Porter Job Description Guide 2025: Duties & Templates

If you’re drafting a porter job description today, use this guide to define the role clearly, post confidently, and hire faster.

A porter keeps spaces clean, safe, stocked, and guest-ready while assisting customers, patients, or teams as needed. This is typically a non-exempt role under the FLSA—add an EEO/ADA statement to your posting.

Updated for 2025, this explainer covers:

• Role variants (day/building, hotel/luggage, dealership/service, hospital/transport)
• Core duties
• Pay
• Safety
• KPIs
• Interview kits
• A 30/60/90-day plan
• Copy-and-paste templates

What Does a Porter Do? (Quick Definition)

When you need a fast answer for “what does a porter do,” think of a hands-on support pro who cleans, restocks, and assists people while keeping facilities or operations running smoothly.

Porters sanitize high-touch areas, take out trash, set up rooms, move items or vehicles, and respond to on-the-spot requests. In guest-facing settings, they greet, carry luggage, and guide visitors. In healthcare, they transport patients and equipment with strict infection control.

Use the duties below to tailor your posting to the setting you’re hiring for.

Typical porter duties and responsibilities:

• Clean and sanitize lobbies, restrooms, breakrooms, and common areas
• Empty trash/recycling; restock supplies (soap, paper, PPE)
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and spot-clean spills; light exterior upkeep
• Set up/take down rooms, equipment, signage, and event layouts
• Assist guests with directions, luggage, deliveries, or escorts
• Move vehicles, carts, or equipment safely as required by the setting
• Report hazards, maintenance issues, and incidents; complete logs
• Follow safety protocols for chemicals, lifting, and infection control

Porter vs Janitor vs Bellperson vs Lot Attendant

Clarify titles before you post to reach the right candidates and avoid misaligned applications.

• Porter vs Janitor: Porters often work during the day in active spaces with more customer interaction; janitors tend to clean after-hours with deeper cleaning scope.
• Porter vs Bellperson (Bellman): Bell staff focus on guest luggage, room escorts, and concierge-style service; hotel porters can overlap but often handle more facilities tasks.
• Lot Attendant vs Service/Car Porter: Lot attendants stage and photograph vehicles for sale; service porters move cars in/out of service bays, wash vehicles, and support the service drive.

Porter Role Variations by Setting

Before writing a porter job description, pick the setting to define scope, tools, and safety training. Titles vary by industry—common variants include Day Porter/Building Porter (facilities), Hotel/Luggage Porter (guest services), Service/Car Porter (automotive), and Hospital/Transport Porter (healthcare).

These variants share cleaning and support tasks but diverge on guest contact, equipment, and compliance. Choose the closest match, then customize duties and requirements.

This taxonomy improves posting accuracy and reduces turnover by aligning expectations.

Facilities/Day Porter (Offices, Retail, Residential)

A day porter maintains occupied spaces during business hours with a focus on cleanliness, quick response, and tenant satisfaction. They clean common areas, restock supplies, support events, and flag maintenance needs as they arise.

Key duties:

• Sanitize restrooms and high-touch points; refill consumables
• Lobby, elevator, hallway, and breakroom cleaning and trash removal
• Conference/event setup and takedown; light exterior sweep
• Receive/deliver supplies; coordinate with maintenance for repairs
• Respond to work orders and document completion

Hotel/Luggage Porter (Guest Services)

A hotel porter blends housekeeping support with guest-facing service and may receive tips. They greet guests, move luggage, escort to rooms, deliver items, and help keep lobbies and entryways spotless.

Key duties:

• Greet guests, assist with luggage, and provide directions
• Deliver amenities, packages, linens, and guest requests promptly
• Keep lobbies, front entry, and elevators clean and presentable
• Coordinate with front desk and housekeeping; handle luggage storage
• Maintain carts, bell trolleys, and door service standards

Dealership/Service Porter (Automotive)

A service or car porter supports the service drive and lot presentation. They move vehicles safely, wash/vacuum cars, maintain the lot, and assist advisors and technicians.

Key duties:

• Safely move vehicles to/from service lanes, bays, and parking
• Wash, vacuum, fuel, and stage vehicles; install seat covers/floor mats
• Keep the lot clean, organized, and photo-ready
• Shuttle customers or parts (as allowed by policy/insurance)
• Perform basic facility/grounds tidiness; monitor shop hazards

Hospital/Transport Porter (Healthcare)

A hospital or patient transport porter supports clinical teams by moving patients, equipment, and specimens while following infection prevention standards. Compassion, communication, and safety discipline are critical.

