Porter Job Description: Sample Templates + Tips

A Porter plays an important role in ensuring guests feel welcome and looked after, whether they’re staying at a hotel, checking into a resort, hopping aboard a cruise ship or navigating through an airport. They are often the first point of contact for guests, which makes their role not just functional, but also a key part of creating a positive impression.

Porters take on a range of responsibilities that help keep things running smoothly. From greeting guests with a warm smile to lending a hand with heavy luggage, they are always ready to assist. They also keep an eye on minor maintenance issues, ensuring everything is in working order and making sure their work area stays clean and presentable.

If you’re looking to hire someone for this role, simplify the start of your hiring process with our Porter job description templates below. Simply customize these to fit your requirements and use them for your job ads.

Hotel Porter Job Description Template

When we talk about Porter as a role, this is generally what we’re referring to.

In a hotel or resort setting, Porters are responsible for providing seamless service to guests, from the moment they arrive until their departure. They ensure that guests feel welcomed, comfortable and well-assisted throughout their stay.

Below is a customizable Hotel Porter job description template that outlines the key responsibilities and skills required for the role, helping you find the perfect candidate to enhance guests’ experiences.

Night Porter Job Description Template

While similar to a Hotel Porter, a Night Porter works primarily during the night shift, ensuring the hotel runs smoothly while most guests are asleep. 

This role comes with added responsibilities, such as handling late check-ins, keeping security tight and responding to any guest needs or emergencies that may arise overnight. 

Night Porters play a crucial part in maintaining the hotel’s safety and comfort during quieter hours, often working independently or with minimal staff.

Below is a customizable Night Porter job description template that outlines the specific duties and skills required to succeed in this unique role.

Night Porter Job Overview

We are seeking a reliable and attentive Night Porter to join our team at [Establishment/Company Name]. 

As a Night Porter, you will be responsible for overseeing the hotel during the nighttime hours, assisting guests with any late-night requests and ensuring the premises remain secure and well-maintained throughout the night.

The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills, the ability to work independently and the flexibility to handle any issues that may arise while most of the hotel is asleep.

Salary: $18–$22/hour

Tips: Yes

Benefits: Health insurance (medical, dental and vision), paid time off (PTO) and vacation days, 401(k), flexible work schedules, employee discounts

Schedule: Full-time (night shift)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Welcoming and assisting guests arriving for late check-ins
• Responding promptly to any guest requests or needs during the night
• Conducting routine security checks to ensure the premises are safe and secure
• Handling light cleaning duties, such as tidying the lobby and restocking supplies
• Assisting with luggage for early-morning departures or late arrivals
• Managing any minor maintenance or repair tasks during your shift, such as resetting thermostats or handling small plumbing issues
• Coordinating with the morning staff to ensure a smooth handover at shift change

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience in a hotel or hospitality setting, preferably as a Night Porter or in a similar night-shift role
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative during quiet hours
• Physical stamina to handle luggage and perform light cleaning or maintenance tasks
• Ability to stay alert and attentive throughout the night shift
• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
• Security training or experience (preferred)

Bellhop Job Description Template

A Bellhop and a Porter share many similarities in a hotel setting, as both are primarily responsible for assisting guests with their luggage. 

However, Bellhops are often more visible in luxury environments and may interact more frequently with guests during check-in and check-out, making their role slightly more formal than a traditional Porter.

Below is a customizable Bellhop job description template that highlights the unique responsibilities and skills needed for this role.

Bellhop Job Overview

We are looking to hire a professional and courteous Bellhop to join our team at [Establishment/Company Name]. As a Bellhop, you will be responsible for assisting guests upon arrival, escorting them to their rooms and ensuring all bags are handled with care. 

This role is pivotal in creating a lasting first impression, offering guests a personalized and seamless experience from check-in to check-out.

Our ideal candidate should be polished, professional and eager to provide outstanding customer service in a luxury hotel environment.

Salary: $15–$20/hour

Tips: Yes

Benefits: Health insurance (medical, dental and vision), paid time off (PTO) and vacation days, 401(k), flexible work schedules, employee discounts

Schedule: Full-time/Part-time

Duties & Responsibilities

• Greeting guests as they arrive and assisting with luggage, from their vehicles to their rooms
• Escorting guests to their rooms, explaining the hotel’s amenities and features
• Offering personalized service, such as arranging transportation, delivering messages or handling special requests
• Assisting with guest check-in/check-out processes, ensuring all luggage is properly handled
• Providing local recommendations, directions and answering questions about the hotel and surrounding area
• Ensuring luggage is securely stored or delivered to the guest’s room upon request
• Assisting in maintaining the cleanliness of the lobby area and ensuring any luggage trolleys or carts are in good working condition

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience working as a Bellhop, Porter or in a similar guest service role in the hospitality industry
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a polished appearance, reflecting the hotel’s high standards
• Ability to lift heavy luggage and stand for extended periods
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, luxury hotel environment
• High school diploma or GED (preferred)
• Previous experience in luxury hotels or resorts (preferred)

Bell Captain Job Description Template

The Bell Captain role is similar to that of a Porter in the sense that both are responsible for guest services and ensuring smooth luggage handling within a hotel. 

