Porter

Description

Position Summary

The Used Vehicle Lot Porter is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, appearance, and operational readiness of the dealership's used vehicle inventory and surrounding lot areas. This position plays an important role in ensuring vehicles are properly displayed, safely maintained, and ready for customer viewing, test drives, inspections, and delivery.

The Lot Porter works closely with the Sales, Service, Reconditioning, and Inventory departments to support efficient dealership operations and maintain a professional, safe, and customer-friendly environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Vehicle Inventory Management

• Organize and maintain used vehicle inventory in designated lot areas according to dealership standards.
• Move, park, and reposition vehicles as directed by management.
• Ensure vehicles are properly displayed, aligned, and accessible to customers and sales personnel.
• Assist with receiving newly acquired inventory, including trade-ins, auction purchases, and dealer transfers.
• Verify vehicle identification numbers (VINs), stock numbers, and vehicle locations as directed.
• Report missing vehicles, keys, inventory discrepancies, or damage immediately to management.
• Assist with periodic physical inventory counts and vehicle location audits.
• Ensure vehicles are properly secured when unattended.

2. Vehicle Cleaning and Presentation

• Wash, vacuum, and perform basic cleaning of vehicles as assigned.
• Maintain vehicles in clean, presentable condition for customer viewing and test drives.
• Remove trash, debris, and personal items from vehicles in accordance with dealership procedures.
• Ensure vehicles are free of excessive dirt, dust, and visible debris.
• Assist with preparing vehicles for photographs, online listings, showroom displays, and customer deliveries.
• Identify and report cosmetic damage, mechanical concerns, or other conditions affecting vehicle presentation.

3. Vehicle Transportation and Movement

• Safely transport vehicles between dealership locations, service facilities, detail departments, and other approved destinations as directed.
• Retrieve vehicles from designated storage areas or parking locations.
• Assist with moving vehicles into and out of service and reconditioning areas.
• Ensure all vehicle movements comply with dealership policies, traffic laws, and safety procedures.
• Maintain possession and control of vehicle keys during assigned movements.

4. Customer and Sales Support

• Retrieve and stage vehicles for customer appointments, demonstrations, and test drives.
• Assist sales personnel in locating vehicles and preparing them for customer presentation.
• Ensure vehicles are properly fueled or charged as directed.
• Assist with final vehicle preparation before customer delivery.
• Support dealership events, promotions, and inventory displays.
• Provide courteous and professional assistance to customers when appropriate.
• Direct customer inquiries to the appropriate dealership employee.

5. Lot and Facility Maintenance

• Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of dealership parking areas, vehicle display areas, and surrounding grounds.
• Remove litter and debris from assigned outdoor areas.
• Keep driveways, parking spaces, walkways, and vehicle access points clear of obstructions.
• Assist with maintaining signage, vehicle window stickers, price displays, and other inventory identification materials as directed.
• Report unsafe conditions, property damage, lighting issues, or maintenance concerns to management.
• Assist with opening and closing lot procedures, including securing vehicles, keys, gates, and designated areas.

6. Vehicle Inspections and Condition Reporting

• Conduct basic visual inspections of vehicles when received, moved, or prepared for delivery.
• Identify and report visible damage, warning lights, fluid leaks, flat tires, or other apparent concerns.
• Document vehicle condition as required by dealership procedures.
• Report accidents, damage, or incidents immediately.

7. Safety and Compliance

• Follow all dealership safety policies and procedures.
• Operate vehicles carefully and at safe speeds while on dealership property.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and meet the dealership's driving eligibility requirements.
• Follow applicable traffic laws when operating dealership vehicles on public roads.
• Use appropriate safety equipment and follow safe vehicle-handling procedures.
• Comply with dealership key-control, inventory security, and vehicle access policies.
• Refrain from unauthorized use of dealership vehicles, equipment, or property.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding customer information, dealership operations, and business records.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid driver's license.
• Acceptable motor vehicle driving record under dealership and insurance requirements.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles with automatic transmissions.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional attitude and willingness to assist other departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a dealership lot porter, automotive detailer, inventory assistant, or similar position.
• Familiarity with automotive dealership operations.
• Experience handling and organizing vehicle inventory.
• Ability to operate manual-transmission vehicles.
• Basic knowledge of vehicle features, controls, and maintenance indicators.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The position requires frequent physical activity and work in an outdoor automotive dealership environment.

Essential physical requirements may include:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently entering and exiting vehicles.
• Bending, reaching, crouching, and performing routine cleaning activities.
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with assistance or equipment when appropriate.
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Safely operating vehicles in parking lots and on public roads when authorized.
• Working around moving vehicles, automotive equipment, and cleaning products.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Organization: Ability to maintain orderly vehicle inventory and dealership lot areas.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to identify vehicle condition issues and inventory discrepancies.
• Safety Awareness: Commitment to safe vehicle operation and workplace safety.
• Dependability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and completion of assigned tasks.
• Teamwork: Ability to coordinate effectively with sales, service, and management personnel.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced dealership environment.
• Customer Service: Professional and courteous interaction with customers and coworkers.
• Accountability: Responsible handling of dealership vehicles, keys, equipment, and property.

Work Schedule

The employee's schedule will be established by dealership management based on operational needs. The position may require work on Saturdays, evenings, and certain holidays.

Overtime may be required based on business needs and must be approved in accordance with dealership policy. All hours worked must be accurately recorded, and overtime will be paid in accordance with applicable federal and state law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Dealership is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Dealership will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

At-Will Employment

Employment with the Dealership is at will, meaning either the employee or the Dealership may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law.

Nothing in this job description creates an employment contract or guarantees employment for any specific period.