Custodial Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s world, the importance of custodial assistants in maintaining a clean and healthy environment is indisputable.
As society places an increasing emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, the demand for skilled individuals who can assure the upkeep and sanitation of our physical spaces is on the rise.
But what does a custodial assistant’s role truly entail?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
- A hiring manager seeking to define the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the day-to-day duties of a custodial assistant,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable custodial assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Custodial Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
Custodial Assistants are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation at a facility.
They perform a variety of tasks including cleaning and maintenance, and may also handle basic repair tasks.
They ensure the facility is tidy, safe, and presentable for all visitors and staff.
Custodial Assistants have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Clean and sanitize rooms, bathrooms, hallways, and public areas
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors
- Empty trash bins and recycling containers
- Restock supply rooms with cleaning products
- Handle basic maintenance and repair tasks
- Identify and report any necessary repairs and replacements
- Move and arrange furniture and equipment
- Follow safety procedures and use cleaning materials and equipment properly
- Handle routine landscaping duties such as mowing, trimming, and watering plants
- Perform snow removal tasks during winter
- Assist with special cleaning projects as required
Custodial Assistant Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a diligent Custodial Assistant to join our team.
The Custodial Assistant will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of our facilities.
This includes sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and sanitizing various areas, emptying waste bins, and ensuring restock of necessary supplies.
Our ideal candidates possess strong work ethics, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or within a team.
Previous custodial or janitorial experience is beneficial, but not mandatory.
Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness of facilities including bathrooms, break rooms, and work areas
- Perform routine inspection and maintenance tasks
- Operate janitorial equipment safely and efficiently
- Empty waste bins and handle recycling materials
- Ensure the restocking of necessary supplies
- Follow health and safety regulations
- Report any maintenance issues or safety hazards
- Perform additional maintenance duties as necessary
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent is preferred
- Proven work experience as a Custodial Assistant or in a similar role
- Knowledge of cleaning supplies and janitorial equipment
- Ability to work independently or within a team
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Good physical health and stamina
- Ability to pass a background check
Benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Training and development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Custodial Assistant
- Work Environment: This role requires working in different environments, both indoor and outdoor, and potentially in adverse weather conditions.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Facilities Manager or Custodial Supervisor.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 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 Custodial Assistant Do?
Custodial Assistants, also known as Janitors or Cleaners, work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, business establishments, and residential buildings.
Their primary responsibility is to maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe environment.
This includes tasks like sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, dusting furniture, and washing windows and walls.
Custodial Assistants also handle waste disposal, which includes collecting and emptying trash bins, and sometimes sorting waste for recycling.
They are often responsible for replenishing supplies, such as soap and toilet paper in the bathrooms.
In some settings, Custodial Assistants may also perform minor repairs, such as fixing a broken lock or replacing a burnt-out light bulb.
Custodial Assistants are required to adhere to health and safety regulations, and may also be responsible for securing the premises at the end of their shift by locking doors and windows.
Their role often involves heavy lifting and physical work, therefore good physical health is often a requirement for the job.
Custodial Assistants are the unsung heroes who ensure that our living, working, and learning environments are clean, hygienic, and pleasant.
Custodial Assistant Qualifications and Skills
A proficient custodial assistant should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the needs of the job role, such as:
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure a clean and orderly environment
- Physical stamina to perform heavy lifting and stand for extended periods
- Basic knowledge of cleaning products and safe disposal procedures
- Time management skills to complete cleaning tasks efficiently
- Ability to work independently or in a team depending on the task requirements
- Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected cleaning challenges or equipment malfunctions
- Good communication skills to understand instructions and interact with building occupants
- Understanding of health and safety regulations and practices
- Basic maintenance skills for minor repairs
Custodial Assistant Experience Requirements
Entry-level custodial assistants generally require no formal experience, though they should possess basic knowledge of cleaning and maintenance tasks.
This knowledge can be gained through personal experience or informal training.
Many employers offer on-the-job training for custodial assistants, where they learn specific cleaning techniques, how to safely use various cleaning products and equipment, and how to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
Custodial assistants with 1 to 2 years of experience may have gained proficiency in operating more advanced cleaning and maintenance equipment, and may have experience in minor repairs and troubleshooting in a work setting.
Those with more than 3 years of experience often have developed expertise in various cleaning and maintenance tasks and have experience in maintaining a larger facility, such as a school or office building.
Individuals with more than 5 years of experience may have some supervisory or management experience, overseeing the work of a team of custodial staff, and may be ready for a role as a Custodial Supervisor or Manager.
Custodial Assistant Education and Training Requirements
Custodial Assistants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.
No specific degree is necessary for this role, but some experience in custodial work can be beneficial.
Training for the position is typically provided on the job, with senior custodial staff or a supervisor guiding new assistants through the correct procedures for cleaning, maintenance, and safety.
Basic understanding of cleaning techniques and the safe use of cleaning chemicals is necessary, along with knowledge of basic repair and maintenance tasks.
While not required, certifications in custodial services or building maintenance can enhance a candidate’s prospects.
For example, the International Executive Housekeepers Association offers a Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) and a Registered Executive Housekeeper (REH) credential for those with the requisite experience.
Some positions, particularly those in sensitive environments like schools or hospitals, may require a background check and drug screening.
Continuous learning and updating one’s skills in the use of new cleaning equipment, materials, and techniques are essential in this field.
Custodial Assistant Salary Expectations
A Custodial Assistant earns an average wage of $12.02 (USD) per hour.
However, the actual earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, the location of employment, and the specific company they work for.
Custodial Assistant Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Custodial Assistant need?
Custodial Assistants need to have good physical stamina as they are often required to stand for long periods, lift heavy cleaning supplies, and perform repetitive tasks.
They should also have knowledge about various cleaning chemicals and supplies, along with safety protocols.
Good organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail are also important.
Do Custodial Assistants need a degree?
Custodial Assistants do not necessarily need a degree but having a high school diploma or equivalent is often required.
Some employers provide on-the-job training.
However, having prior experience in janitorial or custodial work can be an advantage.
What should you look for in a Custodial Assistant resume?
A Custodial Assistant resume should highlight relevant cleaning or maintenance experience.
It should also demonstrate the ability to perform physically demanding tasks and a knowledge of cleaning procedures and safety protocols.
Any certifications, such as a Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) certification, can also be valuable.
What qualities make a good Custodial Assistant?
A good Custodial Assistant is reliable, punctual, and takes pride in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
They have a good understanding of cleaning techniques and equipment, and they adhere to all health and safety regulations.
They are detail-oriented, thorough, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.
What are the daily duties of a Custodial Assistant?
A Custodial Assistant’s daily duties typically involve cleaning and maintaining buildings such as schools, offices, or residential buildings.
This may include sweeping and mopping floors, dusting furniture, cleaning bathrooms, and refilling supplies.
They may also be responsible for minor maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs, and they are often the first to respond in case of a spill or other cleaning emergency.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve taken a good look at what it truly entails to be a custodial assistant.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about cleaning floors.
It’s about maintaining a safe, clean and comfortable environment, one task at a time.
With our handy custodial assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.
But why stop there?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating perfectly tailored job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.
Keep in mind:
Every task is part of a bigger picture.
Let’s create that perfect environment. Together.
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