While a Porter typically focuses on individual guest assistance, the Bell Captain is in charge of managing and coordinating Porter and Bellhops on their team, ensuring that all guest needs are met promptly and efficiently. 

Additionally, Bell Captain oversees the daily operations of bell services, providing leadership and handling any issues. This role often involves more supervisory and administrative tasks compared to a regular Porter.

Below is a customizable Bell Captain job description template that outlines the leadership responsibilities and skills required for this vital position in the hotel’s guest services team.

Bell Captain Job Overview

We are seeking an organized and dynamic Bell Captain to lead our bell staff at [Establishment/Company Name]. 

As the Bell Captain, you will be responsible for supervising the bell staff, ensuring smooth guest arrivals and departures and coordinating luggage handling efficiently. You’ll also manage guest requests, schedule shifts and assist with any operational issues that arise, ensuring exceptional service is provided at all times.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of hospitality standards and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Salary: $22–$28/hour

Benefits: Health insurance (medical, dental and vision), paid time off (PTO) and vacation days, 401(k), flexible work schedules, employee discounts

Schedule: Full-time

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervising and coordinating the bell staff to ensure seamless guest arrivals, luggage handling and departures
• Assigning tasks to Bellhops and Porters, ensuring all guest requests and needs are fulfilled in a timely manner
• Managing the scheduling of bell staff shifts and handling any staffing issues or adjustments as needed
• Providing training and support to new team members to maintain high standards of service
• Assisting with guest inquiries, special requests and ensuring the prompt delivery of services such as room service or transportation arrangements
• Conducting regular inspections of bell carts, luggage trolleys and the lobby area to ensure cleanliness and proper functioning
• Acting as the point of escalation for any guest complaints or operational challenges related to bell services

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in a hotel bell-service or guest-service role
• Previous experience in a supervisory or management position preferred
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on providing exceptional customer service
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment and ensure timely service delivery
• Excellent communication skills and a professional demeanor when interacting with guests and staff
• Physical ability to assist with luggage handling when necessary
• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Experience in five-star hotels or resorts (preferred)

Hospital Porter Job Description Template

A Hospital Porter’s role is distinctly more critical given that it’s in a healthcare setting. They are responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of patients, medical equipment and other essential supplies around the hospital. 

This role requires sensitivity, attention to detail and a heightened level of responsibility due to the nature of healthcare environments. Hospital Porters play an integral role in ensuring the hospital’s daily operations function seamlessly, often working under time-sensitive and sometimes stressful conditions.

Below is a customizable Hospital Porter job description template that outlines the specific responsibilities and skills required for this role in healthcare.

Hospital Porter Job Overview

We are looking to hire a compassionate and dependable Hospital Porter to join our staff at [Hospital Name]. 

As a Hospital Porter, your main duties will include transporting patients between different departments, assisting with the delivery of medical supplies and ensuring that vital equipment is moved safely throughout the facility. 

This position is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of hospital operations and contributing to the overall care and comfort of patients.

The ideal candidate should be able to work in a fast-paced environment, have great attention to detail and be comfortable working with patients in sensitive situations.

Salary: $15–$19/hour

Tips: No

Benefits: Health insurance (medical, dental and vision), paid time off (PTO) and vacation days, 401(k), flexible work schedules, employee discounts

Schedule: Full-time/Part-time

Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely transporting patients via wheelchairs, stretchers or beds between hospital wards, operating rooms and diagnostic areas
• Assisting with the delivery of medical supplies, equipment and samples to various departments throughout the hospital
• Supporting nursing staff with moving and lifting patients, particularly in emergency situations
• Helping maintain a clean and sterile environment by moving waste and soiled linen to designated areas
• Checking and ensuring all transport equipment, such as stretchers and wheelchairs, are in proper working order
• Assisting with the timely transfer of deceased patients to the morgue in a professional and respectful manner

Qualifications

• Previous experience in as a Hospital Porter or similar role (preferred but not essential)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with patients, medical staff and visitors
• Ability to work in high-pressure environments and manage sensitive tasks with compassion and professionalism
• Physically fit to assist in patient transportation and the movement of equipment
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to hospital hygiene and safety standards
• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Basic understanding of healthcare protocols and procedures (preferred)

Building Porter Job Description Template

A Building Porter is sometimes referred to as a Day Porter or Utility Porter. They serve as essential support staff in a variety of environments, such as hotels, office buildings, residential complexes, retail spaces and healthcare facilities. 

Their responsibilities focus on maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the smooth operation of the premises during the daytime. While similar to a traditional Hotel Porter role, Building Porters have a broader scope of tasks that include light maintenance, customer service and ensuring the overall upkeep of the facility.

The title “Day Porter” typically implies working during business hours to keep public areas clean and organized, while Utility Porters may be more focused on maintaining building utilities, performing small repairs and assisting with heavy-duty tasks. Building Porter is typically the umbrella term for those two previously mentioned. 

