Janitor Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities

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 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.

To perform the above-listed skills, 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 good interpersonal and communication skills.

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

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

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What does a Janitor do?

A janitor’s job is simply to clean; in some organizations, they may do more than cleaning.

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

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

In some organizations, they may be responsible for solving problems with electrical and plumbing systems.

Any of the following titles may also refer to a janitor:

• 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 refers to the same job.

But, the title on your resume should be the same as what is on the vacancy advert.

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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 review this particular job description section repeatedly.

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 not given proper attention when performing routine cleaning.

2. Routine Cleaning

This is more like the daily responsibility of a janitor.

It includes cleaning the floors and windows and removing trash and toilet seats.

Cleaners must ensure that the premises are always clean.

3. Inform the Establishment’s Management about Repairs

The janitor also must 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 organization’s management.

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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 monitoring electrical appliances and systems to avoid possible accidents.

5. Make a Formal Request for Supplies

Just before the establishment runs out of supplies, the janitor must formally request supplies and 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.
• Organize 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.

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What Qualifications 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 is likely to receive on-the-job training.

More experienced janitors do this training.

They teach junior janitors how to operate machines like mowers, floor buffers, and vacuum cleaners.

Also, job training includes cleaning basic and minor repairs 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 those who do not necessarily work in hazardous atmospheres 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 a janitor’s job does not necessarily require a formal certificate or education, it requires specific skills.

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

Therefore, you can agree 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, you must 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.

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

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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 perform their duties whether or not someone is watching properly.

4. Communication Skills

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

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

5. Attention to Detail.

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

Also, janitors should be organized; it will do them greatly when performing their duties.

6. Speed and Accuracy

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

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

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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 should be familiar with 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 organized
• Retailers
• Apartment owners

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

How much do Janitors make?

A janitor’s salary depends on geographical location, employers experience, and qualifications.

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, most of their time cleaning and lifting objects.

Many people do not like this job because they feel it is dirty and stressful.

Also, they are more vulnerable to workplace injuries.

Whenever snow falls, there is usually more work for a janitor.

This is because they will have to remove snow from drives 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.

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Janitor Job Outlook

According to the U.S bureau of labor 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 is some information you should include:

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

Practically, any information that can convince 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 refer to the information listed above.

You are free to use 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.

If you have other questions, drop them 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

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