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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Janitorial Staff

💰 $25,000 - $40,000

FacilitiesMaintenanceCustodialJanitorial

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a dependable Janitorial Staff member to deliver consistent, high-quality cleaning and maintenance services across assigned facilities. The ideal candidate will perform routine and deep-clean tasks, operate custodial equipment safely, follow chemical and safety protocols, support event setups, and collaborate with facilities and security teams to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for staff, tenants, and visitors.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Entry-level Custodian / Janitor
  • Housekeeper (hospitality or residential)
  • Facilities Maintenance Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Janitor / Shift Lead
  • Custodial Supervisor / Head Custodian
  • Facilities Technician / Maintenance Technician
  • Facilities Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Groundskeeper
  • Building Engineer
  • Event Setup Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform daily cleaning duties across offices, corridors, lobbies, conference rooms and common areas including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, wiping surfaces, and spot-cleaning to maintain a consistently clean and professional appearance.
  • Execute thorough restroom sanitation: disinfect toilets, sinks, urinals, partitions and fixtures; clean mirrors and tile surfaces; empty sanitary bins; and restock consumables (soap, paper towels, toilet paper) in compliance with hygiene standards.
  • Operate and maintain floor-care equipment including auto-scrubbers, buffers, burnishers, carpet extractors and high-speed polishers; perform floor stripping, waxing, sealing and buffing according to manufacturer and facility schedules.
  • Conduct routine and periodic carpet cleaning by shampooing or hot-water extraction, treat stains and spot-clean high-traffic areas to extend carpet life and improve indoor aesthetics.
  • Remove trash and recycling from all assigned areas; sort recyclables and dispose of waste according to local regulations and company sustainability policies; maintain compactors and exterior waste containers as required.
  • Monitor, report and log maintenance issues such as lighting failures, plumbing leaks, HVAC irregularities, door hardware problems and minor structural defects; submit and follow up on work orders in the CMMS or maintenance log.
  • Maintain accurate inventory of cleaning supplies, PPE and consumables; place orders, receive deliveries, and track usage to control stock levels and minimize costs and shortages.
  • Follow all Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS) and OSHA regulations for handling, storing, labeling and disposing of cleaning chemicals; consistently use required PPE and practice safe chemical dilution and mixing procedures.
  • Respond promptly to emergency cleaning needs — spills, broken glass, bodily fluids, hazardous material containment — using appropriate PPE, containment techniques and documentation procedures.
  • Perform building security duties during closing shifts: lock and secure doors, set alarms, perform final walkthroughs, and ensure lights and non-essential equipment are turned off.
  • Set up and tear down furniture and equipment for meetings, special events and trainings; maintain cleanliness and order before, during and after events and ensure spaces are returned to standard configuration.
  • Keep and complete daily cleaning checklists, shift logs, incident reports and quality inspection forms; communicate status and escalate unresolved issues to supervisors in a timely manner.
  • Assist in onboarding and hands-on training of new custodial team members on cleaning standards, safe equipment operation, chemical handling and company procedures to ensure consistent service delivery.
  • Conduct routine inspections of assigned areas to verify cleanliness standards, document deficiencies, perform corrective actions and provide feedback to leadership for continuous improvement.
  • Work assigned shifts reliably and adapt schedule to operational needs including early mornings, evenings, nights or weekends; support on-call rotations for urgent facility needs.
  • Perform seasonal duties as assigned including snow and ice removal from entrances and steps, outdoor litter pickup, pressure washing exterior surfaces and clearing drains to maintain safe access.
  • Support sustainable cleaning initiatives by using green-certified products, reducing chemical waste, and following recycling and waste diversion programs.
  • Coordinate with security, maintenance and vendors to manage special projects, deep-clean weekends, or large-scale restorative cleaning while minimizing disruption to occupants.
  • Use mobile devices or computerized systems (CMMS, scheduling apps) to receive assignments, document completed tasks, request supplies and communicate real-time updates.
  • Execute periodic deep-clean projects such as high-dusting, window cleaning (interior and assigned exterior), upholstery cleaning, tile and grout restoration and cleaning behind heavy equipment.
  • Maintain professionalism and discretion when working in occupied spaces; protect confidential information and respect occupant privacy when cleaning offices and meeting rooms.

Secondary Functions

  • Support inventory audits, cycle counts and cost-control initiatives to reduce waste and optimize cleaning supply usage.
  • Assist with minor building repairs such as changing light bulbs, replacing filters, tightening fixtures and basic caulking as directed by maintenance staff.
  • Participate in departmental safety meetings, hazard assessments and continuous improvement initiatives; propose practical solutions to recurring cleanliness or workflow issues.
  • Cross-train on related facility tasks (grounds, event setup, basic maintenance) to provide flexible coverage during peak periods or staff shortages.
  • Maintain a lost-and-found log and coordinate the return of found items following building policies.
  • Help implement and monitor tenant or occupant feedback processes for cleaning quality, follow up on complaints and communicate resolutions.
  • Support vendor coordination for specialty services (carpet cleaning, window washing, pest control) by preparing spaces and ensuring compliance with contractor requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in commercial janitorial techniques: sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, glass cleaning and restroom sanitation.
  • Floor care expertise: operation of auto-scrubbers, floor buffers, burnishers, carpet extractors and experience with stripping, waxing and polishing hard floors.
  • Carpet cleaning and stain treatment using steam extraction and spot-removal products.
  • Knowledge of sanitation protocols and infection control best practices (hospitality/institutional settings preferred).
  • Familiarity with cleaning chemicals, SDS/MSDS interpretation, proper dilution, storage and disposal procedures.
  • Safe use of custodial tools and equipment, plus preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
  • Experience using CMMS, work order systems or mobile apps to log tasks, inventory and maintenance requests.
  • Waste management practices including recycling, hazardous waste and regulated medical waste handling (when applicable).
  • Basic building maintenance skills: changing bulbs, minor plumbing/fixtures, filter replacement and simple repairs.
  • Ability to lift and maneuver heavy objects, load carts, and perform physically demanding tasks following ergonomic and safety standards.
  • Knowledge of lock-up procedures, building security protocols and emergency response cleaning procedures.
  • Training or certification in OSHA safety standards, bloodborne pathogens or green cleaning practices (preferred).

Soft Skills

  • Highly reliable and punctual with strong attendance record and ability to work scheduled shifts, overtime and on-call assignments.
  • Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering consistently high standards of cleanliness.
  • Good communication skills to interact courteously with tenants, employees, supervisors and vendors.
  • Customer-service orientation with the ability to respond professionally to occupant requests and concerns.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a collaborative team member.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage workload efficiently.
  • Problem-solving mindset to identify root causes of recurring issues and recommend improvements.
  • Discretion and respect for occupant privacy and confidential spaces.
  • Adaptability to changing schedules, facilities needs and special event requirements.
  • Commitment to safety culture and willingness to participate in ongoing training.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; relevant work experience accepted in lieu of formal education.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certificate in custodial services, facilities maintenance, environmental services, or related fields.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10, bloodborne pathogen training, or green cleaning credentials are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Building Maintenance / Trades
  • Hospitality / Housekeeping
  • Environmental Services / Sanitation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 3 years of custodial or janitorial experience for entry-level roles; 1+ years preferred for commercial or institutional settings.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of experience in commercial, healthcare, educational, or corporate janitorial services.
  • Prior experience operating floor-care machinery and using CMMS or digital work order systems.
  • Demonstrated experience following safety protocols, chemical handling procedures and standard cleaning schedules.
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