Evening Porter

Gorton Center; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Gorton Center in Lake Forest, IL is seeking an Evening Porter to help maintain a clean, safe, welcoming facility serving tenants, renters, events, classes, and public programming. Responsibilities include daily cleaning, upkeep of public spaces, restrooms, and meeting rooms, restocking supplies, and light repairs.

The role supports A/V operations, assists guests and staff, and requires attention to detail, reliability, and professional, courteous service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required or demonstrated experience.
• Strong attention to detail and reliability are essential for daily facility care.
• Good customer service skills and professional demeanor are expected with tenants, renters, and staff.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain public and shared spaces including restrooms, theater, lobbies, hallways, and meeting rooms.
• Restock supplies and perform basic repairs and adjustments as needed.
• Support A/V operations in facility and rental spaces.
• Assist guests, clients, tenants, and staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Conduct safety walkthroughs and report maintenance or safety issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Customer service

Independent work

Professional presence

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

HVAC knowledge

A/V systems

IT systems

Electrical basics

General maintenance

Job description

Gorton Center is a vibrant cultural and arts destination in the heart of the community. The historic building was transformed into a nonprofit community arts center dedicated to inspiring creativity and fostering connection.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Facilities and Gorton’s Lead Porter, the Evening Porter helps maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and well-organized facility serving tenants, renters, events, classes, and public programming. Responsibilities include daily cleaning and upkeep of public and shared spaces, including restrooms, the theater, lobbies, hallways, and meeting rooms; restocking supplies; performing basic repairs and adjustments; conducting routine safety walkthroughs; and identifying and reporting maintenance and potential safety issues.

The Evening Porter also supports A/V operations in facility and rental spaces and assists guests, clients, tenants, and staff as needed. This position requires strong attention to detail, reliability, sound judgment, customer service skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, event-driven environment while maintaining a professional and courteous presence.

POSITION HOURS

Wednesday through Sunday, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with flexibility as needed to meet the duties and responsibilities of the position and accommodate facility and event schedules.

OTHER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Support room setups and teardowns for events, programs, and tenant use, including arranging furniture, staging, and equipment according to plans, and ensuring rooms are efficiently reset and properly restored in collaboration with staff.
• Flexibility in assisting with last-minute adjustments to room layouts, programming needs, or to support events.
• Provide professional, service-oriented support to tenants, renters, staff, and the public to ensure smooth daily facility operations
• At the start of each shift, tour the building with the daytime porter ensuring rooms are clean, unlocked, and ready for students, renters, patrons, and customers.
• Review daily room schedules, folders, staff notes, and floor plans. Communicate discrepancies according to organizational flowchart.
• Set-up and take down temporary signage, stanchions, and wayfinding units.
• Review and support early morning set-ups (as able) for events and programs.
• Perform seasonal and exterior duties as assigned, including snow removal and general site upkeep.
• Vacuum, sweep, and mop high volume traffic areas as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Detailed knowledge of building systems including HVAC, A/V, IT, Electrical, and mechanicals. Knowledge of current code requirements.
• Ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Positive and professional verbal communication and customer service skills when interacting with guests, customers, patrons, and Gorton staff.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, solid decision-making skills, and a strong work ethic.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position involves physically demanding work. The requirements outlined reflect the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

• Employees in this role are required to perform frequent physical activities including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, hauling, standing, sweeping, twisting, climbing, and walking. The position involves regularly handling loads between 20–55 pounds and occasionally handling loads, with assistance from co-workers as needed, from 55–100 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in English with staff, administration, and the public in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, self-control, and work within a team setting.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and ability to work flexible hours as needed.