Building Custodian Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the modern era, the importance of building custodians has never been more recognized.

As the world progresses, the demand for dedicated individuals who can maintain, manage, and protect our physical infrastructure escalates.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a building custodian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to comprehend the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the daily tasks of a building custodian,

You’re in the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable building custodian job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Building Custodian Duties and Responsibilities

Building Custodians are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, functionality, and safety of a building and its surrounding area.

They perform various tasks, including maintenance, repair, and cleaning duties to keep the building’s aesthetics and usability at an optimal level.

The daily duties and responsibilities of Building Custodians include:

• Performing general cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming
• Emptying and cleaning all waste receptacles and removing waste
• Performing minor repairs such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing light bulbs, and patching minor wall damages
• Maintaining inventory of cleaning and repair supplies and placing orders when necessary
• Ensuring the building’s exterior, such as walkways and parking lots, are clean and free of debris
• Implementing and maintaining safety measures and emergency procedures
• Inspecting the building regularly for potential repair needs
• Responding promptly to building maintenance requests and concerns from occupants
• Setting up, arranging, and removing decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, and scaffolding to prepare facilities for events such as banquets and meetings

 

Building Custodian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent and responsible Building Custodian to maintain and care for our facilities.

The Building Custodian’s responsibilities include cleaning and servicing buildings, performing general maintenance and repair tasks, maintaining inventory and supplies, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and proper functionality of our premises.

Our ideal candidate is someone who takes pride in their work, has an eye for detail, and possesses excellent physical stamina.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform general clean up of all areas of the building as directed
• Manage routine upkeep of exterior areas, green space and parking lot
• Complete non-routine cleaning according to specified job orders
• Handle emergency cleaning and upkeep requests
• Ensure rooms are maintained and fully equipped
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance procedures
• Monitor inventory and order cleaning supplies as needed
• Follow health and safety regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as custodian, janitor or in a similar role
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of industrial cleaning equipment and appliances
• Knowledge of safe disposal of chemical liquids and other hazardous components
• Familiarity with basic landscaping and handyman practices
• Attention to detail and conscientiousness
• Very good physical condition and strength
• High school diploma is preferred but not required

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Building Custodian
• Work Environment: Physical indoor and outdoor setting. The role demands a considerable amount of physical labor.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Building Manager or Facilities Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Building Custodian Do?

Building Custodians, also known as janitors or building superintendents, are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a facility such as a school, office building, or residential complex.

Their duties include general cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, dusting furniture, and removing trash.

They may also handle minor repairs such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing light bulbs, or troubleshooting minor building-related issues.

Building Custodians are often responsible for the upkeep of outdoor areas as well, which can include tasks like mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and maintaining landscaping.

In some cases, they may also be required to manage inventory and order cleaning supplies as needed.

Depending on the facility, a Building Custodian may also be responsible for ensuring the building’s security by locking doors after hours and occasionally managing access to the building for contractors or other workers.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure that the building is clean, safe, and functional for its occupants.

 

Building Custodian Qualifications and Skills

A successful Building Custodian should have a combination of technical and interpersonal skills to ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the building, such as:

• Practical knowledge of cleaning procedures and maintenance of buildings.
• Physical fitness to handle strenuous work and ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Understanding of the use and proper handling of cleaning chemicals and equipment to ensure safety.
• Basic repair skills to handle minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Time management skills to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Attention to detail to ensure all areas of the building are kept clean and sanitary.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with building occupants, handle complaints and report any major issues to the building manager.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Problem-solving skills to efficiently identify and resolve issues related to cleanliness and maintenance.

 

Building Custodian Experience Requirements

Building Custodians typically start their careers with an entry-level role that doesn’t require any specific prior experience.

They learn the basics of cleaning, sanitation, and general maintenance on the job.

In some cases, they might gain initial experience in related roles such as a janitor, housekeeping staff, or general laborer, which can help them understand the dynamics of cleaning and maintaining large facilities.

With 1 to 2 years of experience, Building Custodians might be eligible for positions that require more responsibility, like taking care of specific buildings or larger areas.

Their experience may include the use of commercial cleaning equipment and tools, minor repair works, and maintaining cleaning supplies inventory.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in complex maintenance tasks, emergency response, and facility upkeep procedures.

They might have experience in supervising a small team or managing multiple facilities.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have significant leadership experience and have demonstrated their ability to handle complex custodial tasks.

At this level, they may be suitable for managerial roles in the custodial field, such as Facility Manager or Building Superintendent.

 

Building Custodian Education and Training Requirements

The basic requirement to become a building custodian is usually a high school diploma or GED.

Building custodians usually receive on-the-job training, which may cover topics like safety regulations, equipment operation, and chemical use.

They learn about cleaning different types of surfaces, such as glass, wood, and metal, as well as how to clean specific areas like restrooms and cafeterias.

Some employers might require their building custodians to have a custodial certification.

This certification can be obtained through organizations like the International Sanitary Supply Association or the Building Service Contractors Association International, and it covers a wide range of topics, including safety, environmental health, and hard floor and carpet care.

Although not required, building custodians can also take courses in areas like HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems to broaden their skills and increase their job prospects.

These courses can be found at community colleges or technical schools.

Additionally, building custodians should have good physical stamina, as the job often requires heavy lifting and long periods of standing or walking.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during their work.

 

Building Custodian Salary Expectations

A Building Custodian earns an average salary of $25,048 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can vary based on factors such as years of experience, the size and location of the building, and the company that employs them.

 

Building Custodian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Building Custodian need?

A Building Custodian should have excellent attention to detail to ensure that the building is always clean and well-maintained.

They should also possess basic repair skills to address minor issues in the building.

Problem-solving skills, organization skills, and the ability to work independently are also key traits of a successful Building Custodian.

 

Do Building Custodians need a degree?

A formal education or degree is not typically required for a Building Custodian role.

However, some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Most of the training is done on the job, and it may be beneficial to have some experience in maintenance or a related field.

 

What should you look for in a Building Custodian resume?

When reviewing a Building Custodian resume, look for previous experience in custodial or maintenance work, as this demonstrates they have the necessary skills for the job.

Other things to look for include certifications in areas like HVAC or plumbing, which can be a plus.

Proficiency in using different cleaning tools and machinery is also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Building Custodian?

A good Building Custodian should be diligent, reliable, and take pride in their work to ensure the building is always at its best.

They should also have good time management skills to effectively juggle multiple tasks throughout the day.

Being physically fit is important as the job can be quite demanding.

Lastly, they should have good interpersonal skills as they may be required to interact with various building occupants.

 

Is it difficult to hire Building Custodians?

The difficulty in hiring a Building Custodian depends on the specific requirements of the role.

For general custodial duties, there are often many qualified candidates.

However, if the job requires specialized skills, such as HVAC repair or electrical maintenance, it may be more challenging to find suitable candidates.

Offering competitive wages and benefits can help attract more applicants.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the real essence of being a building custodian.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about cleaning and maintenance.

It’s about shaping an environment that is conducive, hygienic, and safe, one task at a time.

With our ultimate building custodian job description template and true-to-life examples, you’re ready to step up your game.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to creating razor-sharp job listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.

Keep in mind:

Each task you perform as a building custodian contributes to a bigger picture.

Let’s create that better environment. Together.

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