Either way, all three roles are closely related and often overlap depending on the employer’s needs​.

Building/Utility/Day Porter Job Overview

We are looking to hire a diligent and reliable [Building/Utility/Day] Porter to maintain the cleanliness and organization of [Name of Building, Establishment or Company]. You will be responsible for keeping public areas clean, performing minor maintenance and responding to any immediate facility needs. 

This role requires a proactive and service-oriented individual who can work independently throughout the day, ensuring the building is always presentable and well-maintained.

Our ideal candidate should have a strong work ethic, good physical stamina and excellent attention to detail.

Salary: $15–$20/hour

Tips: No

Benefits: Health insurance (medical, dental and vision), paid time off (PTO) and vacation days, 401(k), flexible work schedules, employee discounts

Schedule: Full-time (day shift)/Part-time

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensuring entrances, lobbies, hallways and common areas are clean and free of obstructions
• Performing light cleaning tasks, such as sweeping, mopping and dusting to keep the building in top condition
• Assisting tenants, visitors and guests with general inquiries and providing directions as needed
• Handling minor maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs or fixing small leaks
• Responding to any spills or immediate cleaning needs to ensure safety and hygiene
• Monitoring and maintaining restroom cleanliness, including restocking supplies and emptying trash
• Performing periodic checks of building utilities and reporting any maintenance issues
• Assisting with special projects, event setups or post-event cleanups as needed
• Communicating regularly with facility management to ensure smooth operations throughout the day

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar building maintenance or Porter role (highly preferred but not required)
• Strong customer service skills and a professional demeanor
• Physical stamina to lift up to 50 pounds and perform cleaning tasks throughout the day
• Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly to urgent tasks
• High school diploma or GED (preferred)

What To Include in a Porter Job Description

If do decide to write your own Porter job description from scratch, here are pointers for writing each section:

1. Job title

Choose a straightforward job title that accurately reflects the role, such as “Hotel Porter” or “Day Porter.” The title should be easily recognizable to potential candidates and clearly convey the nature of the position.

2. Brief overview of the job

Describe what a Porter typically does in your establishment. Add a couple of main responsibilities and personality traits you look for in the candidates. You can also include the following:

• Your company name
• Location

Additionally, you may mention your company’s mission and values to give Porter candidates a better understanding of your organizational goals.

3. Compensation and schedule 

69% of job applicants expect to see clearly defined salary, benefits and perks in a job description. That said, make sure to include the following information:

• Salary: Indicate the hourly, monthly or yearly salary or salary range for a Porter role in your company.
• Benefits: The second-most important aspect of a job offer for 97.4% of applicants is the benefits that come with the role. This is why it is important to clearly communicate benefits and perks such as a flexible schedule, health insurance, paid time off, pension plans and parental leave.
• Tips: State whether the position provides the opportunity to earn extra from tips.

As for the schedule or job type, clarify if you are offering part-time, full-time or any other job arrangement such as seasonal or on-call basis.

4. Duties and responsibilities

91% of job seekers expect to see duties and responsibilities clearly defined in the job descriptions.

To meet applicants’ expectations, make a checklist of all the duties and responsibilities a Porter is expected to perform in your company. These may include:

• Assisting guests with luggage
• Conducting small maintenance tasks
• Keeping the shared area (halls, lobby, entrance, etc.) clean

Below is a graph showing which aspects and sections make a good job description, according to both employers and applicants. As you can see, the list of duties and responsibilities is considered the most important.

This graph is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the graph to see detailed data. 

[Source: TEK Systems]

5. Qualifications

Include a list of required and highly preferred qualifications you look for in a Porter. These can include:

• Years of experience
• Minimum age (especially if it’s a night-shift role)
• Medium computer literacy
• Physical requirements (e.g., ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for longer periods)

If you are looking for a Porter who has finished high school or extra courses in (for example) first aid and fire safety, you also should indicate those in your job description.

Extra Tips for Writing a Porter Job Description

Here are our top tips on how to optimize your Porter job description for better readability:

1. Use straightforward language: Your Porter job description should be short and concise to help candidates from different backgrounds easily understand the role and its requirements. For instance, use “have” instead of “possess” and “cleaning” instead of “sanitizing.”
2. Opt for descriptive verbs in the present tense: Using descriptive verbs either in simple present or simple continuous adds more clarity to your Porter job description. Opt for verbs like “helps/helping” and “carry/carrying.” Avoid using ambiguous terms such as “some”, “approximately” or “generally.”
3. Try not to use acronyms: Some Porter applicants might not be familiar with acronyms typically used in the accommodation industry, such as PMS (property management system) or ADR (average daily rate). So, it is best to avoid these completely to eliminate any potential confusion.
4. Use gender-neutral language: Using gender-neutral language in your job description demonstrates your company’s commitment to equality in the hiring process.

Find more valuable tips in our detailed guide to writing job descriptions.

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