Key duties:

• Transport patients via wheelchair/gurney with dignity and care
• Move equipment and supplies; assist with room turnover as trained
• Follow hand hygiene and PPE protocols; clean and disinfect equipment
• Adhere to isolation precautions and patient ID verification
• Document transport times; coordinate with nursing and EVS

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Across settings, a strong porter job description should highlight cleaning, responsiveness, and safety. Porters clean and sanitize surfaces, handle waste streams, and restock consumables to keep operations flowing.

They also play a frontline role in customer service, from wayfinding to urgent spill cleanup. In more specialized settings, they move vehicles, patients, or equipment with documented procedures and logs.

The common thread is reliability, safe work habits, and clear communication, which the shared duties below reinforce.

Shared duties:

• Clean/sanitize restrooms, breakrooms, lobbies, and high-touch surfaces
• Sweep/mop/vacuum; spot-clean glass and hard floors; basic floor care
• Empty trash/recycling/compost; safe handling of sharps/biohazards where applicable
• Restock supplies; checklists and shift handoff notes
• Set up rooms, events, signage, and equipment; assist with deliveries
• Support guests/customers with directions and basic requests
• Report hazards, leaks, spills, incidents, and damage immediately
• Use radios/work order apps; log tasks and completion times

Day vs Night Porter: How Duties Change

Decide shift coverage based on traffic patterns and cleaning needs. Day porters focus on visible cleanliness, quick response, and guest support while spaces are in use.

Night porters perform deeper cleaning with less interruption.

Typical differences:

• Day: High-touch sanitizing, restroom restock, lobby presence, event turns, immediate spill response
• Night: Deep floor care (auto-scrubber/buffer), high dusting, full trash pulls, restroom deep-clean, project work
• Overlap: Safety checks, incident reporting, supply prep for the next shift

Skills and Qualifications

Clarify “must-haves” to ensure fit while keeping the candidate pool broad. Most porters are entry-level or early-career, but reliability, attention to detail, and safe work practices are non-negotiable.

Add setting-specific skills (e.g., valid driver’s license for service porters or patient handling basics for hospital porters) without over-screening. Note that this is typically an FLSA non-exempt role, and you should state essential physical requirements with ADA accommodation language.

Must-Have Skills (Non-negotiables)

• Dependability and on-time attendance across shifts
• Customer service, professionalism, and clear communication
• Basic cleaning, sanitizing, and restocking skills
• Safe work habits: follow directions, PPE use, hazard reporting
• Ability to use radios or work order apps; basic reading of labels/SDS
• Lift, push, pull, and stand as required by the setting (see physical requirements)

Nice-to-Have Skills (Setting-Specific)

• Facilities: Floor care equipment (auto-scrubber, buffer), minor room setup
• Hotel: Luggage handling, local wayfinding knowledge, multilingual basics
• Automotive: Clean MVR, manual transmission familiarity, lot staging
• Healthcare: Patient transport techniques, infection control basics (BBP)
• Certifications: OSHA 10 (General Industry), First Aid/CPR, BBP training

Physical Requirements and Safety

State realistic demands and how you’ll support safe work. Most porters stand or walk for most of the shift and lift 25–50 lbs regularly, with occasional heavier team lifts.

Include proper footwear, gloves, and eye protection, along with ergonomic and chemical safety training. Phrase ADA language to welcome accommodations.

Common requirements and notes:

• Stand/walk for 6–8 hours; bend, reach, climb short ladders
• Lift/carry 25–50 lbs; push/pull carts up to 100–300 lbs with wheels
• PPE: closed-toe slip-resistant shoes, gloves; add eye/ear protection as tasks require
• “Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions”

Tools, Equipment, and PPE

Set expectations for the tools porters use and who supplies them. Employers typically provide chemicals, equipment, and PPE; employees provide personal basics like sturdy footwear unless otherwise stated.

Train on safe operation and lockout/tagout awareness where applicable.

Typical tools and PPE by setting:

• Facilities/Day Porter: Mop/bucket, microfiber system, vacuum, auto-scrubber or buffer (as trained), trash grabbers, carts, radios, ladders, basic hand tools; PPE: gloves, eye protection, slip-resistant footwear
• Hotel/Luggage Porter: Bell carts, luggage trolleys, door hardware, radios, key control; light cleaning tools for lobby touch-ups; PPE as needed for cleaning tasks
• Dealership/Service Porter: Vehicle keys and tag systems, wash bay equipment, vacuums, pressure washer, battery tender; radios; PPE: gloves, safety vests, hearing/eye protection in shop, slip-resistant footwear
• Hospital/Transport Porter: Wheelchairs, stretchers, transport monitors/cylinders (as trained), equipment carts; disinfectants; PPE: gloves, masks, eye protection per isolation protocols

Salary, Schedules, and Benefits

Be transparent about porter salary, shift expectations, and benefits to reduce renegotiation later. In the U.S., hourly pay often ranges by setting and market.

