Groundskeeper/Porter

Pratum Companies•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, appearance, and safety of the property, including grounds, amenities, dumpster areas, building exteriors, the leasing office, parking lots, and other community buildings. The role includes frequent property walks, litter and debris removal, landscaping, trash-outs at vacant apartments, assistance with make-ready work, painting, and routine maintenance tasks. The Groundskeeper also reports maintenance concerns and helps maintain good relations with residents while representing the company professionally. The position requires physical work in varied weather conditions, including walking the community frequently, lifting and carrying materials, and operating equipment. Occasional hazards may involve chemicals used in grounds work. The role is non-exempt, pays an anticipated $18 per hour for a new employee, and may be eligible for discretionary or performance-based bonuses. Overtime is eligible for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Full-time positions of 30 or more hours per week are eligible for paid leave, holidays, and health and welfare benefits.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One to three years of experience as a groundskeeper.
Basic painting skills.
Knowledge of horticultural practices and procedures.
Skill in the care and use of tools and equipment required for grounds maintenance.
Ability to operate motor vehicles related to grounds maintenance.
Ability to frequently walk the apartment community.
Ability to lift and carry materials, operate light and heavy equipment, and move equipment.
Ability to work in all types of weather.
Ability to work safely around occasional hazards, including chemicals used in grounds work.

Nice To Haves

Previous groundskeeping experience is preferred.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends is preferred.

Responsibilities

Keep office, building, and grounds areas clean and orderly.
Assist with cleaning, turning, painting, and preparing vacant apartments for the market, including daily trash-outs.
Remove abandoned furniture, boxes, trash, and other items from vacant apartments and outdoor areas; transfer waste to the dumpster or storage area and keep dumpster areas clean.
Clean common areas and maintain pool, laundry, mail, recreation, walkway, parking lot, and other community areas free of litter.
Perform light landscaping, including raking, sweeping, shoveling, cleaning shrub areas, and using a blower to clear sidewalks and walking areas.
Transport trash and waste to disposal areas and remove trash from office areas and the community perimeter daily.
Assist the maintenance team with snow removal when applicable.
Report maintenance concerns and unsafe conditions to the Maintenance Supervisor and/or take action to correct them when appropriate.
Perform routine property maintenance as requested by the Property Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.
Change locks and make keys when directed.
Check and replace exterior lighting regularly.
Clean and maintain the pool as directed if certified for pool maintenance.
Safely operate a pressure washer to maintain curb appeal.
Repair and replace windows, screens, and sliding glass doors.
Assist with physical tasks such as fence removal, digging post holes, and carrying abandoned furniture.
Help clean and maintain storage areas and ensure they remain locked when not in use.
Maintain awareness of utility meter shutoffs, apartment and fixture shutoffs, and sewer cleanouts.
Maintain good relations with residents and professional standards of hygiene, appearance, integrity, and conduct.