Parking Lot Attendant

In all cities and at some establishments — for example, high-end office buildings, upscale shopping malls, fancy hotels, fine restaurants, and private clubs — parking lots are gateways to the good life. Never mind that they’re all asphalt and concrete. Literally and symbolically, they’re proof that you’ve “arrived,” whether it’s for an hour, an evening, or a lifetime.

The Parking Lot Attendant is therefore the Gatekeeper for both a lot and a lifestyle. After all, people’s cars — whether purchased out of desire or necessity — are prized possessions. Because you park and protect them, your job as a Parking Lot Attendant is safekeeping a piece of your customer’s personality, pride, and livelihood.

Someone who probably loves cars, you spend your shifts as a Parking Lot Attendant inside a booth near the entrance to a parking lot or parking garage, either public or private. When motorists arrive in their car, it’s your job to greet them, give them a claim ticket, and then either take their keys and park their vehicle for them, or direct them to an available spot using hand signals or flashlights. Then, when they return, it’s your job to collect payment, and either retrieve the vehicle or escort the customer to their car.

When things are slow, you might also be responsible for washing the parking lot, performing routine maintenance tasks, and — if your lot offers these services — washing cars, changing their oil, and filling them with gas.

Part Valet, part vehicular Doorman, you’re basically a Caretaker for cars: While their owners are away, you babysit them (without story and snack time, of course!).