Facilities/day porters commonly earn around $15–$22 per hour. Hotel porters earn $14–$20 base plus tips. Dealership/service porters earn $15–$23, and hospital/transport porters earn $16–$24. Night shifts may include a $0.50–$2.00 differential. Overtime is common during peak periods.

Always align with local wage laws, union contracts if applicable, and internal equity.

Typical schedules and benefits:

• Schedules: Day, swing, or night; weekends/holidays based on traffic; full-time or part-time; some on-call or weather-response needs
• Benefits: Health/dental/vision (FT), PTO, paid holidays, uniforms/PPE, training/certifications, commuter or parking benefits, tips (hospitality), employee discounts (hotel/dealership)
• Clarify: Breaks, tip policies, overtime calculation, driving and MVR requirements (automotive), vaccination/infection control requirements (healthcare)

Tips & Gratuities (Hospitality Roles)

Decide and declare your tips policy to avoid confusion. Many hotel porter roles are tip-eligible and may be part of a tip pool.

Disclose whether tips are allowed, pooled, or supplemented, and how service charges are distributed under applicable laws. Note that credit-card tips may be paid out via payroll and subject to withholdings.

If you use tip credits to meet minimum wage, state it clearly and confirm compliance with state rules. Train teams to decline tips only where policy requires and to log tip pools accurately.

Compliance and Hiring Notes (Plain Language)

Use simple, standard language to cover key compliance items without turning the JD into a legal memo. Identify the FLSA status (usually non-exempt), include an EEO statement, and invite accommodation requests under ADA.

Disclose if background checks, drug testing, vaccination, or MVR checks apply. In healthcare, call out infection control and BBP training. In automotive, specify valid license and insurability. Keep language consistent across all postings.

FLSA, EEO/ADA Statements, and Background Checks

Copy-ready boilerplate you can adapt:

• FLSA: “This is a non-exempt, hourly position eligible for overtime under applicable law.”
• EEO: “We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.”
• ADA: “We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply or perform the essential functions, please contact HR.”
• Background/Checks: “Offer contingent on successful completion of background check. Roles involving driving may require a motor vehicle record (MVR) check and valid driver’s license. Healthcare roles may require immunizations and TB screening.”

Safety & Training: OSHA, Chemical Handling, Lifting

Signal a safety-first culture with practical training. Provide onboarding on chemical safety (labels/SDS), safe dilution, and storage.

Include ergonomic lifting and team lifts; slip, trip, and fall prevention; and incident reporting. For healthcare, include hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and BBP. For automotive, add shop PPE, spotter use, and key control.

Recommended training topics:

• OSHA basics and Right-to-Know/SDS; optional OSHA 10 (General Industry)
• Chemical handling and disinfection contact times
• Lifting techniques, cart handling, and ladder safety
• Infection control (healthcare), BBP, and PPE donning/doffing
• Shop safety (automotive): eye/ear protection, vehicle movement, no-idle zones
• Emergency procedures: spill kits, first aid/CPR, evacuation routes

KPIs and Performance Metrics for Porters

Set clear, observable metrics to coach performance and recognize wins. Use simple logs and periodic audits so data doesn’t become a burden.

Tie targets to the setting and adjust for traffic and seasonality. The examples below cover speed, quality, safety, and service.

Example KPIs:

• Response time: Average under 5–10 minutes for public-area requests
• Completion rates: 95%+ of daily checklist tasks completed on time
• Cleanliness audits: 90%+ pass rate on weekly spot checks
• Safety: 0 recordable incidents; 100% training completion and PPE compliance
• Customer/guest feedback: 4.5/5 average for cleanliness/helpfulness
• Asset care: 0 damage incidents from vehicle/equipment movement (automotive)
• Documentation: All incidents and work orders logged by end of shift

Interview Questions and Practical Assessments

Use structured interviews plus short practical tasks to predict success. Score consistently (e.g., 1–5 for safety, quality, and customer service) and note red flags like poor chemical knowledge or unsafe lifting.

Combine scenario questions with brief hands-on demos to mirror daily work.

High-yield questions:

• “Walk me through how you would respond to a spill in a busy lobby.”
• “How do you prioritize when you have multiple requests at once?”
• “Tell me about a time you helped a customer or guest who was upset.”
• “What steps do you take to move a vehicle or patient safely?”
• “How do you ensure you’re using the right cleaner for the job?”

