Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Janitorial Crew Member

🎯 Role Definition

The Janitorial Crew Member (also known as Custodian, Building Attendant, or Commercial Cleaner) performs daily cleaning and maintenance tasks to ensure safe, sanitary, and presentable facilities. This role includes trash removal, restroom sanitation, floor care (sweeping, mopping, stripping/waxing), carpet maintenance, window cleaning, basic repairs, and supply inventory. The ideal candidate follows safety procedures, uses cleaning equipment and chemicals properly, and provides courteous customer service to building occupants and visitors.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Janitorial Aide / Cleaner (entry-level)
Housekeeper (hospitality or residential)
Maintenance Assistant or Porter

Advancement To:

Lead Janitorial Technician / Lead Custodian
Janitorial Supervisor / Shift Supervisor
Facilities Technician or Building Maintenance Technician
Building Services Manager / Facilities Manager

Lateral Moves:

Groundskeeping / Grounds Maintenance
Environmental Services Technician (healthcare)
Building Security / Front Desk Attendant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine cleaning and sanitation of restrooms, including scrubbing toilets, urinals, sinks, replenishing soap and paper supplies, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
Sweep, mop, strip, seal, and wax hard-surface floors; operate floor buffers, burnishers, and scrubbers for daily and periodic floor maintenance to preserve finish and safety.
Vacuum, spot clean, and shampoo carpets using commercial carpet extractors and spot-removal techniques to remove stains and extend carpet life in offices and common areas.
Empty trash receptacles and recycling bins throughout the facility, transport waste to designated disposal areas, replace liners, and maintain a clean and odor-free environment.
Clean and sanitize break rooms, kitchenettes, and dining areas, including wiping down counters, cleaning appliances, cleaning inside microwaves, and ensuring compliance with food-safety guidelines.
Dust, polish, and clean furniture, fixtures, ledges, blinds, and vents in offices and public spaces, paying special attention to high-touch points and ADA-accessible areas.
Clean interior windows, glass doors, mirrors, and glass partitions to maintain visibility and a professional appearance; use ladders and appropriate safety procedures for elevated work.
Perform general maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing ceiling tiles, tightening screws, minor painting touch-ups, and reporting larger repair needs to facilities management.
Maintain and operate custodial equipment (e.g., vacuum cleaners, floor machines, pressure washers, carpet extractors) following manufacturer guidelines and company safety protocols.
Prepare and follow daily cleaning checklists and schedules for assigned zones, ensuring consistent coverage of high-traffic areas and special event cleanups.
Use cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and degreasers safely and effectively; follow SDS/MSDS instructions, mix solutions to manufacturer specifications, and store chemicals securely.
Conduct nightly closing procedures (when applicable) including securing rooms, locking doors, setting alarms, and reporting any security or safety concerns to the supervisor.
Respond to emergency cleanups and spills promptly (biohazards, bodily fluids, oils); follow established protocols for containment, clean-up, and documentation.
Assist in setting up, arranging, and breaking down meeting rooms and event spaces, including moving furniture, arranging seating, and ensuring audiovisual equipment areas remain clean.
Monitor and replenish janitorial and restroom supplies, maintain accurate inventory counts, and submit supply orders to ensure uninterrupted cleaning operations.
Perform scheduled deep-clean tasks (e.g., floor stripping/waxing, grout and tile cleaning, high-dusting, HVAC vent cleaning) as assigned to maintain building standards.
Enforce and follow facility infection-control procedures during outbreaks or heightened cleaning protocols; implement enhanced disinfecting routines as directed by management.
Complete and maintain routine inspection logs, work orders, and incident reports; escalate maintenance or safety issues promptly to the supervisor or facilities team.
Provide courteous, professional customer service to occupants, vendors, and visitors; respond to cleaning requests and communicate estimated resolution timeframes.
Follow company PPE policies and maintain a clean, professional appearance; ensure all safety equipment (gloves, goggles, masks) is used appropriately for tasks.
Participate in periodic training for cleaning techniques, chemical safety, equipment operation, and workplace safety updates to maintain skills and certifications.
Transport and position heavy items (trash compactors, furniture, equipment) safely using proper lifting techniques or mechanical aids; coordinate with team members for large moves.
Support sustainability and green cleaning initiatives by using eco-friendly products when available, following proper recycling protocols, and minimizing waste where possible.
Assist the maintenance team with minor preventative maintenance tasks, such as filter changes, door adjustments, and lubrication of moving parts within the crew’s scope.

Secondary Functions

Assist in onboarding and training new janitorial staff by demonstrating cleaning standards, equipment use, and safety procedures.
Participate in scheduled safety meetings, hazard assessments, and contribute feedback on improving cleaning processes and job-site ergonomics.
Aid in room setups for special events, including moving furniture, placing signage, and coordinating with event staff for timing and logistics.
Provide backup coverage for other shifts or building sites as needed to ensure continuous custodial service across locations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient operation of commercial cleaning equipment: upright and backpack vacuums, automatic scrubbers, burnishers, carpet extractors, and pressure washers.
Floor care expertise including stripping, sealing, waxing, buffing, and tile/grout cleaning.
Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, dilution rates, SDS/MSDS interpretation, and safe handling/storage practices.
Ability to perform carpet maintenance: extraction, hot water cleaning, spot removal, and routine vacuuming.
Basic maintenance and repair skills: changing light bulbs, minor plumbing assistance (clearing clogs), and small carpentry fixes.
Proper use of PPE and adherence to OSHA and company safety standards, including Bloodborne Pathogen and HAZMAT awareness where applicable.
Inventory and supply management: tracking usage, rotating stock, and submitting purchase requests.
Experience with green cleaning practices and eco-friendly products (LEED or sustainability-aware procedures preferred).
Ability to read and follow work orders, checklists, and cleaning schedules accurately.
Mobile device or tablet proficiency for completing digital cleaning logs, incident reports, and communications with supervisors.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering consistently clean, hygienic, and inviting spaces.
Time management and the ability to prioritize tasks across large facilities with competing needs.
Reliable, punctual, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
Good communication and customer-service orientation when interacting with tenants, staff, and vendors.
Teamwork and willingness to assist coworkers during high-volume periods or special projects.
Problem-solving mindset for identifying root causes (e.g., recurring spills, odor sources) and suggesting preventative solutions.
Physical stamina and endurance for standing, bending, lifting (up to company limits), and repetitive motions during shifts.
Adaptability to changing schedules, special event demands, and varying building environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED preferred; candidates with strong custodial experience considered regardless of formal education.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certification or short courses in custodial maintenance, facilities management, or occupational safety.
Certifications such as OSHA 10, Bloodborne Pathogens, or Certified Professional Cleaner (CPC) considered a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Management
Hospitality or Hotel Services
Environmental Services / Sanitation
Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years for entry-level janitorial roles; 1–5 years preferred for commercial or specialized floor care positions.

Preferred:

1–2 years of commercial janitorial experience (office buildings, schools, hospitals, or industrial sites).
Demonstrated experience with floor machines, carpet extractors, and chemical handling in a commercial setting.