasks

  • Work with the building team to uphold a clean and professional space

What We’re Looking For

  • 1+ year porter or janitorial experience in a commercial setting

  • Familiar with floor care, janitorial tools, and cleaning chemicals

  • Reliable, self-directed, and respectful toward tenants and team

  • Strong attention to detail and task follow-through

  • Able to lift up to 40 lbs and be on your feet most of the day

Perks & Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance after 90 days

  • Paid holidays + 40 hours of PTO annually

  • Weekly pay + overtime available for weekend events

  • Free uniforms and safety gear provided

  • Access to company training programs and promotion opportunities

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
 At Reliant, you won’t be invisible—you’ll be valued. Your work directly shapes the experience of hundreds of people each day. We believe in recognizing consistency, rewarding initiative, and promoting from within. If you want a steady role where your effort actually matters, this is it.

How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants based on real strengths, not just résumés.
 👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
 You’ll go through a quick evaluation that helps us get to know you. We reply to every applicant and respect your time throughout the process.

✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Candidates

📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Porter – Join Our Team at Sterling Homes (Queens, NY)
 💼 Full-Time | $15–$17/hr | Tuesday–Saturday, 10AM–6PM

🎥 A Quick Message from Our Building Superintendent
 (Hear directly from our team about what it’s like to work at Sterling: [Insert Loom or YouTube Link])

Who We Are
 Sterling Homes is a family-run property management company overseeing several mid-rise apartment buildings across Queens. For over 30 years, we’ve been known for providing well-maintained, tenant-first housing. Our porters are the heartbeat of our operations—keeping our buildings clean, safe, and running smoothly for every resident.

Our Company Culture
 We believe in fair treatment, growth through mentorship, and steady, honest work. Our team members are dependable, friendly, and always willing to help each other out. We keep things simple and respectful: do your job well, treat people right, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

About the Role
 We’re looking for a full-time entry-level porter to support our residential building on Roosevelt Avenue. No prior experience is needed—we’ll train you. If you show up on time, care about your work, and are eager to learn, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

  • Clean stairwells, hallways, elevators, and trash rooms

  • Take out garbage and recycling, restock supply closets

  • Sweep, mop, and wipe down high-touch areas

  • Report repairs or maintenance needs to supervisor

  • Assist tenants respectfully when needed

  • Follow daily checklists and safety guidelines

What We’re Looking For

  • No experience needed—we’ll train you

  • A positive attitude and willingness to learn

  • Punctual, respectful, and takes instructions well

  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs and move around for most of the shift

  • Comfortable working with basic cleaning tools

Perks & Benefits

  • Weekly pay + overtime when available

  • Paid time off after 3 months

  • Free uniforms, PPE, and daily shift check-ins

  • Optional union membership after 6 months

  • Hands-on training and mentorship from experienced staff

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
 If you want to build real skills, stay active, and be part of a team that treats you like family—this is your chance. Many of our supervisors started out just like you. At Sterling, we notice effort, reward loyalty, and make room for you to grow.

How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to give every applicant a fair shot—no résumé required.
 👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
 You’ll complete a short evaluation that helps us understand your potential. We respond to every application and will guide you through the process from start to finish.

Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Breakdown of Why These Porter Job Posts Work

Both examples go far beyond the generic “sweep, mop, take out trash” bullet lists—and that’s exactly what makes them effective. Here’s what they get right:

✅ 1. Clear, Specific Job Titles

Instead of just saying “Porter Needed,” the job titles are clear and contextual:

  • “Day Porter Needed at Reliant Property Group (Downtown Atlanta)”

  • “Entry-Level Porter – Join Our Team at Sterling Homes (Queens, NY)”

Why it works: The titles tell candidates what the job is, where it is, and who it’s with. This increases relevance and draws in the right applicants from the start.

✅ 2. Warm Introductions with Context

Each post opens with a friendly tone and a video from the hiring manager or team lead. Right after, the “Who We Are” section introduces the company in plain language.

Why it works: Great porters want stability, clear expectations, and a place where they’ll be respected. Starting with context helps build trust and creates a human connection.

✅ 3. Authentic Company Culture Section

Each post highlights what the day-to-day team dynamic is like and what values the company upholds.

Why it works: It helps applicants self-select based on fit. A team-first, respectful culture will attract people who care about more than just a paycheck.

✅ 4. Detailed, Impact-Oriented Responsibilities

Rather than listing tasks like a checklist, the duties explain what the porter will actually do and why it matters.