Practical assessments:

• Facilities: Demonstrate proper mopping and wet-floor sign placement; identify correct disinfectant and contact time from a label/SDS
• Hotel: Move a loaded bell cart safely; perform a professional guest greeting and room escort scenario
• Automotive: Park and back a vehicle using spotter signals; perform a basic wash/vacuum flow with safety steps
• Healthcare: Demonstrate wheelchair transfer with brakes and footrests; show hand hygiene and PPE donning/doffing sequence

Onboarding: 30/60/90-Day Plan

A simple 90-day plan boosts retention and safety while building confidence. Pair new hires with a trained mentor and use checklists to verify progress.

The phased outline below balances safety, proficiency, and consistency.

• Days 1–30: Safety-first onboarding 1) Complete HR paperwork, policies, and EEO/ADA review
  2) Safety training: chemicals/SDS, PPE, lifting, incident reporting; role-specific (BBP or shop safety)
  3) Shadow shifts; learn routes, checklists, radios/work order app
  4) Demonstrate basic tasks independently; supervisor sign-off
• Days 31–60: Proficiency and consistency 1) Own a full route/zone; meet response time targets
  2) Cross-train on specialized equipment (auto-scrubber, wash bay)
  3) Pass a cleanliness audit and skills check
  4) Review KPIs; set personal goals with supervisor
• Days 61–90: Reliability and growth 1) Consistently meet KPIs with minimal supervision
  2) Learn shift handoff logs and event/peak workflows
  3) Optional certification (OSHA 10, BBP) and advanced tasks
  4) 90-day review; discuss schedule fit and advancement interests

Copy-and-Paste Job Description Templates

Use these ready-to-post templates—swap in your company, location, schedule, and pay details. Each template keeps compliance and safety front and center.

Facilities/Day Porter JD Template

• Job Title: Day Porter (Building/Facilities)
• Summary: Keep our offices/retail/residential spaces clean, safe, and guest-ready during business hours by cleaning, restocking, and responding to requests.
• Responsibilities:
• Clean/sanitize restrooms, lobbies, elevators, breakrooms, and high-touch areas
• Empty trash/recycling; restock paper, soap, and PPE; maintain supply levels
• Sweep/mop/vacuum; spot-clean glass; light exterior tidy-up
• Set up/take down meeting rooms and events; assist with deliveries
• Respond to work orders and document completion; report hazards and repairs
• Requirements:
• Reliable attendance and customer service mindset
• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs, stand/walk for most of shift; use ladders safely
• Basic cleaning knowledge; follow chemical labels/SDS and PPE use
• Able to use radios/work order apps; English literacy for labels and logs
• Schedule & Pay: Full-time [days/hours]; hourly, non-exempt, overtime eligible
• Benefits: Health/PTO [as applicable]; uniforms/PPE provided; training included
• Compliance: EEO employer; reasonable accommodations available under ADA; background check post-offer
• Safety: OSHA basics, chemical handling, and lifting training provided

Hotel/Luggage Porter JD Template

• Job Title: Hotel Porter (Luggage/Bell)
• Summary: Deliver welcoming, efficient guest service by assisting with luggage, escorts, and lobby cleanliness while coordinating with front desk and housekeeping.
• Responsibilities:
• Greet guests; assist with luggage and room escorts; manage luggage storage
• Deliver amenities, packages, and guest requests with urgency and care
• Maintain lobby/entry/elevator cleanliness and presentation
• Coordinate with front desk for arrivals/departures and special requests
• Care for bell carts/trolleys; uphold door and curb standards
• Requirements:
• Friendly, professional communication; polished guest service
• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs and maneuver loaded carts
• Knowledge of hotel layout and local area or willingness to learn
• Availability for weekends/holidays; clear background check
• Schedule & Pay: [Shifts]; hourly, non-exempt; base pay plus tips (see policy)
• Benefits: Health/PTO [as applicable]; uniforms; training and advancement
• Compliance: EEO/ADA statements; background check post-offer
• Safety: PPE, cart handling, and slip prevention training; tip policy disclosed

Dealership/Service Porter JD Template

• Job Title: Service/Car Porter (Automotive)
• Summary: Support the service drive and shop by safely moving, washing, and staging vehicles, while keeping the lot clean and customers moving smoothly.
• Responsibilities:
• Move vehicles to/from service lanes, bays, and parking; follow key control
• Wash, vacuum, and stage vehicles; install seat covers/floor mats
• Keep lot organized and clean; assist with shuttle/parts runs as assigned
• Maintain wash bay and shop tidiness; report hazards immediately
• Use radios and follow advisor/technician directions
• Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable MVR; confident in tight spaces
• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors; lift 25–50 lbs as needed
• Safety-first mindset; follow shop PPE and traffic rules
• Basic customer service and communication skills
• Schedule & Pay: [Shifts]; hourly, non-exempt; overtime as needed
• Benefits: Health/PTO [as applicable]; uniforms/PPE; training; employee discounts
• Compliance: EEO/ADA statements; background and MVR check post-offer
• Safety: Shop PPE, vehicle movement, and wash bay safety training provided

