Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for House Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

The House Attendant is a cornerstone of the Housekeeping department, playing a vital role in ensuring a hotel's overall cleanliness, functionality, and guest satisfaction. More than just a support position, the House Attendant is the engine that keeps the housekeeping machine running smoothly. You are responsible for maintaining the heart of the house—service areas, storage closets, and corridors—and for directly supporting Room Attendants to ensure they have everything they need to create an immaculate and welcoming environment for our guests. This role is perfect for a proactive, detail-oriented individual who takes pride in their work and understands that their efforts directly contribute to a memorable guest experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Janitorial or Custodial Staff
Entry-level Hospitality Worker

Advancement To:

Housekeeping Supervisor
Public Area Supervisor
Room Inspector or Quality Assurance Inspector

Lateral Moves:

Public Area Attendant
Laundry Attendant
Maintenance Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diligently stock and organize linen closets and housekeeping carts with the full range of required linens, amenities, and cleaning supplies.
Promptly respond to guest and management requests for additional supplies such as towels, pillows, rollaway beds, and cribs with a professional and courteous demeanor.
Systematically remove soiled linens, terry, and trash from guest room floors and housekeeping carts, transporting them to designated collection areas.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of all guest floor corridors, stairwells, and service landings, including vacuuming, dusting, and spot-cleaning carpets.
Ensure all housekeeping storage closets and service areas are kept clean, tidy, and compliant with safety standards throughout the shift.
Operate and maintain heavy-duty cleaning equipment, such as carpet shampooers, floor buffers, and wet/dry vacuums, for deep cleaning projects.
Assist Room Attendants by stripping rooms of all linens and trash to expedite the room turnover process during peak periods.
Perform scheduled deep cleaning of guest rooms, including but not limited to flipping mattresses, moving furniture, and cleaning high or hard-to-reach areas.
Deliver and set up special guest amenities and welcome gifts as directed by the front office or housekeeping management.
Monitor and report any maintenance deficiencies, safety hazards, or pest control issues observed in guest rooms or public areas to the appropriate department.
Manage the inventory of cleaning supplies and guest amenities in storage areas, communicating restocking needs to the housekeeping supervisor.
Uphold all company and brand standards for cleanliness, safety, and sanitation to ensure a consistent and high-quality guest experience.
Practice safe work habits, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and correct handling of cleaning chemicals.

Secondary Functions

Provide assistance with the periodic deep cleaning of public areas, including lobbies, restrooms, and fitness centers, as scheduled or required.
Support the laundry department by loading, unloading, and folding linen during times of high demand or short staffing.
Assist in moving or arranging furniture for special events, meetings, or as part of a room renovation project.
Conduct regular checks of fire extinguishers and emergency exit pathways on guest floors to ensure they are clear and accessible.
Participate in monthly and quarterly inventory counts for all linens, supplies, and housekeeping equipment.
Escort vendors or contractors to designated work areas and monitor their presence as needed.
Offer support to other departments, such as banquet setup or maintenance, for tasks requiring heavy lifting or general cleaning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Chemical Handling: Knowledge of proper and safe use of various cleaning chemicals, detergents, and sanitizers, including understanding MSDS sheets.
Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating commercial cleaning equipment like vacuums, floor polishers, carpet extractors, and pressure washers.
Inventory Management: Ability to track and manage stock levels of linens, cleaning supplies, and guest amenities.
Safety Protocols: Understanding of workplace safety standards, including OSHA regulations, blood-borne pathogen procedures, and proper lifting techniques.
Basic Maintenance: Ability to perform minor repairs such as changing a lightbulb or unclogging a drain.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for cleanliness, order, and spotting imperfections to ensure the highest standards are met.
Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to efficiently manage a list of tasks and respond to urgent requests in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Stamina: Capacity to handle the physical demands of the job, including continuous standing, walking, bending, and lifting heavy objects.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A positive attitude and willingness to actively support colleagues in the housekeeping department and beyond.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and politely communicate with guests, supervisors, and team members, including using a radio or other communication devices.
Proactiveness & Initiative: The drive to identify and address cleaning or supply needs without waiting for direction.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is generally required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or a certificate in hospitality or custodial services is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
Facilities Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a cleaning, custodial, or general labor role. Previous hospitality experience is not always required but is highly beneficial.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of experience as a House Attendant, Houseperson, or in a similar role within a hotel, resort, or large-scale residential facility is highly valued.