How To Get A Job As A Janitor – Caretaker

In order to be safe and attractive for the public, all buildings need to be kept clean and neat.  This is the job of the janitor.

Janitors work in a wide variety of structures, including among others, schools, churches, retail outlets, apartment buildings, malls, offices, warehouses, hospitals, and government buildings.

Janitors, who are employed full time, usually work a regular forty hour week.  Some janitors work during the day, while others may work during the night, when the buildings occupants are absent.  Janitors who work full time generally receive benefits, including sick leave, holidays, and pensions.  Janitors may be required to wear a uniform.

There is an ongoing need for trained experienced  janitors.

To be successful, Janitors – sometimes called custodians – must be hard-working, reliable, well organized, detail oriented, and courteous.  They must be safety-conscious, and have good communication skills, as they may often need to interact with the public and other employees.  Janitors must be physically fit as their work involves constant reaching, bending, stooping, stretching, climbing, pushing, pulling, and carrying.

The duties of Janitors vary depending on where they are employed.  Generally, duties involve -  sweeping, moping, and polishing floors -  vacuuming and shampooing carpets – dusting or wiping down surfaces, and removing stains – polishing furniture – washing windows and other polished surfaces – removing and disposing of trash – tending furnaces and boilers – doing routine maintenance and small repairs – monitoring air conditioning systems – ensuring building safety – supervising junior staff – outdoor maintenance including cleaning walks – reporting problems to the appropriate authorities, and keeping reports.

Education

Employers prefer to hire janitors who have at least a high school diploma or GED.  While in high school, take courses in English, computers, a second language, mathematics, and shop.  Mechanical knowledge is useful.

Try to get a part time job as a janitor’s assistant.  Any experience cleaning private homes is an asset.  This can also supply you with funds, while you complete your education.

Janitors use a wide variety of equipment, tools, and cleaning products, some of which may require careful handling.  Become familiar with these.

Once hired, Janitors will receive on-the-job training, for a period of at least a month.  At this time they will be learning and working under the supervision of a trained professional janitor.   Training may need to be updated periodically, as newer methods of cleaning and safer product evolve.

Janitors, with training and experience, may advance to become supervisors or to open their own janitorial services.