Hospital/Transport Porter JD Template

• Job Title: Hospital Transport Porter (Patient/Equipment)
• Summary: Provide safe, timely patient and equipment transport with compassion and strict infection control, supporting clinical teams across the hospital.
• Responsibilities:
• Transport patients via wheelchair/gurney; verify identity and destination
• Move equipment and supplies; assist with room turnover as trained
• Follow hand hygiene, PPE, and isolation precautions; disinfect equipment
• Document transport times; communicate with nursing and EVS
• Report hazards, spills, and incidents immediately
• Requirements:
• Professional, calm communication and patient-focused service
• Ability to push/pull heavy carts and navigate elevators/ramps safely
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn infection control and BBP
• Background check; immunizations/TB screening per policy
• Schedule & Pay: [Shifts]; hourly, non-exempt; shift differentials may apply
• Benefits: Health/PTO; uniforms/PPE; BBP and safety training; advancement pathways
• Compliance: EEO/ADA statements; background/medical clearances post-offer
• Safety: Infection control, patient handling, and emergency procedures training

Career Path and Advancement

Show candidates where this role leads to improve retention and motivation. In facilities, porters can grow into lead porter, housekeeping supervisor, or facilities technician I/II.

In hospitality, hotel porters move toward bell captain, concierge, or front desk leadership. In automotive, service porters often advance to lot manager, detailer, service advisor, or parts roles. In healthcare, transport porters may progress to EVS lead, patient care tech, or logistics roles with training and certifications.

Encourage growth with:

• Cross-training on equipment and systems
• Safety and customer service certifications (OSHA 10, BBP, CPR)
• Clear KPI-based promotions and pay steps
• Tuition support for related technical or clinical programs

FAQs

• What’s the difference between a Day Porter and a Night Porter? Day porters handle visible cleanliness, restocking, and real-time requests in active spaces. Night porters perform deep cleaning, full trash pulls, and project work after hours.
• How should I decide between a Hotel/Luggage Porter vs a Bellperson? If the role is primarily guest luggage, room escorts, and doorman duties with tipping, use bellperson. If it combines lobby cleaning, deliveries, and guest help, “hotel porter” fits.
• What KPIs should a facilities porter have weekly? Response time, checklist completion, cleanliness audit scores, safety compliance, and tenant feedback are reliable and easy to measure.
• Which tools and PPE are standard, and who supplies them? Employers provide chemicals, equipment, and PPE. Employees often supply slip-resistant footwear. List specifics in your JD.
• How do tips work for hotel porters, and what should we state? Clarify whether tips are allowed, pooled, or supplemented, how tip credits (if any) are applied, and payout timing. Align with state law.
• What should go in EEO/ADA and FLSA sections? Include a brief EEO statement, an ADA accommodation invitation, and FLSA status (usually non-exempt, overtime-eligible).
• What interview tasks predict porter success? Short safety and task demos (spill response, cart handling, vehicle movement, hand hygiene) plus scenario questions on prioritization and guest service.
• Service porter vs lot attendant—how do they differ, and when need both? Service porters support the service drive and wash/stage customer cars. Lot attendants stage inventory for sales. Busy stores often need both for throughput.
• Common safety risks and training focus? Slips/trips, chemical misuse, improper lifting, infection exposure (healthcare), and vehicle movement (automotive). Train on PPE, SDS, lifting, and site-specific hazards.
• What’s a realistic 30/60/90-day plan? Safety onboarding and shadowing (0–30). Owning a route and meeting KPIs (31–60). Consistency plus cross-training (61–90).
• Which adjacent job titles should I cross-list? Day porter, building porter, janitor/custodian, housekeeper, bellperson/bell attendant, car porter/service porter, lot attendant, EVS technician.
• What physical requirements and ADA language should we use? List standing/walking, lifting 25–50 lbs, and PPE. Add “reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.”

How to write a porter job description quickly:

• Choose the setting (facilities, hotel, automotive, hospital).
• Paste the matching template above.
• Customize duties, schedule, pay, and compliance language.

With clear “porter skills and qualifications,” KPIs, and safety notes, you’ll attract the right candidates and accelerate hiring.