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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Overnight Custodian

💰 $ - $

FacilitiesCustodialMaintenanceNight Shift

🎯 Role Definition

An Overnight Custodian (Night Shift Custodian / Night Janitor) is responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, secure, and healthy facility during off‑hours. This role performs routine and deep cleaning, floor and carpet care, trash and recycling management, restocking of supplies, minor maintenance and repairs, lockup/open procedures, and emergency response while working independently overnight. Candidates must follow OSHA and safety protocols, operate floor care and cleaning equipment, accurately document work via logs or a CMMS, and coordinate with daytime staff and facility managers to ensure continuity of operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Janitorial Assistant / Custodial Aide
  • Housekeeping Attendant (hospitality or healthcare)
  • Groundskeeping or Facilities Laborer

Advancement To:

  • Lead/Senior Custodian
  • Facilities Technician / Maintenance Technician
  • Building Maintenance Supervisor
  • Environmental Services Supervisor (healthcare)

Lateral Moves:

  • Day Shift Custodian
  • Event Setup & Breakdown Coordinator
  • Recycling & Waste Management Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform thorough nightly cleaning of assigned areas, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and buffing hard floors using commercial floor machines, buffers, and burnishers to maintain floor appearance and safety.
  • Strip, wax, seal, and finish hard surface floors on a scheduled rotational basis to preserve floor life and meet facility standards.
  • Operate commercial carpet extractors and spot-clean carpets and upholstery, performing deep carpet cleaning as scheduled or as-needed for stain removal and odor control.
  • Clean and sanitize restrooms and locker rooms, including urinals, toilets, sinks, shower areas, partitions, and fixtures; restock consumables (toilet paper, soap, paper towels) and ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
  • Collect and remove trash, recycling, and compost materials from offices, common areas, and back-of-house spaces; compact and stage waste for pickup according to municipal and company recycling protocols.
  • Follow facility lockup and security procedures: lock doors, set alarms, check windows, and perform perimeter rounds to ensure building security and sign out security check logs.
  • Respond to overnight emergencies such as spills, leaks, power outages, or sanitary incidents, containing hazards, coordinating with on-call maintenance or management, and documenting actions taken.
  • Perform routine inspections of assigned areas (lighting, HVAC diffusers, flooring, ceilings, and plumbing fixtures) and report maintenance needs, hazards, or vandalism through a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or work order log.
  • Complete routine preventative maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs, changing HVAC filters, tightening loose fixtures, and minor plumbing work (unclogging drains, replacing washers) within scope of role and safety guidelines.
  • Set up, move and break down tables, chairs, staging, and event equipment for after‑hours events, ensuring spaces are cleaned and returned to standard configuration.
  • Maintain and safely use cleaning chemicals and supplies, following label instructions and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and perform proper chemical dilution and storage to comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.
  • Operate and maintain custodial equipment (floor scrubbers, buffers, vacuums, pressure washers, power washers), perform daily equipment checks, and coordinate repairs or service as needed to minimize downtime.
  • Maintain accurate nightly logs and shift reports documenting tasks completed, areas serviced, incidents observed, and supplies used to support shift handovers and facility records.
  • Implement infection control and specialized cleaning protocols when required (e.g., healthcare isolation areas, outbreak response), including proper PPE usage, disinfection procedures, and disposal of biohazardous materials according to policy.
  • Manage inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment: perform weekly cycle counts, submit purchase requests for stock replenishment, and ensure secure storage to minimize loss and waste.
  • Coordinate with daytime housekeeping, facilities, and security teams to communicate outstanding issues, special project needs, and to ensure continuity of cleaning schedules and maintenance activities.
  • Adhere to all company safety policies, complete required safety training (bloodborne pathogens, PPE, confined space awareness as applicable), and proactively identify and correct safety hazards to protect staff and occupants.
  • Assist with snow and ice removal during winter months for building entrances, walkways, and loading docks, using shovels, plows, salt, and de‑icing materials as directed to ensure safe access.
  • Perform periodic deep cleaning projects—such as high dusting, window washing, kitchen hood cleaning, and graffiti removal—on a scheduled basis to maintain long-term facility standards.
  • Use an electronic work order or mobile CMMS app to receive, update, and close out assigned tasks; escalate critical issues to supervisors and coordinate vendor access when necessary.
  • Provide basic customer service to building occupants overnight by addressing cleanliness concerns, locating lost items found during cleaning, and escalating facility-related requests to appropriate personnel.
