Janitor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced world, the emphasis on janitors, the unsung heroes who keep our environments clean and functional, is more critical than ever.

As society progresses, the demand for dedicated and diligent individuals who can maintain, clean, and ensure the safety of our physical spaces grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a janitor?

Whether you are:

A job seeker aiming to understand the crux of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply curious about the responsibilities of janitorial work,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable janitor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Contents show

Janitor Duties and Responsibilities

Janitors play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of facilities.

They perform a wide array of tasks, ranging from cleaning and maintenance to minor repairs.

On a typical workday, a Janitor may perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Clean and maintain various areas of a building, such as floors, windows, bathrooms, and public areas
Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs, replacing filters, and minor repairs
Operate cleaning equipment like vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, and carpet cleaning machines
Ensure the disposal of waste materials in a proper manner
Handle basic gardening duties, such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and maintaining outdoor cleanliness
Monitor building safety and security, such as ensuring all doors are locked after hours
Keep cleaning and maintenance supplies in stock and order more as needed
Respond to urgent situations, such as spills or broken glass, that require immediate attention
Monitor the cleanliness and upkeep of facilities to ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards

Janitor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent and dedicated Janitor to join our team.

The Janitor will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing offices, meeting rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and dining room and public areas.

The ideal candidate has a positive attitude, a keen eye for detail, and previous experience in a janitorial role.

This is a physically demanding job that requires stamina, the ability to work independently, and a strong commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Responsibilities

Perform general clean-up of all areas of the building as directed
Complete non-routine cleaning according to specified job orders
Remove garbage and recycling daily and prepare bins for weekly pick-up
Handle emergency cleaning and upkeep requests
Ensure rooms are maintained and fully equipped
Monitor and report necessary domestic repairs and replacements
Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies
Follow health and safety regulations

Qualifications

Proven working experience as a janitor
Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies
Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery
Integrity and ability to work independently
High school degree

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off

Additional Information

Job Title: Janitor
Work Environment: The janitor will be working in a variety of settings, including offices, meeting rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and public areas. This job requires a significant amount of physical labor, including lifting, bending, and kneeling.
Reporting Structure: The janitor reports directly to the Facility Manager or Building Supervisor.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
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 Janitor Do?

Janitors, also known as custodians or cleaning staff, typically work for a wide range of establishments such as schools, hospitals, office buildings, and residential complexes.

Their primary responsibility is to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the premises.

This involves sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, cleaning restrooms, dusting and polishing furniture, and disposing of trash.

Some janitors may also be involved in minor maintenance work such as fixing leaking faucets, changing light bulbs, and minor repairs to ensure the facility is in good working order.

Janitors also follow established health and safety regulations while performing their duties, using appropriate cleaning solutions and equipment, and they report any major maintenance issues to the relevant personnel or authorities.

In some settings, janitors may also manage inventory of cleaning supplies and order new materials as needed.

They often work independently or in small teams, especially during non-business hours, to minimize disruption to the establishment’s activities.

Janitor Qualifications and Skills

A competent janitor should possess the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

Physical stamina and strength to perform tasks requiring repeated bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying objects up to a certain weight.
Understanding of cleaning procedures and safety regulations to ensure spaces are cleaned efficiently and safely.
Experience with various cleaning products and tools, and knowledge of which ones are appropriate to use for different surfaces and environments.
Self-discipline and time management skills to complete tasks in a timely manner, often without direct supervision.
Ability to handle minor repair tasks such as changing light bulbs, fixing minor leaks, etc.
Observation skills to notice areas that need extra attention or repair tasks that need to be escalated to maintenance professionals.
Good interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues and building occupants.
Organizational skills to plan and follow a routine cleaning schedule.
Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations, like a broken cleaning tool or spilled hazardous material.

Janitor Experience Requirements

The requirements for experience as a janitor often vary depending on the specific needs of the employer.

Most janitorial positions do not require any formal education, but some prior experience in cleaning or maintenance can be beneficial.

Entry-level janitor positions may not require any previous experience.

Instead, they may prioritize the ability to perform the physical tasks associated with the job, like lifting heavy objects, bending, and reaching.

Training is usually provided on the job in these instances.

Many employers prefer janitors with at least one year of experience in a similar role.

This experience can demonstrate that a candidate is familiar with the routine tasks associated with the job, such as cleaning floors, bathrooms, and offices, emptying trash cans, and handling cleaning chemicals safely.

Senior janitor roles, which may include supervisory responsibilities, often require multiple years of experience.

Individuals in these positions are expected to manage a team of janitors, schedule cleaning tasks, order supplies, and ensure the maintenance of cleaning standards across the facility.

In some cases, janitors may also need experience with more specialized tasks, such as operating industrial cleaning equipment, repairing minor electrical or plumbing issues, or providing security for a building.

This experience is typically gained on the job, but may also come from previous roles in related fields.

Janitor Education and Training Requirements

Generally, Janitors require no formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, on-the-job training is essential and is usually provided by employers.

This training involves learning how to safely use and maintain cleaning equipment, understand and follow health and safety regulations, and effectively clean different types of spaces.

Janitors may also learn more specialized skills such as minor repair and maintenance work, which can include tasks such as changing light bulbs, fixing leaky faucets, or painting.

Although not required, janitors can pursue certification programs such as the Certified Custodial Technician program offered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA).

These programs can enhance a janitor’s skills and knowledge, making them more efficient and effective in their roles.

Moreover, janitors who wish to advance to supervisory roles might benefit from classes in leadership or management, or from gaining experience in specialized cleaning such as hazardous waste disposal.

Ultimately, the most important requirements for a janitor are physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

Janitor Salary Expectations

A Janitor can expect to earn an average salary of $27,430 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the size and type of the facility where they are employed.

Janitor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a janitor need?

Janitors need to have skills in cleaning and maintenance, as well as the ability to operate various types of cleaning equipment.

They should be detail-oriented to notice areas that need cleaning or maintenance.

In addition, janitors should have good physical stamina as they spend much of their time on their feet, and often need to lift and carry heavy objects.

Do janitors need any specific qualifications?

Janitors typically do not need any specific educational qualifications, however, a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred.

Certain certifications like a Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification can be beneficial.

Previous work experience in a similar role can also be an advantage.

What should you look for in a janitor resume?

Look for evidence of physical stamina and the ability to perform tasks such as lifting, carrying, and standing for long periods.

Look for experience with different types of cleaning equipment and materials.

Check for a history of punctuality and reliability, as janitors often work unsupervised and must be trusted to complete their tasks on time.

What qualities make a good janitor?

A good janitor is reliable, conscientious, and pays attention to detail.

They take pride in their work and strive to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards.

They are also flexible, as the job often requires working outside regular office hours, and adaptable, as they may be asked to perform a variety of tasks from day to day.

How physically demanding is a janitor’s job?

A janitor’s job can be quite physically demanding.

It often involves lifting and carrying heavy objects, standing for long periods, and performing repetitive tasks such as mopping, sweeping, or scrubbing.

Therefore, physical stamina and good health are important for this role.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of a janitorial role.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about sweeping and mopping.

It’s about creating a clean, safe, and healthy environment, one sweep at a time.

With our handy janitor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to advance.

But why end here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for meticulously-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every sweep, every mop, contributes to a bigger cause.