Job Details

Janitor/Custodian

 SUMMARY 

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 needs for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. 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. 
2. Service, clean, and supply restrooms. 
3. Gather and empty trash. 
4. Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming them. 
5. Follow procedures for the safe use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, to prevent damage to floor and fixtures. 
6. Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications. 
7. Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors. 
8. Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems. 
9. Requisition supplies and equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties. 
10. Clean windows, glass partitions, and mirror using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, and squeegees.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS 

Skills 

1. Reading comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. 
2. Active listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 
3. Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively. 
4. Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions. 
5. Equipment selection – Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. 
6. Time management – Managing one’s own time. 
7. Equipment maintenance – Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining what kind of maintenance is needed. 
8. Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. 
9. Instructing – Teaching others how to do something. 
10. Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Abilities 

1. Trunk strength – The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without “giving out” or fatiguing. 
2. Extent flexibility – The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. 
3. Manual dexterity – The ability to move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. 
4. Oral comprehension – The ability to listen to and to understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 
5. Static strength – The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. 
6. Near vision – The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). 
7. Oral expression – The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Work Activities 

1. Inspecting equipment, structures, or material – Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. 
2. Performing general physical activities – Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. 
3. Handling and moving objects – Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials and manipulating things. 
4. Communication with supervisors, peers, or subordinates – Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail or in person. 
5. Getting information – Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. 
6. Identify objects, actions, and events – Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events 
7. Monitor processes, materials, or surroundings – Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. 
8. Organizing, planning, and prioritizing work – Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. 
9. Controlling machines and processes – Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). 
10. Performing for or working directly with the public – Performing for people or dealing directly with the public.  This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving, clients or guests. 
11. Physically capable of lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs.

Experience 

1. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for entry level of this occupation.

Training 

1. Employees in this occupation will receive anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. 

Education 

1. These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.  Some may require a formal training course to obtain a license.

WORK STYLES 

1. Dependability – Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. 
2. Self-control – Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. 
3. Cooperation – Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. 
4. Attention to detail – Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. 
5. Concern for others – Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. 
6. Integrity – Job requires being honest and ethical. 
7. Independence – Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervisor, and depending on oneself to get things done. 
8. Adaptability/Flexibility – Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. 
9. Initiative – Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. 
10. Stress tolerance – Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.