Groundskeeper/Porter

Pratum Companies•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Groundskeeper/Porter is responsible for keeping the office, buildings, grounds, amenities, parking areas, and other community spaces clean, orderly, and safe. The role includes frequent property walks to remove litter, debris, pet waste, and abandoned items; cleaning common areas and vacant apartments; completing apartment trash-outs and assisting with make-ready work; landscaping and seasonal upkeep; and supporting the maintenance team with assigned tasks. The position also includes routine property and exterior maintenance, painting, lock and key work when directed, snow removal where applicable, and reporting safety or repair concerns. The employee must maintain professional conduct and appearance and good relations with residents. The role involves physical work in varied weather, including lifting and carrying materials, moving or operating equipment, and frequent walking around the apartment community. The position may involve occasional exposure to chemicals and other hazards associated with grounds work. The position is non-exempt, paid at an anticipated rate of $18 for a new employee, and eligible for overtime for hours worked over 40 per week. Full-time positions of 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the listed vacation, leave, holiday, and health and welfare benefits. Discretionary and/or performance-based bonuses may also be available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One to three years of groundskeeper experience.
Basic painting skills.
Knowledge of horticultural practices and procedures.
Skill in the care and use of tools and equipment required for the trade.
Ability to operate motor vehicles related to grounds maintenance.
Ability to work in all types of weather.
Ability to frequently walk the apartment community.
Ability to lift and carry materials and operate or move light and heavy equipment.
Ability to perform physical tasks such as digging, shoveling, and carrying furniture.
Customer-service orientation.
Maintain professional hygiene and appearance.

Nice To Haves

Previous groundskeeping experience preferred.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends preferred.
Pool maintenance certification, if performing pool cleaning and maintenance.

Responsibilities

Keep office premises, buildings, grounds, amenities, parking lots, and community buildings clean and orderly.
Frequently walk the property and remove litter, debris, and pet droppings.
Keep designated areas—including pool, laundry, mail, dumpster, recreation, roadway-adjacent, office-front, walkway, and parking areas—neat and free of litter.
Clean, turn, and paint vacant apartments and assist with make-ready work.
Remove trash and abandoned furniture, boxes, and other items from vacant apartments and areas around dumpsters; transfer items to the dumpster or storage area and sweep the area.
Transport trash and waste to disposal areas and keep dumpster doors closed on windy days.
Perform light landscaping and grounds work, including raking, sweeping, shoveling, cleaning shrub areas, and using a blower on sidewalks and walking areas.
Assist with snow removal when applicable.
Perform routine maintenance tasks as requested by the Property Manager or Maintenance Supervisor, and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Report maintenance and repair concerns involving apartments, models, the clubhouse, and common areas to the Maintenance Supervisor.
Check and replace exterior lighting regularly.
Clean and maintain the pool as directed if certified for pool maintenance.
Change locks and make keys when directed.
Remove trash from office areas and the apartment community perimeter daily.
Operate a pressure washer safely to maintain curb appeal.
Repair or replace windows, screens, and sliding glass doors.
Assist with physical tasks such as tearing down fences, digging post holes, and carrying abandoned furniture.
Clean and maintain storage areas and keep them locked when not in use.
Maintain awareness of utility, apartment, fixture, and sewer clean-out shutoffs.
Observe property conditions and promptly report or address unsafe conditions.
Maintain good relations with residents and professional hygiene and appearance.
Follow proper safety precautions while performing duties.