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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Janitor

💰 $ - $

FacilitiesMaintenanceJanitorialCustodial

🎯 Role Definition

The Janitor (Custodian) is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment across assigned facilities by performing routine and periodic cleaning, sanitation, preventive maintenance tasks, and occasional event setup/tear-down. This role requires hands-on operation of floor-care and cleaning equipment, proper handling of cleaning chemicals according to MSDS guidelines, consistent attention to health and safety protocols (including PPE and spill response), and strong customer service when interacting with building occupants or vendors. The ideal candidate is reliable, detail-oriented, capable of lifting and moving materials, and able to document work performed and report maintenance issues promptly.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Housekeeper / Room Attendant
  • Facilities Maintenance Assistant
  • Groundskeeper or Building Porter

Advancement To:

  • Lead Custodian / Head Janitor
  • Facilities Technician
  • Maintenance Supervisor
  • Facilities Manager or Building Services Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Environmental Services Technician (hospitals/healthcare)
  • Grounds Maintenance Specialist
  • Event Setup Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform daily cleaning and sanitization of assigned areas including restrooms, break rooms, lobbies, hallways, classrooms/offices, stairwells, and common areas using appropriate cleaning agents and techniques to meet organizational cleanliness standards and infection-control protocols.
  • Sweep, mop, scrub, strip, seal, and finish floors using manual methods and powered floor equipment (auto-scrubbers, buffers, polishers), including routine floor inspections and corrective actions to maintain floor safety and appearance.
  • Operate and maintain commercial cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, pressure washers, steam cleaners, and floor machines; perform basic troubleshooting and report equipment needing repair.
  • Empty trash and recycling containers throughout the facility, transport refuse to designated collection points, and maintain recycling practices in accordance with company sustainability guidelines.
  • Clean, disinfect, and restock restroom fixtures and surfaces (toilets, sinks, dispensers), monitor and replenish supplies (soap, paper towels, toilet paper) to ensure continuous service and regulatory hygiene standards.
  • Clean interior and exterior windows, glass surfaces, mirrors, and light fixtures, using ladders and approved tools safely to improve building appearance and natural light.
  • Respond rapidly to spills, leaks, and other incidents requiring immediate cleanup to minimize hazards and restore safe conditions; apply proper containment and disposal procedures for hazardous or biohazard materials when trained and authorized.
  • Monitor building conditions and report maintenance needs, safety hazards (damaged handrails, broken tiles, lighting issues), and security concerns to facilities management, using work order systems to document observations.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing HVAC filters per schedule, lubricating hardware, and tightening fixtures to support building longevity and occupant comfort.
  • Assist with set-up and tear-down of furniture and equipment for meetings, events, and emergency operations, ensuring spaces are clean, arranged according to specifications, and returned to baseline afterward.
  • Conduct periodic deep-cleaning projects like carpet extraction, grout cleaning, wall washing, high-dust removal, and kitchen hood/vent cleaning according to annual or seasonal schedules.
  • Maintain accurate cleaning logs, checklists, and inventory records for supplies and chemicals; coordinate supply reorders with supervisors to avoid stockouts and to manage cost control.
  • Follow Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) instructions for storage, handling, and disposal of cleaning chemicals; ensure proper labeling, mixing, and dilution to meet safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Adhere to OSHA, EPA, and local health code regulations as they apply to cleaning operations, hazardous materials, and workplace safety; participate in safety training and drills as required.
  • Provide courteous, professional service to building occupants, addressing requests and complaints promptly and escalating unresolved issues to supervisors to maintain high customer satisfaction.
  • Assist in seasonal maintenance activities such as snow and ice removal from walkways and entrances, application of ice melt, and cleaning outdoor entryways to ensure safe access year-round.
  • Secure and lock facilities at the end of shifts or as assigned, perform key control duties when authorized, and monitor building access to support site security protocols.
  • Mentor and train new custodial staff on standard operating procedures, equipment use, chemical safety, and quality expectations to ensure consistent performance across the team.
  • Participate in energy conservation and sustainability initiatives by using low-VOC products when possible, following waste-reduction programs, and supporting recycling and composting where available.
  • Perform safe manual handling and routine lifting of materials and furniture (up to posted limits), using proper body mechanics and lifting aids to prevent injury.
  • Assist facilities team with inventory management tasks including counting supplies, receiving deliveries, and storing materials in compliance with safety and organizational policies.
  • Maintain professional appearance, punctuality, and reliable attendance, follow scheduled shifts, and be available for occasional overtime or emergency call-ins per business needs.

