How to Hire a Part-Time “Boots on the Ground” Manager for Your Self-Storage Facility

Not every self-storage facility requires a full-time on-site manager. For smaller properties, remotely managed facilities, or owners with multiple locations, a part-time “boots on the ground” manager can provide local oversight without the expense of a full-time position.

The key is finding someone who is dependable, capable of working independently, and understands exactly what is expected of them. Here are eight steps for building an effective part-time management solution.

1. Define What You Actually Need

Before posting a job opening, determine what responsibilities require someone physically at the property.

These might include property inspections, cleaning, lock checks, unit cleanouts, customer assistance, delinquency procedures, minor maintenance, or responding to emergencies.

Separating tasks that require an on-site presence from those that can be handled remotely can help determine how many hours are actually needed.

2. Create a Detailed Job Description

A good job description should clearly outline responsibilities, expected hours, compensation, physical requirements, and performance expectations.

Avoid vague descriptions such as “manage the facility.” Instead, identify specific responsibilities and how frequently they should be completed. Clear expectations make it easier to attract qualified candidates and measure performance later.

3. Recruit Locally

Online employment platforms can be useful, but don't overlook local relationships. Property managers, contractors, real estate professionals, existing employees, and other business owners may know dependable people looking for part-time work.

For a boots-on-the-ground position, proximity to the facility can be particularly valuable when unexpected issues require a quick response.

4. Hire for Reliability and Problem-Solving

Self-storage experience is helpful, but it isn't always essential.

Candidates with backgrounds in property management, maintenance, hospitality, customer service, or facilities management may already possess many of the necessary skills.

Look for someone who communicates well, works independently, follows procedures, and can solve basic problems without constant supervision. Basic maintenance skills can be especially valuable.

5. Verify the Candidate

Because the manager may have access to gates, buildings, customer information, payments, and other sensitive areas of the operation, proper screening is important.

Verify employment history and references and, where appropriate and legally permissible, use background screening consistent with applicable employment laws. Owners should establish controls so no single employee has unnecessary access to every aspect of the business.

6. Build a Repeatable Training Process

Even an experienced manager needs to understand how your facility operates.

Training should cover management software, customer service standards, security procedures, move-ins and move-outs, delinquency procedures, property inspections, maintenance reporting, and emergency protocols.

Checklists and written procedures can make training more consistent and reduce mistakes.

7. Establish a Communication System

Remote ownership works best when communication is structured.

Determine how often the manager should report, what information should be provided, and which situations require immediate contact. Weekly property reports can include photos, maintenance issues, delinquency updates, security concerns, and completed tasks.

Technology makes it increasingly easy for owners to maintain oversight without physically visiting the property every day.

8. Measure Performance

Once the manager is established, evaluate performance using measurable expectations rather than simply hours worked.

Consider property cleanliness, completion of inspections, maintenance response times, customer service, task completion, and adherence to operating procedures.

The Goal: Local Presence Without Full-Time Overhead

A part-time boots-on-the-ground manager can allow owners to operate facilities remotely while maintaining a reliable local presence.

The most successful arrangement isn't simply hiring someone to “check on the property.” It's creating a clearly defined system of responsibilities, accountability, communication, and oversight.

With the right person and the right processes, operators can maintain a professional facility while keeping staffing costs aligned with the property's actual needs.