Whether it’s a billion-dollar company or a world-renowned hospital, facilities must be clean and functional for organizations to get their work done. Janitors and building cleaners keep many types of buildings clean, orderly, and in good condition. Janitors and building cleaners use a variety of manual and mechanical tools in their work. Some have a range of duties beyond cleaning; they may work outdoors… mowing lawns, sweeping walkways, and removing snow… and monitor a building’s heating and cooling systems to ensure they function properly. Some make minor electrical and plumbing repairs. They have different job titles in some facilities: Building superintendents maintain residential buildings, and may help collect rent and show vacancies to potential tenants. Custodians maintain institutions such as public schools and hospitals. Janitors spend the day walking, standing, or bending and may need to move heavy supplies and equipment. Since they have an above average rate of injuries and illnesses, workers are increasingly required to undergo safety training. Minor cuts, bruises, and burns are common. Most janitors work full time. Because office buildings are usually cleaned after office hours, many cleaners work evenings. Janitors in schools usually work during the day. When there is a need for 24-hour maintenance, as there often is in hospitals and hotels, janitors work in shifts.
What they do:
Directly supervise and coordinate work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.
On the job, you would:
Supervise in-house services, such as laundries, maintenance and repair, dry cleaning, or valet services.
Select the most suitable cleaning materials for different types of linens, furniture, flooring, and surfaces.
Advise managers, desk clerks, or admitting personnel of rooms ready for occupancy.
Business
customer service
management
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
changing what is done based on other people's actions
looking for ways to help people
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Leadership
Self Control
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Facility use software
Microsoft Access
high school diploma/GED or some college usually needed