Why it works: It gives the role purpose. When a task is framed as “keeping our lobbies clean for first impressions,” it sounds more meaningful than “wipe surfaces.”

✅ 5. Requirements That Invite (Not Exclude)

The experienced role lists qualifications clearly. The entry-level role specifically says, “No experience required—we’ll train you.”

Why it works: You attract people who want to grow—not just those who’ve done the job before. That’s how you widen the applicant pool without lowering the bar.

✅ 6. Separate Perks & Benefits Section

Each post clearly lists perks like PTO, uniforms, overtime, and health benefits.

Why it works: Transparency about compensation and benefits builds trust. It also shows that you value your employees’ well-being, not just their labor.

✅ 7. Strong “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section

These sections go beyond generic hype. They explain what’s in it for the candidate—and why the company values the role.

Why it works: Top applicants aren’t just looking for a job—they want a place where they’ll be seen, supported, and able to grow. This section speaks directly to that.

✅ 8. Human-Centered Application Process

Both posts reassure candidates that:

  • Every application will be reviewed

  • WorkScreen is used to evaluate fairly

  • Applicants will be updated throughout the process

Why it works: Most job seekers are used to ghosting and cold formality. This approach stands out because it feels respectful and intentional.

✅ 9. Video From the Team

Including a Loom or YouTube video from a manager adds personality and realness.

Why it works: Candidates want to see the humans behind the job post. A short video makes your company more approachable and memorable.

Example of a Bad Porter Job Description (And Why it Fails)

Job Title: Porter
 Company: Downtown Property Services
 Location: New York, NY
 Job Type: Full-Time
 Compensation: Not specified

Job Summary
 We are seeking a porter to assist with general cleaning and maintenance duties. The porter will be responsible for keeping the premises clean and supporting the building team as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Sweep and mop floors

  • Take out trash

  • Clean restrooms

  • Restock supplies

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Must be able to lift 30 lbs

  • High school diploma preferred

  • Prior experience preferred

How to Apply
 Please send your résumé to hr@downtownproperty.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

🔍 Why This Job Post Falls Short

1. The Job Title Is Too Generic

Just saying “Porter” gives no indication of:

  • What kind of facility this is

  • Whether it’s day or night shift

  • What kind of porter work is expected (residential, commercial, hospital?)

Why it matters: Top candidates scroll right past vague listings. They want relevance and clarity.

2. No Sense of Culture, Team, or Mission

There’s no mention of what the company does, what it values, or what it’s like to work there.

Why it matters: Candidates want to know who they’ll work with and whether they’ll be respected. This post feels cold and transactional.

3. No Compensation or Benefits Information

It doesn’t list an hourly rate, benefits, PTO, or anything else that might help a candidate decide whether to apply.

Why it matters: Lack of transparency is a red flag. It suggests that the company might not be employee-focused.

4. Responsibilities Are Too Broad

There’s no context around the tasks—just vague instructions like “perform other duties as assigned.”

Why it matters: Without specificity, it’s hard for candidates to imagine what a typical day looks like. That uncertainty deters good applicants.

5. The Requirements Are Bare-Minimum and Uninspiring

“Must be able to lift 30 lbs” and “experience preferred” don’t say much. There’s no indication of what success looks like or what traits the company values.

Why it matters: It treats candidates like interchangeable labor instead of valued contributors.

6. The Application Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” signals that the company doesn’t respect applicants’ time or effort.

Why it matters: Top candidates are unlikely to apply when it feels like they’ll be ghosted or ignored.

7. No Personality, No CTA

The tone is dry, robotic, and lifeless. There’s no warmth, no enthusiasm, and no reason for someone to feel excited about the opportunity.

Why it matters: In a competitive hiring market, connection and tone matter more than ever.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Porter Job Post Stand Out

Most job descriptions stop at the basics. But if you want to attract better applicants—and more of them—these small additions can make a big difference:

✅ Tip 1: Add a Privacy & Security Notice for Applicants

Job seekers are increasingly cautious about scams or misuse of their personal information. A simple notice can help them feel safer applying.

Example:

🔒 We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or sensitive personal information during any part of the hiring process.

✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time (If Applicable)

Even hourly workers care deeply about time off—but most posts don’t mention it. If you offer any paid time off, holidays, or flexible scheduling, say it clearly.

Example:

🗓️ Enjoy up to 40 hours of paid time off annually, plus 6 paid holidays to rest, recharge, or take care of what matters most.

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Whether you’re hiring experienced or entry-level porters, growth matters. A clear note about advancement opportunities makes your job more attractive.

