Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Housekeeping Janitor

🎯 Role Definition

The Housekeeping Janitor is a vital member of the facilities team, responsible for upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and hygiene across the property. This role combines the detailed work of housekeeping with the broad responsibilities of a janitor to ensure a pristine and fully functional environment for all employees, guests, or residents. Success in this position directly impacts the health, safety, and overall experience of everyone who enters the facility, making it a cornerstone of our daily operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Entry-level position (no prior experience required)
General Laborer
Residential Cleaner

Advancement To:

Lead Janitor / Housekeeping Supervisor
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Environmental Services (EVS) Manager

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician Assistant
Groundskeeper

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive cleaning and sanitization of all assigned areas, including offices, lobbies, conference rooms, hallways, and public restrooms, following a detailed checklist to ensure consistent quality.
Execute all floor care duties, including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, and vacuuming hard surface and carpeted floors using industrial-grade equipment to ensure a clean and safe appearance.
Gather and empty all interior and exterior trash and recycling receptacles, transporting waste to designated disposal areas in accordance with company and environmental policies.
Thoroughly clean, sanitize, and disinfect restroom facilities, including toilets, sinks, urinals, mirrors, partitions, and floors, while ensuring they are consistently restocked with supplies like toilet paper, paper towels, and soap.
Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including furniture, windowsills, countertops, desks, fixtures, and equipment, to maintain a professional, dust-free environment.
Clean and polish all glass surfaces, interior windows, and partitions to ensure they are free of streaks, smudges, and fingerprints.
Operate and maintain commercial cleaning equipment such as carpet extractors, high-pressure washers, and automatic floor scrubbers in a safe, efficient, and professional manner.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently throughout the facility, including doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and handrails, to mitigate the spread of germs.
Respond promptly and professionally to urgent clean-up requests, such as spills or accidents, utilizing appropriate procedures and safety equipment to resolve the issue.
In a hospitality or residential setting, service rooms by changing linens, making beds, cleaning bathrooms, and replenishing amenities to meet established quality standards.
Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors periodically using heavy-duty floor buffers and waxers to maintain their long-term appearance, protection, and durability.
Launder and fold towels, linens, and other designated items using commercial washing and drying machines, ensuring a clean and steady supply is available.

Secondary Functions

Monitor and maintain a detailed inventory of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and paper products, submitting timely order requests to the supervisor to prevent any operational shortages.
Identify, document, and report any maintenance issues, safety hazards, or necessary repairs (e.g., broken fixtures, burned-out lights, leaks) to the facilities manager for resolution.
Secure the facility during and after business hours by locking all designated doors, closing windows, and ensuring the alarm system is activated as per established security protocols.
Set up and break down rooms for meetings, conferences, and special events, which includes arranging tables, chairs, and other equipment as specified in event orders.
Adhere strictly to all health and safety regulations, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the correct handling and dilution of chemical cleaning agents.
Perform light, non-technical maintenance tasks as needed, such as replacing light bulbs, unclogging drains with a plunger, or performing minor touch-up painting.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of janitorial closets and storage areas, ensuring equipment is properly cleaned, stored, and ready for its next use.
Clean and maintain exterior areas, such as main entryways and sidewalks, by sweeping debris and, where applicable, removing snow or treating ice during winter months.
Follow specific, stringent protocols for handling and disposing of regulated or biohazardous waste, particularly in healthcare, laboratory, or specialized industrial environments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep knowledge of standard commercial cleaning methods, materials, and chemical handling.
Proficiency in operating and performing basic maintenance on industrial cleaning equipment (e.g., floor buffers, carpet extractors, auto scrubbers).
Thorough understanding of safety protocols, including OSHA standards, GHS, and the ability to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Basic maintenance and repair skills for tasks like changing lightbulbs or addressing minor plumbing clogs.
Expertise in proper waste management and disposal techniques, including protocols for recycling and regulated waste.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to thoroughness in completing all tasks to the highest standard.
Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize duties effectively in a dynamic environment.
High degree of reliability, punctuality, and self-motivation to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
Physical stamina and strength, with the ability to lift objects up to 50 lbs, bend, climb, and stand for extended periods.
Clear verbal communication skills for interacting courteously with staff and guests and reporting issues to supervisors.
Problem-solving abilities to address unexpected cleaning challenges or minor facility issues independently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training certificate in custodial services, building maintenance, or hospitality.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Custodial Arts & Technology
Hospitality Services

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of professional cleaning or janitorial experience.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a commercial, healthcare, educational, or hospitality environment is highly desirable.