What is the Job Description of a Janitor?

The ideal job description of a janitor should contain the duties and responsibilities to expect, salary and essential skills all janitors should have.

This job description contains not just the responsibilities, salary and skills, it contains more.

Therefore if you are seeking for a job as a janitor, you should read this article to the end.

Janitors perform responsibilities such as keeping the restroom clean and stocked, taking out the trash and wiping the windows and doors.

They also sweep and wash floors, as well as polish carpets.

For them to perform not only the above-listed skills but they also have to possess certain attributes.

Although they do not need any formal education, there are certain attributes employers look out for.

The best applicant should have the physical strength and also good interpersonal and communication skills.

Janitors are very important to keep organisations clean at all times.

Just before we discuss the duties and responsibilities of a janitor, let’s see what janitors do.

What does a janitor do?

The job of a janitor is simply to clean, in some organisation, they may do more than cleaning though.

But, they are usually employed to keep rooms, kitchens, restrooms, offices, conference rooms clean.

Periodically, they may have to take on special cleaning projects.

In some organisation, they may be responsible for solving problems electrical and plumbing system.

A janitor may also be referred to by any of the following titles:

• Cleaner
• Cleaning technician
• Environmental service technician
• Custodial support technician
• Custodian

As such, your resume and vacancy adverts may not contain ‘janitor’ but you should know that any of the above-listed titles still referees to the same job.

But, it is preferable that the title on your resume is the same as what is on the vacancy advert.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a janitor?

A cleaning technician who intends to satisfy his or her employer must know and understand their duties and responsibilities.

Therefore, you may want to go through this particular section of this job description over and over again.

Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a janitor usually featured in their job description:

1. Carry out heavy cleaning

It is the responsibility of a janitor to conduct a thorough cleaning of a building periodically such as cleaning the chimney and pipes.

This is done to clean rooms and spots that are not given proper attention when performing routine cleaning.

2. Routine cleaning

This is more like the daily responsibility of a janitor.

It includes activities like cleaning the floors, windows, taking away trash and toilet seats.

Cleaners must ensure that the premises are always clean.

3. Inform the establishment’s management about repairs

It is also the duty of the janitor to take note of equipment, tools and places in the building that need repair.

Whenever they detect the need for repairs, they are also saddled with the responsibility of informing the organisation’s management

4. Ensure the safety and security of the building

The janitor is also responsible for ensuring safety and security in an establishment.

They do this by locking all necessary doors after working hours and keeping an eye on electrical appliances and systems to avoid possible accidents.

5. Make a formal request for supplies

Just before the establishment runs out of supplies, it is the duty of the janitor to make formal requests for supplies and also cleaning equipment.

Other duties and responsibilities of a janitor include;

• Adhere to the rules governing the use of cleaning chemicals and equipment to avoid damaging the equipment and the floors.
• Carry equipment, supplies and furniture to the appropriate location.
• Trim flowers and plants around the premises using mowers and trimmers.
• Organise the building for meetings, conferences and ceremonies.
• Periodically fumigate the building to avoid insect and rodent infestation.
• Polish carpets.
• Prepare cleaning solutions with detergents, acids, and water in compliance with specific procedures.
• Drive vehicles for moving to clean locations.
• Perform minor repair and maintenance to the electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and ventilating system.

  What qualification do I need to become a janitor?

Typically, a janitor does not need any formal education.

But, having a High school diploma or a GED is advantageous, as some employers may give you more preference than those who do not have a formal education.

A prospective janitor who is just starting out is likely to receive on the job training.

This training is done by more experienced janitors.

They teach junior janitors how to operate machines like a mower, floor buffer and vacuum cleaners.

Also, job training includes cleaning basic and minor repair and maintenance of electrical and plumbing systems.

But, employers prefer employing those with a minimum experience of 2 years in cleaning.

Janitors who work in hazardous or contagious environments and even those who do not necessarily work in hazardous environments but work with dangerous chemicals or materials often need certification.

Usually, certified janitors are given more preference whenever they apply for any job.

What skills does a janitor need?

Although getting the job of a janitor does not necessarily require a formal certificate or education, it requires certain skills.

As such, employers also include these essential skills in their job description.

Therefore, you can agree with me that this job description will not be complete without including the essential skills a janitor should have.

1.Physical strength

As a result of the duties, a janitor is expected to perform, it is necessary for you to possess good physical strength.

You must also be physically fit to do a lot of cleaning without breaking down.

2. Ability to follow directions.

The position of a janitor is far from being a leadership position.

In as much as you should be capable of working independently, you should also know how to properly follow Instructions.

3. Ability to work independently

Aside from a janitor who just got into the job and has a lot of learning to do.

A good janitor should be able to work independently of a supervisor.

They should be able to properly perform their duties whether or not someone is watching.

4.Communication skills

Ideal applicants for this role should be able to communicate in writing and verbally as well.

This skill is relevant for communicating with the management when soliciting for supplies and cleaning equipment.

5. Attention to details.

A good janitor must be given to details. In as much as they will have to prioritize their activities, they should also avoid neglecting smaller tasks

Also, janitors should be organised, it will do them a lot of good when performing your duties.

6.Speed and accuracy

It is wrong for a cleaner to spend too much time when cleaning a particular portion.

Therefore, they must be able to carry out tasks as fast as possible.

7. Interpersonal skills

These individuals should also possess solid interpersonal skills.

This is because it will help them relate well with their supervisors, colleagues and people who may visit the premises.

8. Technical know-how

Also, employers lookout for applicants who have good knowledge of the use of cleaning equipment.

Therefore an applicant who intends to be competitive at the job should be familiar with the use of these tools and equipment.

Where do janitors work?

Some of the typical employers of janitors include;

• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Logistics companies
• Manufacturing companies
• Cleaning agencies
• Schools
• Government organised
• Retailers
• Apartment owners

Usually, vacancies are advertised online on social media or on the website of recruitment agencies.

How much do janitors make?

The salary of a janitor is dependent on geographical location, employers experience and qualification.

On average, janitors make up to $12.55 per hour.

Their wage typically ranges from $9.16 hour per hour to $20.84 per hour.

Janitor work environment and schedule

Janitors often work indoors, they spend most of their time cleaning and lifting objects.

A lot of people do not like this job because they feel it is a dirty and stressful job.

Also, they are more vulnerable to workplace injuries.

Whenever snowfalls, there is usually more work for a janitor.

This is because they will have to remove snow from drive and walkways.

Cleaners usually work full time, they may also work part-time too.

Depending on their shift, they may work on weekends and in the evening.

Janitor job outlook

According to the U.S bureau of labour statistics, job opportunities for janitors are expected to increase by 10% in the next 10 decades.

This is more than the average 7% estimated growth for other occupations.

What should I include in my janitor resume?

When creating a professional janitor resume, here are some information you should include:

• Years of experience
• Previous place of work
• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Certification
• Qualification

Practically, any information that is capable of convincing an employer that you are qualified for the job should be included in your resume.

When answering questions in an interview, it is also necessary to make reference to the information listed above.

You are absolutely free to make use of this job description to create your professional resume.

Conclusion; Janitor job description guide

Most of the questions you may have before applying for a job as a janitor have been answered in this job description.

Just in case you have other questions, drop in the comment section.

Employers can also use this article as a template for creating a job description that suits their needs.

Other job description:

• Secretary
• Event planner
• Cook
• cashier