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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Janitorial Assistant

💰 $ - $

FacilitiesJanitorialCustodialMaintenance

🎯 Role Definition

The Janitorial Assistant is responsible for maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming environments across commercial, institutional, or residential properties. This role focuses on daily cleaning tasks, routine maintenance, and sanitation procedures using appropriate cleaning chemicals and equipment. Janitorial Assistants support facility operations by ensuring restrooms, common areas, offices, and specialty surfaces meet health, safety, and aesthetic standards. Ideal candidates are dependable, detail-oriented, physically fit, and comfortable working independently or as part of a facilities or environmental services team.

Key SEO and recruiting keywords: janitorial assistant, custodian, cleaner, facilities maintenance, commercial cleaning, restroom sanitation, floor care, green cleaning, infection control, PPE, OSHA compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Entry-level cleaner or residential cleaner
  • Building porter or maintenance aide
  • Hospitality or food-service cleaning associate

Advancement To:

  • Lead Janitorial/Custodial Technician
  • Facilities Technician or Maintenance Worker
  • Environmental Services Supervisor or Site Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Floor Care Specialist (carpet and hard-surface maintenance)
  • Housekeeping Coordinator in hospitality or healthcare

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform thorough daily cleaning of assigned areas including offices, lobbies, hallways, restrooms, break rooms, and conference rooms using specified cleaning agents, microfiber cloths, and approved disinfectants to maintain a hygienic environment and reduce infection risks.
  • Sweep, mop, scrub and polish hard floors using manual and powered equipment (auto-scrubbers, buffers, polishers), following manufacturer and safety guidelines to maintain floor finish and prevent slip hazards.
  • Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery, and spot-treat stains with appropriate cleaning solutions and extraction equipment when necessary to preserve appearance and extend carpet life.
  • Clean, sanitize, and restock restroom facilities, including toilets, sinks, mirrors, countertops and dispensers; replenish soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products to ensure user satisfaction and meet regulatory hygiene standards.
  • Empty, transport, and dispose of trash and recycling materials from workspaces and common areas following company recycling policies and local waste management regulations.
  • Dust and wipe furniture, baseboards, vents, light fixtures, windowsills and electronic surfaces with appropriate materials to remove allergens, contaminants and visible debris without damaging equipment.
  • Perform routine deep-cleaning and periodic intensive tasks such as high dusting, power washing exteriors, shampooing carpets, stripping and refinishing floors, and cleaning interior glass to maintain long-term facility appearance.
  • Operate and maintain custodial equipment, including vacuums, floor machines, pressure washers, and carpet extractors; perform basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and scheduled preventative maintenance.
  • Prepare, dilute, and apply cleaning chemicals in accordance with product labels, SDS/MSDS guidelines, and established dilution charts to ensure effective cleaning while protecting occupants and surfaces.
  • Complete daily logs, checklists and work orders accurately, record supplies used, and report recurring issues or needed repairs to the facilities or maintenance supervisor for timely resolution.
  • Follow infection control protocols and enhanced cleaning procedures for high-touch surfaces during outbreaks or heightened health advisories, including the safe use of EPA-registered disinfectants and PPE.
  • Respond to emergency cleaning requests (spills, biohazards, broken glass) promptly and safely, using appropriate containment and cleanup procedures to minimize risk to building occupants.
  • Securely lock and unlock buildings, set alarms, and perform end-of-day walkthroughs to ensure facilities are safe, locked, and presentable for the next business day.
  • Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and consumables, submit requisitions or restock requests in a timely manner, and assist with receiving and organizing deliveries when needed.
  • Assist with setup and teardown for events, meetings and special projects by arranging seating, cleaning after events, and ensuring event spaces are restored to operating standards.
  • Adhere to workplace safety regulations, including OSHA requirements, proper use of PPE, hazard communication, spill response and safe lifting techniques to protect self and coworkers.
  • Communicate with building occupants and supervisors professionally when coordinating cleaning schedules, addressing complaints, or escalating facility maintenance issues that require advanced attention.
  • Maintain confidentiality and respect for tenant or occupant property, refraining from handling or relocating personal items unless instructed as part of service tasks.
  • Participate in team huddles, training sessions and performance reviews; incorporate feedback to improve cleaning quality, efficiency and customer service.
  • Perform routine inspections of assigned areas and action corrective measures for any safety hazards (e.g., wet floors, exposed wiring) and report unresolved issues immediately.
