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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Janitorial Worker

💰 $ - $

FacilitiesMaintenanceJanitorialCustodial Services

🎯 Role Definition

A Janitorial Worker (also called Custodian or Cleaner) is responsible for maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary conditions across commercial, institutional, and residential facilities. This role includes routine cleaning, deep-clean projects, floor care, restroom sanitation, waste diversion and recycling, basic maintenance reporting, and delivering consistent customer-focused service to building occupants. The Janitorial Worker ensures compliance with safety guidelines, uses cleaning chemicals and equipment properly, and contributes to the overall facilities maintenance program.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Housekeeper / Residential Cleaner
  • Building Maintenance Assistant
  • Groundskeeper or Facilities Laborer

Advancement To:

  • Lead Janitor / Lead Custodian
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician
  • Environmental Services Supervisor / Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Event Setup Technician
  • Window Washing Specialist / Floor Care Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of assigned facilities including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, polishing, and trash removal to maintain a clean and safe environment for employees, visitors, and tenants.
  • Maintain restrooms by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing toilets, sinks, partitions, floors, mirrors, and fixtures; restock toiletries and paper products; inspect for plumbing issues and report maintenance needs.
  • Execute scheduled floor care programs including stripping, sealing, waxing, buffing, polishing, and deep-cleaning of hard-surface floors using auto-scrubbers, buffers, and burnishers while following manufacturer and safety guidelines.
  • Operate and maintain powered equipment (upright and backpack vacuums, extractors, floor machines, steam cleaners) and perform routine troubleshooting and cleaning of equipment to ensure safe, reliable operation.
  • Perform carpet care and extraction: spot treat stains, perform hot-water extraction or shampooing, and execute preventive maintenance schedules to extend carpet life and improve indoor air quality.
  • Follow chemical dilution, labeling, and storage protocols; use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to handle, apply, and dispose of cleaning agents safely and in compliance with OSHA and company standards.
  • Empty and service waste receptacles, handle recycling streams separately, and coordinate proper disposal of hazardous or regulated waste per local and company environmental policies.
  • Conduct daily inspections of assigned areas and document cleaning activities, supply usage, and any facility damage or safety hazards; escalate urgent repairs to facility management.
  • Clean glass, windows, interior partitions, and entranceways, ensuring streak-free finishes and maintaining professional presentation of tenant and customer-facing areas.
  • Provide routine cleaning and sanitization of common touchpoints (doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, light switches) following infection-control best practices and high-frequency sanitation schedules.
  • Set up, break down, and clean event spaces, conference rooms, and meeting areas including arranging furniture, preparing floors, and performing post-event cleaning to meet turnaround timelines.
  • Perform exterior janitorial tasks as required, such as sidewalk sweeping, pressure washing entries and loading docks, removing litter, and clearing snow/ice from designated walkways (seasonal requirements).
  • Maintain and replenish janitorial supply inventory; receive and store supplies, log usage, and submit purchase suggestions to maintain optimal stock and minimize supply disruption.
  • Follow lock-up and security procedures including securing doors, checking windows and alarms, and reporting suspicious activity or security concerns to supervisory staff during closing and opening rounds.
  • Adhere to company policies and safety programs including proper use of PPE, bloodborne pathogen precautions when dealing with biohazardous materials or bodily fluids, and incident reporting protocols.
  • Assist with routine light maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing HVAC filters, tightening hardware, and minor plumbing (unclogging drains) within scope of role; escalate larger tasks to maintenance technicians.
  • Provide courteous, professional service to building occupants and visitors, responding promptly to cleaning requests, handling complaints, and documenting service calls to ensure high tenant satisfaction.
  • Participate in scheduled deep-clean projects such as overnight or weekend floor restorations, quarterly carpet extractions, duct cleaning coordination, and seasonal refresh programs to maintain long-term facility standards.
  • Train and mentor new janitorial staff on cleaning procedures, equipment operation, safety practices, and quality standards; help implement continuous improvement suggestions to streamline workflows.
  • Support infection prevention programs during outbreaks or seasonal surges by implementing enhanced disinfection protocols, tracking high-touch surface sanitation, and coordinating with health and safety teams.
