Janitor (Sample Job Description)

This Janitor job description template includes key Janitor duties and responsibilities. You can post this template on job boards to attract prospective applicants.

• What is the role of a Janitor?
• Sample Job Description

What is the role of a Janitor?

Janitors are responsible for building maintenance from cleanliness to safety. These professions work in schools, hospitals, residences, and commercial buildings. They are generally responsible for cleaning the interior and exterior of these facilities. Some Janitors also perform minor electrical and plumbing repairs.

Janitors are also referred to as Custodian, cleaning technician, cleaners, custodial support technician, and environmental services technicians.

Education, Training, & Certification

Although occupation in this field doesn’t require formal training, a high school diploma is essential.

• Education: A high school diploma or a GED is essential
• Training: On-the-job training on how to use machinery and equipment such as buffer or waxer and how to do minor plumbing or electrical repairs is common.
• Certification: Certification is necessary for Janitors that deal with hazardous materials. Additionally, those who use heavy equipment or machinery such as forklift will require certification.

Janitor Skills & Competencies

To excel in this position, candidates require the following skills and competencies:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Great interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate well ensure candidates can get along with supervisors, colleagues and the people in the facilities they work in.
• Physical strength: Strength and stamina, due to the amount of lifting, standing, and moving heavy objects, are essential.
• Time management: Janitors have to deal with multiple responsibilities and hence, must be able to manage their time and schedule to make sure that tasks and duties are completed on time.
• Mechanical aptitude: Mechanical knowledge will enable the candidate to perform repair work efficiently.

Job Outlook

Employment in this field is expected to increase in the next decade, primarily because of people changing careers or retirement. Moreover, job openings for janitors will increase in healthcare facilities following the substantial growth in the industry and the continued trend of outsourcing companies that hire Janitors for their clients will grow.

Work Environment

Usually, Janitors work for companies that offer janitorial services to other entities. Jobs for these professions is common in elementary and secondary schools. Typically, they work indoors but may occasionally work outdoors in sweltering, cold or inclement weather during their workday.

This line of work is linked with physical stress from the lifting of heavy objects and spending a lot of time standing during the workday which causes strain to the body. Workplace injuries, including burns, cuts, and bruises are common.

Janitors work on a full-time basis, but part-time positions are also common. Schedules often include working during evening and weekends and during the day for those who work in schools.

Sample Job Description

Job Brief

We are looking for a janitor, or custodian, to keep the building clean, perform minor maintenance duties and ensure it remains in an orderly condition. The ideal candidate should be energetic, highly motivated, flexible and willing to take on non-routine projects and cleaning duties as the need arises. The Janitor will be in-charge of cleaning and sanitizing the environment to ensure it's clean and comfortable for others.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain designated building areas (dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning ceiling vents, restroom cleaning, etc).
• Conduct and record routine inspection and maintenance operations.
• Perform heavy cleaning duties and special projects.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance duties.
• Regularly restock and maintain supply rooms.
• Ensure all health and safety regulations are followed.
• Work with groundskeeping team when necessary to remove debris, leaves, snow and other obstruction from company grounds.
• Report maintenance issues as soon as they come to your attention and assist in creating a maintenance schedule for office equipment fixtures and HVAC units.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous working experience as a janitor or custodian.
• Able to handle heavy equipment and machinery.
• Understanding of cleaning chemicals and supplies and safety measures.
• Conversant with Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Integrity and ability to work independently.
• A High school certificate is required.