  • Maintain compliance with environmental and sustainability initiatives by using green cleaning products, conserving resources (water, electricity), and supporting recycling and hazardous waste disposal programs.
  • Ensure keys, access cards, security codes, and restricted area protocols are followed; report any lost or compromised access devices immediately to maintain building security.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Facilities Management, including participation in training sessions, cross‑training for daytime responsibilities, and supporting special projects to improve custodial operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with onboarding and on-the-job training for new overnight custodial staff, sharing best practices for equipment safety, floor care, and night shift procedures.
  • Contribute input to shift scheduling and route optimization to improve efficiency and ensure coverage of high‑traffic areas.
  • Support ad‑hoc cleaning requests for special events, vendor schedules, or emergency remediation projects, coordinating resources and prioritizing tasks based on urgency.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by recommending process changes, new cleaning products or equipment, and documenting time-saving methods for management review.
  • Help maintain safety and compliance documentation, including chemical inventories, training records, and incident reports, to support audits and regulatory requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient floor care skills: operation of automatic scrubbers, buffers, burnishers, and experience with stripping, sealing, waxing, and burnishing floors.
  • Carpet cleaning and extraction experience using commercial carpet cleaners and knowledge of stain removal techniques.
  • General custodial equipment operation and preventative maintenance (industrial vacuums, pressure washers, wet/dry vacs).
  • Familiarity with MSDS/SDS, proper chemical handling, dilution ratios, and adherence to OSHA Hazard Communication standards.
  • Ability to perform basic facility maintenance: replace light bulbs, unclog sinks, tighten fixtures, and change HVAC filters safely.
  • Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or mobile work‑order applications for logging and tracking tasks.
  • Knowledge of infection control and disinfecting protocols (including use of EPA‑registered disinfectants) for healthcare, educational, or corporate environments.
  • Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to bloodborne pathogen precautions where applicable.
  • Waste management skills: trash handling, recycling sorting, compacting, and hazardous waste disposal protocols.
  • Ability to follow lockup/opening and security procedures, including alarm systems, key control, and overnight patrols.
  • Snow and ice removal techniques and safe use of snow removal equipment and de‑icing chemicals.
  • Basic safety certifications or training such as OSHA 10 (preferred), bloodborne pathogens, or confined space awareness.
  • Inventory management and supply ordering, including tracking usage rates and initiating procurement requests.
  • Knowledge of green cleaning products and sustainability practices for resource conservation and reduced environmental impact.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering a consistently high standard of cleanliness and presentation.
  • Dependable time management and the ability to prioritize tasks to meet nightly schedules and business needs.
  • Self‑motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision during overnight shifts.
  • Effective communication skills to coordinate with day shift, facilities managers, and outside vendors.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to respond calmly to unexpected incidents during night hours.
  • Customer service orientation when interacting with building occupants and addressing their concerns professionally.
  • Physical stamina and ability to lift, push, and maneuver heavy equipment and supplies safely.
  • Adaptability and willingness to support special projects, flexible schedules, and occasional overtime.
  • Teamwork and coaching mindset for onboarding new hires and supporting continuous improvement.
  • Integrity and reliability with a commitment to follow security and confidentiality protocols.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent practical custodial experience accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate or technical coursework in facilities maintenance, building services, or occupational safety.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10, EPA disinfectant training, or floor care/carpeting certifications are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Building Maintenance / Trades
  • Occupational Safety and Health
  • Hospitality or Environmental Services

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of custodial, janitorial, or facilities maintenance experience; at least 1 year of night shift or independent shift experience preferred.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of commercial/industrial custodial experience with documented experience operating floor care equipment, using CMMS, and performing basic facility maintenance. Prior experience in healthcare, education, or corporate facility settings is advantageous.

Additional requirements: ability to pass background check, drug screening if applicable, and demonstrate reliable night‑shift availability.

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