  • Comply with environmental sustainability and green-cleaning initiatives by using eco-friendly products, following dilution-control systems, and promoting waste reduction and recycling best practices.
  • Maintain accurate timekeeping, report hours worked, and follow assigned schedules — including early morning, evening, weekend, and on-call shifts — to provide continuous coverage for critical cleaning needs.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist facilities team with move-in/move-out cleaning and space turnover projects for tenants, including deep cleans, inventory checks, and minor touch-up repairs.
  • Support basic grounds and exterior maintenance tasks such as litter pickup, simple landscaping assistance, and seasonal leaf clearing to preserve building curb appeal.
  • Participate in emergency response activities (spills, floods, biohazard cleanup) following established protocols and under appropriate supervision or specialist support.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by documenting inefficiencies, suggesting workflow improvements, and piloting new cleaning technologies or chemicals for testing and adoption.
  • Collaborate with procurement and inventory teams to trial and evaluate new supplies, equipment, and green cleaning solutions that reduce cost and environmental impact.
  • Fill in for other shifts or sites as operational needs require, supporting cross-site coordination and flexibility across a multi-building portfolio.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in daily and deep-clean janitorial techniques: sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, polishing, stripping, waxing, carpet extraction, and upholstery cleaning.
  • Experienced operating and maintaining powered floor-care and cleaning machines: auto-scrubbers, burnishers, buffers, extractors, and commercial vacuums.
  • Knowledgeable in chemical handling, dilution systems, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); able to follow OSHA guidelines and company protocols for hazardous materials.
  • Skilled in restroom and fixture sanitation, including odor control, grout cleaning, and safe handling of cleaning agents for high-touch areas.
  • Competent in waste management and recycling streams, including separation of general waste, recyclable materials, and regulated/hazardous waste.
  • Basic preventative maintenance skills: light electrical, plumbing troubleshooting (unclogging drains, replacing aerators), changing bulbs, and reporting HVAC/filter issues.
  • Familiar with infection control best practices and disinfection protocols (EPA-registered disinfectants, contact times, and surface compatibility).
  • Experience with inventory control systems for janitorial supplies, ordering processes, and stock rotation to avoid shortages.
  • Ability to read and follow work orders, checklists, shift logs, and digital task-assignment platforms commonly used in facilities operations.
  • Comfortable with physical labor: lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods; able to move furniture and equipment safely.
  • Optional certifications a plus: OSHA 10/30, Bloodborne Pathogens, Certified Cleaner or Green Cleaning Certifications, and equipment vendor-specific training.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation.
  • Dependable and punctual with demonstrated ability to follow schedules and manage time effectively to complete assigned tasks.
  • Clear communicator: able to interact professionally with building occupants, supervisors, and vendors; document issues and provide accurate shift handovers.
  • Customer-service orientation: responsive to tenant requests, courteous when addressing complaints, and focused on delivering a positive occupant experience.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team to coordinate cleaning coverage and special projects.
  • Problem-solving mindset: identify facility issues, propose practical solutions, and escalate appropriately for timely resolution.
  • Physical stamina and resilience to perform repetitive tasks and work in varied temperature or environmental conditions.
  • Adaptable and flexible to changing priorities, shift rotations, and emergency cleaning needs.
  • Trustworthy and discreet when working in private or sensitive areas of a facility.
  • Continuous learner: open to training on new equipment, updated cleaning protocols, and regulatory or sustainability initiatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent work experience in custodial or facilities roles accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certificate in custodial services, facilities maintenance, or environmental services.
  • Certifications (preferred but not required): OSHA 10, Bloodborne Pathogens, Green Cleaning Certification, or manufacturer equipment training.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Environmental Services / Sanitation
  • Building Maintenance
  • Hospitality Management (entry from housekeeping roles)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years (entry-level to experienced janitorial roles); many employers accept candidates with no formal experience who demonstrate reliability and willingness to train.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of commercial or institutional custodial experience for standard roles.
  • 3+ years or specialized experience (floor care, large facility turnover, infection control) for senior or lead janitorial positions.
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