  • Follow sustainable cleaning practices when requested, such as using HEPA-filter vacuums, microfibre cloths, and green-certified cleaning products to support building environmental goals.
  • Operate within assigned schedules, adhere to punctuality requirements, and document start/stop times and tasks completed for payroll and operational tracking.
  • Escort and facilitate vendor or contractor access for cleaning-related services when required, ensuring work areas are clear and safe during third-party activities.
  • Train and mentor new or temporary cleaning staff on site-specific procedures, chemical handling, equipment operation and customer service expectations to maintain consistent service levels.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist facilities maintenance with minor repairs (changing light bulbs, replacing belts, tightening hardware) and coordinate major repairs with the maintenance team or outside vendors.
  • Support special cleaning projects such as seasonal deep cleans, mold remediation preparatory work, and post-construction cleanup under supervisor direction.
  • Participate in inventory audits and cycle counts for cleaning supplies and PPE; recommend cost-saving measures or product substitutions that maintain quality while reducing waste.
  • Help implement and document COVID-19 or other infectious disease response cleaning plans during outbreaks or directed health advisories.
  • Provide backup coverage for other shifts or locations during staff shortages, vacations, or high-demand periods to ensure continuity of services.
  • Collect and escalate tenant feedback and service requests to management to drive continuous improvement and higher occupant satisfaction.
  • Contribute to safety committees or continuous improvement initiatives focused on ergonomics, chemical safety, and waste reduction.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in sweeping, mopping, buffing, stripping, and refinishing hard-surface floors using manual and powered floor-care equipment.
  • Skilled in vacuuming, carpet extraction, spot removal, and basic upholstery cleaning techniques.
  • Knowledge of restroom sanitation best practices, including use and refill of dispensers, odor control, and contamination prevention.
  • Experience preparing and applying chemical cleaners and disinfectants safely, including following SDS/MSDS guidance and dilution charts.
  • Competent operating custodial equipment: auto-scrubbers, floor buffers, carpet extractors, pressure washers, HEPA vacuums.
  • Familiarity with OSHA hazard communication standards, PPE use, and basic workplace safety regulations.
  • Ability to perform basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on cleaning equipment and to request repairs when needed.
  • Inventory management skills: tracking supply levels, placing orders, and organizing storage to prevent stockouts.
  • Skilled in reading and completing work orders, cleaning logs, inspection checklists, and incident reports.
  • Knowledge of green cleaning practices and ability to use environmentally preferable products when required.
  • Basic lock-up and security procedures, including alarm setting and key control.
  • Ability to follow written procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for specialized tasks like bloodborne pathogen cleanup (if certified).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on visible cleanliness, odor control, and facility presentation.
  • Reliable and punctual with a professional work ethic and consistent attendance record.
  • Good communication skills for interacting with occupants, supervisors, and vendors in a customer-service oriented manner.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to complete assigned routes and tasks within scheduled timeframes.
  • Teamwork and adaptability; able to work independently or collaboratively across shifts and locations.
  • Discretion and respect for occupant privacy and confidentiality while cleaning occupied spaces.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity; able to lift, carry, bend, and stand for extended periods as required by custodial work.
  • Problem-solving mindset to identify recurring issues and suggest practical solutions for cleanliness and maintenance.
  • Willingness to learn, accept feedback and participate in ongoing training for new equipment or cleaning standards.
  • Positive, service-oriented attitude focused on creating a safe, healthy environment for building occupants.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred but not always required; equivalent life experience in custodial or housekeeping roles is acceptable.

Preferred Education:

  • High school diploma or vocational certificate in facilities maintenance, environmental services, or hospitality/housekeeping.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10, Bloodborne Pathogens, or specialized floor-care training are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facility Management
  • Environmental Services / Sanitation
  • Hospitality Management
  • Building Maintenance Technology
  • Occupational Safety and Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 3 years of janitorial, custodial, housekeeping, or maintenance experience for entry-level positions.
  • 1 to 3+ years preferred for roles requiring independent shift responsibility or advanced floor-care skills.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in commercial, office, healthcare, educational, or hospitality cleaning environments.
  • Proven experience operating floor-care machinery and following safety protocols.
  • Demonstrated reliability, positive references, and ability to pass background checks when required.
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