Housekeeping Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced world, the role of housekeeping staff has never been more essential.

As the world keeps turning, the demand for dedicated individuals who can maintain, organize, and ensure the cleanliness of our living and work environments continues to grow.

But what exactly does a housekeeping role entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal housekeeping candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day tasks of housekeeping staff,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable housekeeping staff job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Housekeeping Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Housekeeping Staff perform a variety of cleaning and maintenance duties to ensure that the premises they are responsible for are always clean, tidy, and pleasant.

They work in various settings such as hotels, hospitals, corporate offices, and residential buildings.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Cleaning rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, and other work areas so that health standards are met
• Emptying wastebaskets, empty and clean ashtrays, and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas
• Sweeping, scrubbing, waxing, and polishing floors using brooms, mops, and powered scrubbing and waxing machines
• Maintaining and restock cleaning supplies
• Changing bedding and making beds as required
• Dusting and polishing furniture and equipment
• Keeping storage areas and carts well-stocked, clean, and tidy
• Responding to guests’ queries and complaints
• Reporting any serious maintenance issues to the relevant department
• Washing windows, walls, ceilings, and woodwork, waxing and polishing as necessary

 

Housekeeping Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent and professional Housekeeping Staff member to join our growing company.

You will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the premises and guest rooms to ensure a clean and comfortable environment.

Our ideal candidate has experience with cleaning procedures, products, and will be focused on maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our property.

The role of the Housekeeping Staff is to ensure all guest rooms and common areas are clean and organized to the satisfaction of our guests and management.

 

Responsibilities

• Clean guest rooms, including making beds, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, and vacuuming
• Change and replenish bed linens, towels and guest amenities
• Maintain a clean and tidy environment in public areas
• Report any maintenance issues or safety hazards
• Observe and report damage of hotel property
• Handle guest requests and complaints professionally and efficiently
• Comply with all safety and health regulations
• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and guest amenities

 

Qualifications

• Previous work experience in housekeeping
• Knowledge of cleaning practices and procedures
• Ability to work with little supervision, maintain a high-level of performance and follow standard operating procedures
• Ability to lift, push and pull a moderate weight
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays
• High school diploma or equivalent is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Retirement plan
• Uniform provided

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Housekeeping Staff
• Work Environment: Hotel setting with various shifts including weekends and holidays. The role involves physical demands such as bending, lifting, and standing for long periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Housekeeping Supervisor or Hotel Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if it is a chain)
• 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 brief description of your cleaning experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Housekeeping Staff Do?

Housekeeping staff, often employed by hotels, hospitals, and other institutions or private residences, are responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, comfortable and tidy environment for either establishments or private households.

Their daily tasks may include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting rooms.

They also clean bathrooms, replenish toiletries, and change bed linens.

In addition to these tasks, housekeeping staff may also be responsible for washing windows, waxing floors, and disinfecting equipment and supplies.

They also empty and clean trash containers, dispose of trash in a sanitary manner, and sort, count, and mark clean linens, and store them in linen closets.

More specialized tasks can include cleaning and polishing furniture and fixtures, and cleaning and sanitizing kitchens, cooking utensils, silverware, dishes, and appliances.

Some housekeeping staff are also responsible for restocking amenities and reporting any technical issues and maintenance needs.

They must follow health and safety regulations, ensuring that chemicals and cleaning supplies are stored away properly.

In the case of private households, housekeepers may also be asked to do tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and childcare.

They may also be responsible for running errands and scheduling household maintenance, such as repairs and renovations.

Overall, the goal of a housekeeping staff member is to create a clean, orderly environment that residents or guests will find welcoming and comfortable.

 

Housekeeping Staff Qualifications and Skills

A competent housekeeping staff member should possess a variety of practical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge, including:

• Physical stamina and agility, as the job often requires long hours of standing, bending, and lifting heavy items such as furniture and bedding.
• Attention to detail to ensure all areas of the establishment are clean, tidy, and well-maintained.
• Time management skills to complete all assigned tasks efficiently and within the given timeframe.
• Understanding and adherence to health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe environment for all residents and staff.
• Customer service skills to respond to guests’ requests promptly and professionally, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with other staff members and guests, and to understand and carry out instructions.
• Problem-solving skills to address any cleanliness or maintenance issues that arise, and to find effective solutions.
• Discretion and respect for guests’ privacy, often having access to personal and private spaces.

