The Janitor is in charge of keeping buildings clean and in an orderly condition. The Janitor must keeping the snow removed in the winter and reporting to the head supervisor whenever repairs are needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

• The Janitor must keep the floors clean by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing or vacuuming them.
• The Janitor is in charge of gathering trash and emptying it in the main containers to be picked up by trash collectors.
• The Janitor is in charge of servicing, cleaning and supplies the bathrooms.
• The Janitor is in charge of most all of the cleaning and keeping of the building.
• The Janitor position does not require a higher education as most of the training is done by the supervisor. Many company’s do prefer that their Janitor’s have a high school diploma.

The requirements to becoming a Janitor are very simple you must be capable of understanding instructions both written and oral methods. You must be able to give directions in a manner that someone will understand what you are trying to convey. You must not have a criminal record and recommendations from qualified people as to your reputation. The Janitor is working with many different people and therefore must be able to work well with others and have a good relationship with the public that they deal with on a daily basis.

The duties of the Janitor may vary in accordance with the type of building and offices that are being attended but some duties remain the same. The Janitor is the one who cleans and polishes furniture and fixtures. The Janitor cleans the windows, glass partitions, and mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, and squeegees. The Janitor dusts the furniture, walls, machines, and equipment making sure that everything is kept cleaned and maintained. The Janitor must make adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems.
The Janitor must have an understanding of cleaning chemicals and how they work when mixed together. The Janitor must mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications. The Janitor must be aware of the hazmat instruction in case of an accident. The Janitor steam-cleans or shampoos the carpets on a regular schedule. The hardwood floors or tiled area must be stripped, sealed, finished and then polished. This is done several times a year in accordance with the condition of the floors. The Janitor maybe called upon to clean and restore building interiors damaged by fire, smoke, or water damage. In order to do this the Janitor must use solvents, brushes, rags, and power cleaning equipment.

The Janitor must drive vehicles required to perform or travel to cleaning work, including vans, industrial trucks, or equipment. The Janitor maybe required to clean chimneys, flues, and connecting pipes using power and hand tools. The Janitor cleans laboratory equipment, such as glassware and metal instruments, using solvents, brushes, rags, and power cleaning equipment. The Janitor is sometimes required to monitor building security and safety by performing such tasks as locking doors after operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created. The Janitor is the one who moves heavy furniture, equipment, and supplies, either manually or by using hand trucks. The moving of heavy items is usually handled by two men to help prevent accidents or injury to the body. Even though hand trucks are used it is always best to have a second person available.

The Janitor is responsible for the grounds around the building keeping everything looking neat and trim. The Janitor mows the grass, trims the shrubbery, using mowers and hand power trimmers. The Janitor must clear any debris that could be left behind after a storm. The Janitor must notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems. The Janitor must remove snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas, using snowplows, snow blowers and snow shovels. The Janitor is responsible to spread snow melting chemicals on the walk in order to keep them safe for anyone to walk upon. The Janitor requisition supplies and equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties. The Janitor must also set up, arrange and remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, and scaffolding to prepare facilities for events such as banquets and meetings. The Janitor has much responsibility and must be able to work independently.