Description:
PLACE MANAGER- Union Square Alliance (USqA)
Reports To: Program Coordinator, Program Director, and Senior Program Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Location: Client Site – Union Square, San Francisco
Department: Program Operations
ROLE SUMMARY
The Place Manager serves as a frontline ambassador for District Works and the Union Square Alliance, helping maintain one of San Francisco’s premier commercial districts as a clean, safe, welcoming, and vibrant public space.
This highly visible, community-facing position combines environmental maintenance, public-space stewardship, customer service, and Radical Hospitality. Place Managers actively maintain sidewalks, plazas, and other public spaces while engaging merchants, property owners, residents, employees, visitors, and other members of the public with professionalism, respect, and pride.
Working independently throughout assigned service areas, Place Managers identify and address maintenance needs, remove litter and debris, report hazards and public-realm conditions, respond to service requests, support district events and activations, and contribute to a positive experience for everyone who lives, works, visits, and does business in Union Square.
Beyond maintaining the physical environment, Place Managers represent District Works and the Union Square Alliance through exceptional service, accountability, teamwork, safety awareness, and community pride. They are expected to approach every interaction with professionalism and Radical Hospitality, helping create public spaces where people feel welcomed, respected, and cared for.
Schedules & Availability
Schedules are based on operational needs and are subject to change. Union Square Alliance operations may require additional hours, modified schedules, or different shifts based on staffing coverage, special events, activations, seasonal needs, and other operational requirements.
Schedule flexibility is an essential requirement of this position. Place Managers must be willing and able to work a variety of shifts, including early mornings, daytime and evening shifts, late nights, weekends, and holidays, as assigned.
Requirements:
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Cleaning and Public-Realm Maintenance
- Sweep sidewalks, curbs, gutters, plazas, alleys, entrances, and other assigned public spaces.
- Remove litter, debris, leaves, weeds, stickers, illegal postings, and other materials from assigned service areas.
- Empty, clean, and maintain public trash and recycling receptacles.
- Perform spot cleaning and respond to spills, stains, and other public-space maintenance needs.
- Identify and remove minor graffiti using approved methods and report larger graffiti or vandalism for follow-up.
- Identify and report damaged sidewalks, street furniture, landscaping, lighting, infrastructure, illegal dumping, and other maintenance concerns.
- Maintain assigned routes in accordance with District Works and Union Square Alliance service standards.
- Safely operate hand tools, carts, cleaning equipment, and other assigned equipment.
- Keep all tools, equipment, carts, and storage areas clean, organized, and ready for use.
- Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hospitality and Community Engagement
- Serve as a visible and approachable ambassador for District Works and the Union Square Alliance.
- Greet merchants, residents, employees, visitors, and members of the public with professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
- Provide directions, district information, and appropriate referrals when requested.
- Build positive relationships with merchants, property owners, stakeholders, and community members.
- Respond to questions and concerns calmly, tactfully, and with a solutions-focused approach.
- Demonstrate Radical Hospitality by treating every individual with dignity, patience, kindness, and professionalism.
- Support community events by helping maintain clean, welcoming, and safe public spaces before, during, and after events.
- Report quality-of-life concerns, hazards, and maintenance needs through established reporting procedures.
Community Stewardship and Operations
- Take ownership of assigned service zones and maintain awareness of changing district conditions.
- Identify maintenance concerns before they become larger operational issues.
- Respond promptly to service requests and changing operational priorities.
- Assist fellow team members and support other service areas as needed.
- Participate in daily briefings, safety meetings, training sessions, and performance coaching.
- Maintain a positive attitude while representing District Works in the community.
- Perform additional duties consistent with the position and program contract.
Reporting and Documentation
- Use assigned mobile technology to receive assignments, document completed work, and submit required reports.
- Provide before-and-after photographs when required.
- Report hazards, incidents, equipment issues, injuries, service requests, and unsafe conditions immediately.
- Communicate professionally with Dispatch, Coordinators, Directors, and fellow team members.
- Complete accurate documentation and required reports in a timely manner.
Event and Team Support
- Assist with event setup, breakdown, cleaning, hospitality, and visitor support.
- Help maintain clean and welcoming conditions during community and district events.
- Support team members and other service zones as needed.
- Perform additional duties consistent with the position and program contract.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience in janitorial services, environmental maintenance, landscaping, facilities maintenance, hospitality, public works, or a related field.
- Consistent employment history; any employment gaps longer than 6 months or positions lasting fewer than 3 months should be explained.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to engage professionally and respectfully with merchants, residents, visitors, stakeholders, and diverse communities.
- Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining excellent attendance.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and complete required documentation accurately.
- Comfortable using a smartphone, tablet, or similar mobile device for assignments, photographs, timekeeping, and reporting.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in changing situations.
- Availability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and schedules based on operational needs.
- Commitment to Radical Hospitality, accountability, safety, and public-space stewardship.
PHYSICAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to walk and stand for extended periods throughout the workday, frequently covering 8–12 miles during a shift.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, kneel, squat, reach, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Ability to safely operate cleaning equipment, hand tools, carts, and required personal protective equipment.
- Ability to work safely around pedestrians, bicycles, vehicle traffic, and active business districts.
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS
Schedules will be established according to operational and program needs. Place Managers must be available to work weekends and may be assigned to morning, afternoon, evening, or holiday shifts.
- Anticipated shifts may include:
- Morning Shift: 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Evening Shift: 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Schedules, hours, and days may change based on client requirements, events, seasonal activity, and district needs.
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- Report to every shift on time, prepared, and ready to work.
- Wear the complete District Works uniform and maintain professional grooming standards.
- Maintain assigned equipment, carts, tools, and workspaces in clean, safe, and organized condition.
- Refrain from using a personal cellphone, headphones, or music while actively working, except during authorized breaks or emergencies.
- Follow all safety, attendance, reporting, and workplace conduct policies.
- Communicate professionally and respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, stakeholders, and members of the public.
- Immediately report hazards, incidents, injuries, damaged equipment, or unsafe conditions.
- Demonstrate integrity, accountability, teamwork, and pride in representing District Works and the Union Square Alliance.
- Consistently embody the principles of Radical Hospitality by creating welcoming, clean, safe, and inclusive public spaces.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Hourly compensation: $27.00.
- Performance-based bonus eligibility
- Health, dental, and mental wellness benefits for employees and dependents (contingent on eligibility and company policy)
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Paid vacation and sick time
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted only through our website: https://districtworks.city/careers
To be considered, you must submit:
- Current Resume: Include your most recent employment history with accurate months and years. Employment gaps of more than 6 months should be explained.
- Tailored Cover Letter: Explain why you are interested in the Dispatch Technician position and how your experience, technical skills, customer-service abilities, and attention to detail prepare you for the role.
- Complete Online Application: Provide information for at least your three most recent employers, including accurate employment dates and available supervisor, telephone, email, or company website information for employment verification.
Applications must demonstrate professional grammar, spelling, organization, and formatting. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Selected candidates may be invited to complete a phone or video screening, skills assessment, and in-person interview with District Works leadership.
Please do not submit applications in person or contact the program by telephone. Recruitment communications will be conducted through the online application system, video screening process, and email.