The Porter will provide essential facilities support and event setup services at Australia House. This role ensures the building remains safe, well-maintained, and operationally efficient while delivering high-quality event support services for diplomatic functions and internal meetings.
Key Responsibilities
Facilities Management
Daily Duties
Conduct morning and afternoon building inspections, including all stairwells, to identify and remove obstructions from walkways and fire evacuation routes (trolleys, waste cardboard, broken furniture, etc.)
Perform twice-weekly kitchen and kitchenette checks (Tuesdays and Fridays), restocking supplies as needed
Coordinate with COPA (Consular and Passports) mail room for internal delivery of larger parcels and respond to ad hoc delivery requests
Report building damage, potential hazards (loose cables, lighting failures, floor markings, spillages), and safety risks to Business Operations (Facilities)
Complete general ad hoc tasks including furniture relocation, stationery delivery, waste removal, contractor assistance, print station monitoring (Level 2), and simple furniture assembly
Weekly Duties
Inspect and refill all hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the building; report fallen units and low stock levels
Maintain the rooftop event space: remove leaves, inspect plant health, and report issues to Facilities
Water plants outside the Downer room and check Exhibition Hall plant condition
Verify all DFAT dishwashers and glasswashers are operational; replace salt as required
Clear leaves and debris from Executive balconies
Ongoing Duties
Maintain accurate inventories of stored furniture and event equipment; report damaged or broken items
Keep furniture stores, event storage areas, and Porter's storeroom organized and tidy at all times
Monitor supply levels and advise Business Operations (Facilities) when restocking is required (black sacks, cleaning supplies, kitchen detergent, salt, etc.)
Event Support Services
Pre-Event Setup
Review event setup requirements using Room Setup forms
Assess table and chair inventory on event levels; relocate additional furniture from other floors via stairs or goods lift as needed
Prepare event spaces and arrange furniture according to specifications
Set up required technology including AV equipment, TV screens, speakers, projectors, and PA systems
Meet caterers at Melbourne Place entrance and escort them through goods lift
Receive deliveries for crockery, cutlery, beverages, and catering supplies from external vendors or internal storage
Ensure dishwashers contain adequate salt and are fully operational
Prepare coffee and tea service equipment as requested
Transport wine from storage to appropriate refrigeration areas
Post-Event Breakdown
Clear and reset rooms as required
Return crockery, cutlery, and supplies to couriers or designated storage locations
Verify kitchens are clean and all dishwasher items are properly stored
Coordinate additional support staff for large or multiple concurrent events (advance notice required)
Required Qualifications
Previous experience in facilities support, porter services, or building maintenance preferred
Ability to lift and move furniture and equipment safely
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
Excellent communication skills and customer service orientation
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks
Flexible approach to working hours to accommodate event schedules
Basic understanding of health and safety requirements
Physical Requirements
Ability to walk building premises multiple times daily
Capability to lift and move furniture and equipment weighing up to (specify weight)
Ability to climb stairs regularly
Manual dexterity for equipment setup and maintenance tasks
Working Conditions
Standard business hours with flexibility required for event support
Work performed in office building environment, including outdoor rooftop areas
May require occasional evening or weekend work for special events
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