 

Housekeeping Staff Experience Requirements

Entry-level housekeeping staff typically require no previous experience, though some employers may prefer 1-2 years of experience in a cleaning or janitorial role.

These individuals can also gain practical experience through part-time roles, internships, or on-the-job training in a similar environment, such as a hotel, hospital, or residential care facility.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have honed their skills in cleaning, sanitizing, organizing, and maintaining facilities.

They are expected to be familiar with various cleaning supplies and equipment, and may have some training in safety procedures and regulations.

Housekeeping staff with more than 5 years of experience are generally considered highly skilled and may be equipped to handle more complex tasks such as managing inventory of supplies, training new staff, or overseeing a team of housekeepers.

They may also have experience in providing customer service, handling complaints, and working with diverse teams.

These individuals may be suitable for leadership positions within the housekeeping department.

 

Housekeeping Staff Education and Training Requirements

Housekeeping staff typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

This role involves on-the-job training where they learn how to operate equipment and understand the correct use of chemicals and supplies.

In some cases, larger hotels or hospitality establishments may offer formal housekeeping training programs which include modules on room preparation, cleaning procedures, and guest interaction.

Some community colleges or vocational schools may offer short-term housekeeping courses or training programs which are not mandatory but can provide a professional edge in this field.

There are also certifications available from professional organizations like the International Executive Housekeepers Association, which can be beneficial for those looking to advance in their careers.

No specific licenses are required for housekeeping staff, but a demonstrated understanding of safety procedures and a commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards are essential.

For those looking to progress to supervisory or managerial roles within housekeeping, a degree in hospitality management or a related field may be beneficial.

Continuous learning and improvement in areas like customer service, time management, and organizational skills are also key for success in this role.

 

Housekeeping Staff Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Housekeeping Staff member is around $11.37 (USD) per hour.

Actual earnings may fluctuate depending on the level of experience, the location of employment, and the company or institution for which they work.

 

Housekeeping Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills does a housekeeping staff need?

Housekeeping staff should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.

They should also possess excellent time management skills to complete their tasks efficiently and within a given time frame.

Communication skills are also essential as they often have to interact with guests or other staff members.

 

Do housekeeping staff need any formal education?

Housekeeping staff don’t necessarily need a formal education, but having a high school diploma can be beneficial.

Most housekeeping staff learn their skills on the job.

Some hotels or establishments might provide on-the-job training or workshops to their housekeeping staff to ensure they meet the establishment’s cleanliness and service standards.

 

What should you look for in a housekeeping staff resume?

When reviewing a housekeeping staff resume, look for previous experience in a similar role or environment.

Certificates of completion for relevant training courses or workshops can also be a plus.

Attention to detail, punctuality, and reliability are important qualities, so references that can confirm these traits are useful.

 

What qualities make a good housekeeping staff member?

A good housekeeping staff member is diligent, meticulous, and takes pride in their work.

They understand the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, especially in a hospitality environment.

Good housekeeping staff are dependable, punctual, and can work independently or as part of a team.

They also have good interpersonal skills as they often interact with guests and other staff members.

 

Is it challenging to find quality housekeeping staff?

Finding quality housekeeping staff can be challenging, as it requires individuals who are dedicated, reliable, and pay great attention to detail.

The job can be physically demanding and often requires working on weekends or holidays.

Therefore, it’s important to offer a competitive compensation package and a positive work environment to attract and retain good housekeeping staff.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of being a part of housekeeping staff.

And guess what?

It’s not just about dusting and mopping.

It’s about creating clean, comfortable, and welcoming spaces, one room at a time.

With our go-to housekeeping staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re well on your way.

But why stop there?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-tailored job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every task you perform contributes to a larger goal.

Let’s create those inviting spaces. Together.

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