Example:

🚀 We promote from within and offer training to help you grow into a lead or supervisor role over time. Many of our team members started as porters and worked their way up.

✅ Tip 4: Include a Loom or YouTube Video

A short 30–60 second video from the hiring manager or team lead can do wonders for trust. It shows there’s a real person behind the post and gives candidates a sense of your team’s vibe.

Example Prompt:

“Hi, I’m Luis—Facilities Manager at Reliant. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work and notices the little things. If you like working with a respectful team that values what you do, we’d love to meet you.”

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ Tip 5: Mention Uniforms, Tools, or Daily Support

Little operational details matter to candidates, especially in hands-on roles.

Example:

👕 We provide free uniforms, PPE, and daily team huddles so you know what to expect each shift. We’ve got your back from Day 1.

✅ Tip 6: Use Subheadings to Improve Skimmability

Make your job post easier to read on mobile by breaking it into scannable sections:

  • Who We Are

  • Our Culture

  • What You’ll Do

  • Perks & Benefits

  • How to Apply

This makes your post feel professional and modern—and respects the reader’s time.

Should You Use AI to Write a Porter Job Post?

These days, it feels like everyone’s using AI tools to crank out job descriptions—fast.
 Even some hiring platforms now offer a “generate job post” button with zero input from you.

But here’s the truth:
 If you rely on AI to write your porter job post from scratch—with no context, no personality, and no thought—it will show. And it will cost you the candidates you actually want.

⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write It All for You

If you just type:

“Write a job description for a porter”

…AI will give you a generic, lifeless job post that sounds like it came from a template written in 2003. No mission. No company culture. No warmth. Just bullet points and buzzwords.

Here’s what that attracts:

  • People who are mass-applying without reading

  • Candidates who are only half-interested

  • Copy-pasted cover letters from other jobs

You miss out on the people who would’ve been a great fit—because your post didn’t reflect who you really are or what you’re looking for.

✅ The Smart Way to Use AI (If You’re Going To)

AI is a great assistant—but you are the author.
 Here’s how to use AI the right way: feed it your raw material, then let it help you polish.

Start with something like this:

Prompt Example:

“Help me write a job description for our company, Sterling Homes.
 We’re hiring an entry-level porter to support our residential building in Queens.
 Our culture is family-run, respectful, and mentorship-focused.
 We want someone reliable, willing to learn, and respectful toward tenants.
 We provide training, paid time off, free uniforms, and weekly pay.
 We want a warm, human tone—and we’re open to entry-level candidates.
 Here are a few notes I’ve written to get started:
 [Paste your rough notes here].
 Please organize this into a clear, friendly job post.”

This way, AI isn’t guessing. It’s helping you refine your voice, not replace it.

Bottom Line:
 Let AI assist—but don’t outsource your values, tone, or expectations to a robot.
 Because your job post is the first impression someone gets of your team.
 If you wouldn’t copy-paste your “About Us” page from ChatGPT, don’t do it for your hiring post either.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.

WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Porter Job Description?

We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.

Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and know what a great job post should include. But you’re busy, and you need a starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in just a few minutes.

That’s what this is.

✏️ Important Reminder:
 Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
 This is a foundation, not a final draft.
 Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.

In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.

Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.

  • Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
  • Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Porter Job Description

(Best for companies that want to connect on values, culture, and tone.)

📌 Job Title: Day Porter at [Company Name] – Help Us Keep Things Running Smoothly
 💼 Full-Time | [$XX–$XX/hr] | [Monday–Friday, 7AM–3PM] | [City, State]

🎥 A Quick Note from Our Facilities Manager
 (Watch this 60-second video to hear what we’re looking for and meet the team: [Insert Loom or YouTube Link])

Who We Are
 At [Company Name], we manage clean, safe, and welcoming buildings—and we take pride in doing things right. Our porters are the eyes and ears of our properties. Whether it’s a freshly mopped lobby or a restocked restroom, the details matter. You’ll be part of a team that values your work and supports your growth.

Our Culture
 We believe in teamwork, respect, and consistency. When something needs to get done, we pitch in. When someone does a great job, we say it. And when we make a promise—to tenants or to each other—we follow through. It’s that simple.

