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Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

  • Bright Outlook
  • Numerous Job Openings

Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

What you’d do

  • Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
  • Gather and empty trash.
  • Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
  • Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
  • Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
  • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
  • Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
  • Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Time Management

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Cleaner
  • Custodial Worker
  • Custodian
  • Janitor
  • Building Custodian
  • Building Services Technician (Building Services Tech)

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