Secondary Functions

  • Support facility-wide emergency response actions (minor flood response, containment, temporary repairs) until facilities maintenance or contracted services arrive.
  • Participate in quarterly or annual audits of cleaning quality and safety compliance; implement corrective actions to address identified gaps.
  • Collaborate with vendors and contractors during specialized cleaning or maintenance work, ensuring areas are prepared and secured as needed.
  • Assist with pest-prevention efforts by identifying entry points and sanitation issues; coordinate with pest control when necessary.
  • Help implement and document continuous improvement initiatives in custodial processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Provide cross-functional support during peak periods such as facilities moves, site refurbishments, or major events requiring extended custodial coverage.
  • Maintain and update simple inventories and time logs in digital or paper systems to support operational transparency and budgeting.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Comprehensive knowledge of commercial cleaning methods, disinfecting procedures, and best practices for restroom and high-touch surface sanitation.
  • Proficient operation of floor-care equipment (auto-scrubber, buffer, burnisher), carpet extractors, high-capacity vacuums, and power washers.
  • Safe handling, mixing, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals in compliance with SDS/MSDS guidance and OSHA Hazard Communication standards.
  • Experience with carpet care (spot treatment, extraction), tile and grout cleaning, and application of floor finishes (stripping, sealing, waxing).
  • Basic preventive maintenance skills such as changing light bulbs, replacing filters, tightening hardware, and minor plumbing fixture adjustments.
  • Familiarity with waste management processes including recycling streams, hazardous waste containment, and proper trash disposal methods.
  • Ability to use basic digital tools or maintenance management systems for logging work orders, scheduling, and inventory tracking.
  • Knowledge of infection control protocols and bloodborne pathogen precautions (when applicable).
  • Competence in performing manual tasks safely: proper lifting techniques, use of dollies and carts, and ergonomic practices.
  • Understanding of building security procedures including lock-up protocols and key/card access management when assigned.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with a consistent focus on cleanliness, safety, and facility presentation.
  • Reliable time management and organizational skills to complete daily routes, prioritized tasks, and scheduled projects efficiently.
  • Good communication and customer service skills to interact professionally with occupants, supervisors, and vendors.
  • Teamwork and collaboration mindset; willingness to assist colleagues and adapt to changing priority requests.
  • Problem-solving ability to identify issues, propose practical interim solutions, and escalate appropriately.
  • Physical stamina, endurance, and the ability to work on feet for extended periods and perform repetitive motions.
  • Dependability and accountability for attendance, punctuality, and completion of assigned duties.
  • Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, or overtime as facility needs dictate.
  • Initiative to identify opportunities for improving cleaning processes and contributing to a safer work environment.
  • Positive attitude and professionalism when representing the facilities or organization to building users.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent combination of education and custodial experience accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certificate in building maintenance, custodial management, or occupational safety (e.g., OSHA 10) is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Environmental Services
  • Building Maintenance
  • Occupational Safety or Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–5 years of custodial or janitorial experience; many employers hire entry-level but prefer 1–3 years for full responsibility roles.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of commercial or institutional janitorial experience (office buildings, schools, hospitals, or retail facilities), with documented experience operating floor-care and deep-cleaning equipment and adherence to safety/compliance standards.
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