What You’ll Do

  • Keep lobbies, restrooms, hallways, and stairwells clean and safe

  • Empty trash, restock supplies, and follow a daily checklist

  • Report any maintenance or safety issues to your supervisor

  • Be a steady, respectful presence tenants and teammates can rely on

What We’re Looking For

  • 1+ year of porter, janitorial, or housekeeping experience preferred

  • Reliable and observant—you notice when something’s off

  • Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stay active throughout your shift

  • Comfortable working independently and as part of a team

Perks & Benefits

  • Weekly pay

  • Paid holidays + PTO

  • Uniforms, safety gear, and on-the-job training provided

  • Health and dental insurance after [X] days

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
 This is a role where what you do matters—every day. If you’re someone who notices the small things, takes pride in your work, and wants to be part of a respectful team, this could be the perfect place for you. Many of our team members have grown with us, and we’re always looking for people who want to build something steady.

How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to evaluate all applicants fairly and quickly.
 👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
 You’ll complete a short skills-based evaluation that helps us understand your strengths. We respond to every application and will keep you updated throughout the process.

✅ Option 2: Structured Format – Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements

(Best for teams that want a more traditional or formal tone.)

📌 Job Title: Porter – Full-Time
 💼 [$XX–$XX/hr] | [City, State] | [Schedule: e.g., Mon–Fri, 8AM–4PM]

🎥 Meet the Team
 (Watch a short message from our hiring manager: [Insert Loom or YouTube Link])

Job Brief
 [Company Name] is hiring a full-time porter to join our facilities team. You will help maintain the daily cleanliness and safety of common areas and support building operations as needed.

Key Responsibilities

  • Clean and maintain restrooms, lobbies, and common spaces

  • Remove trash and recycling from assigned zones

  • Restock restroom and supply areas

  • Follow cleaning schedules and protocols

  • Report safety or maintenance concerns to your supervisor

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Experience in janitorial, custodial, or maintenance roles (preferred)

  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for long periods

  • Detail-oriented and punctual

  • Comfortable working with cleaning supplies and tools

Perks & Benefits

  • Weekly pay

  • Company-provided uniforms and cleaning equipment

  • PTO and paid holidays after [X] days

  • Health, dental, and vision options

How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to evaluate every applicant based on skills—not just résumés.
 👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
 You’ll complete a short evaluation and receive updates at every stage of the process.

Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step

Once you’ve written a strong job post, the next challenge is screening applicants efficiently—without getting buried in résumés or wasting time on candidates who aren’t serious.

That’s where WorkScreen comes in.

✅ WorkScreen Helps You:

● Quickly Identify Your Most Promising Candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.

● Easily Administer One-Click Skill Tests

With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.

● Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants

 

WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.

 

The result?
 You hire faster. You hire smarter. And you hire people who actually belong on your team.

👉 Create Your WorkScreen Account

🎯 Whether you’re hiring for one property or across multiple sites, WorkScreen gives you the tools to focus on what matters: great people, not paperwork.

and streamline your hiring process today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Porter

While porters are often hired for cleaning and maintenance tasks, the best ones bring more than just physical ability. Key skills and traits to look for include:

  • Attention to detail – They notice when something’s off before anyone else does.
  • Reliability – They show up on time and do the job consistently, day after day.
  • Situational awareness – Great porters are observant and often spot safety hazards or broken equipment early.
  • Respectful communication – They may interact with residents, tenants, or staff, so professionalism matters.
  • Physical stamina – Porters are on their feet most of the day and often carry or move supplies.
  • Independence – They should be able to follow a checklist and manage time without constant supervision.

The average hourly wage for a porter in the U.S. ranges from $14 to $18/hour, depending on:

  • Location – Urban areas or union-protected roles often pay more
  • Experience level – Experienced commercial or hospital porters may earn closer to $19–$21/hr
  • Industry – Porters in hospitality or luxury residential buildings may have higher wage floors due to expectations and workload

Always include a salary range in your job post. Transparency attracts serious, better-aligned applicants.

While the roles often overlap, they’re not always the same.

  • Janitors typically focus on deep cleaning, sanitizing, and scheduled maintenance tasks (e.g., waxing floors, washing windows).
  • Porters often handle day-to-day upkeep, restocking, and quick cleaning jobs during operating hours. They tend to work when tenants, guests, or staff are on-site.

In some buildings, the porter is more like a hybrid of janitor + light maintenance support + facility watcher.

Not always.

Some of the best porters started with no experience and learned on the job. If you’re open to training, look for people who are:

  • Dependable
  • Coachable
  • Physically able to meet the job’s demands

That said, if you’re hiring for a high-traffic or multi-property role, experience can reduce ramp-up time.

Make Your Next Great Hire With WorkScreen

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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