Building Custodian / Handyman

Building Custodian / Handyman
VPM | Hoboken & Jersey City
$60,000 annual contract compensation | Independent contractor (1099) | Start ASAP

VPM is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented building custodian/handyman to care for approximately 30 small residential buildings, primarily in Hoboken with several nearby in Jersey City.

Reliability is our number-one requirement. Our customers depend on consistent service, thoroughly cleaned common areas, and prompt communication. We need someone who takes pride in their work and follows through without repeated reminders.

This role combines common-area cleaning, scheduled trash and recycling service, and minor maintenance. The workload varies, and we do not currently anticipate 40 hours of active work most weeks. However, recurring service commitments and emergency availability are essential parts of the role.

Common-area cleaning

• Thoroughly clean entrances, hallways, stairways, railings, floors, glass, and other designated common areas.
• Follow each building's recurring schedule - generally once monthly, with a few buildings serviced twice monthly.
• Complete building-specific checklists and submit clear photos through the VPM app.
• Leave spaces visibly clean and well cared for, with consistent attention to corners, edges, and finishing details.

Most properties are small, three- or four-story residential buildings. Approximately 26 buildings currently require cleaning.

Trash and recycling service

• Complete three scheduled evening service routes each week: one garbage route and two recycling routes.
• Return the following mornings to bring containers back to their designated storage areas.
• Follow each building's instructions and applicable municipal set-out and return requirements.
• Report missed collections, overflow, access issues, or other problems promptly.

Most buildings are in Hoboken and share the same service nights; nearby Jersey City properties follow their applicable schedules.

Minor maintenance and problem reporting

• Complete minor repairs and general handyman assignments within your experience and authorized scope.
• Investigate reported problems, document findings, and communicate recommended next steps.
• Recognize when work requires a qualified plumber, electrician, or other specialist.
• Bring practical maintenance experience and sound judgment. This is not an entry-level handyman position.

In-unit repairs are not currently included.

Schedule, availability, and coverage

• Scheduled cleaning and trash/recycling commitments must be completed reliably.
• Outside fixed service windows, there is flexibility to organize work around other commitments, provided VPM responsibilities are met.
• Maintain availability for occasional emergency calls, including nights and weekends, with an expected onsite response within one hour when needed.
• Notify VPM in advance when you will be outside the response area or otherwise unavailable, and arrange approved coverage.
• Emergency calls currently occur approximately once per month or less, although frequency can vary.
• Arrange dependable, VPM-approved substitutes when unavailable. VPM will assist when needed and fund up to two scheduled service weeks of coverage annually, under an agreed coverage policy.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated reliability and experience working independently.
• Practical handyman or building maintenance experience.
• Commitment to consistently thorough cleaning and willingness to follow detailed standards.
• Comfortable using a smartphone for schedules, checklists, photos, and communication.
• A compatible smartphone and required location services enabled for work-related VPM app functions.
• Dependable transportation or another reliable way to complete the route and meet response expectations.
• Ability to navigate walk-up buildings, move refuse containers, and perform cleaning and maintenance duties, with reasonable accommodation.
• Professional, respectful conduct with residents and careful handling of keys and building access.

Hoboken or Jersey City proximity is strongly preferred. Candidates in nearby communities are welcome if they can reliably meet the schedule and emergency response requirements.

Compensation and growth

• $60,000 annual compensation, paid on a 1099 independent-contractor basis.
• Approved cleaning supplies and building materials are paid separately or reimbursed.
• VPM's portfolio is growing. Assignments and responsibilities will evolve, with ongoing workload discussions and additional cleaning or garbage personnel added as needed.

To apply

Apply through Indeed with your work history and a short description of your cleaning and maintenance experience. Please include your general location, earliest start date, and confirmation that you can meet the evening, morning, and emergency availability requirements.

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• What city or neighborhood are you based in, and how would you reliably reach the Hoboken route?
• Can you consistently complete three evening trash/recycling routes and three next-morning container-return routes each week?
• Can you meet a one-hour emergency response expectation, including nights and weekends, with approved coverage when unavailable?
• Describe three minor maintenance repairs you have completed independently.
• Are you comfortable using a smartphone app for schedules, completion photos, and work-related location verification?
• How would you arrange dependable coverage when unavailable?
• When could you start?
• Tell us about a previous role where people depended on you to complete recurring tasks without supervision. How did you make sure nothing was missed?
• If you couldn't complete a scheduled garbage route tonight, what would you do?
• Can you provide two work references who can speak to your reliability and quality of work?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000