School Janitor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of education, the importance of school janitors has never been more apparent.

As schools continue to operate, the demand for dedicated individuals who can maintain, clean, and ensure the safety of our educational facilities continues to grow.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager identifying the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of school maintenance,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

School Janitor Duties and Responsibilities

School Janitors are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of school facilities.

They perform an array of tasks related to maintenance and cleaning to ensure a clean, safe, and conducive learning environment for students and staff.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Cleaning classrooms, offices, restrooms, and public areas
• Emptying and cleaning waste bins and recycling containers
• Performing minor maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs
• Setting up furniture for special events or rearranging furniture as required
• Sanitizing surfaces to maintain health standards, particularly in times of public health concerns
• Maintaining an inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, and notifying management when supplies are low
• Inspecting buildings for damage or vandalism, and reporting any issues to management
• Ensuring exterior areas such as playgrounds and parking lots are clean and safe
• Adhering to health and safety regulations, including the use of personal protective equipment
• Operating and maintaining custodial equipment such as floor buffers and carpet cleaners

 

School Janitor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent School Janitor to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in our school premises.

The School Janitor responsibilities will include maintaining cleanliness in classrooms, halls, restrooms and playgrounds, performing minor repair works, and ensuring safety regulations are met.

Our ideal candidate is someone who is self-motivated, pays attention to detail and can effectively manage their time.

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness in classrooms, halls, restrooms and playgrounds
• Perform routine maintenance tasks and minor repair works
• Operate cleaning equipment and tools, including the buffer, auto scrubber, and carpet cleaner
• Ensure safety procedures are followed
• Handle waste disposal efficiently
• Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies
• Report any damage or repairs needed
• Assist in setting up classrooms or halls for events or meetings

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a janitor or in a similar role
• Knowledge of cleaning procedures and equipment
• Basic understanding of maintenance and repair works
• Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently
• Physical stamina and ability to lift heavy items
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Janitor
• Work Environment: School environment. Regular interaction with staff and students.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Maintenance Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $22,000 minimum to $33,000 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 School Janitor Do?

School Janitors, also known as Custodians, play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of school facilities, making the environment suitable for children and staff.

They are responsible for cleaning classrooms, restrooms, hallways, and other areas within the school.

This includes vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors, dusting furniture, emptying trash bins, and cleaning windows.

They may also be tasked with waxing and buffing floors and cleaning carpets.

Janitors also perform minor repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, changing light bulbs, and performing small paint jobs.

They may be responsible for the maintenance of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems as well.

In addition to these, school janitors often carry out safety duties such as ensuring fire and other safety regulations are adhered to, inspecting the premises for signs of intrusion or damage, and promptly addressing any issues.

During the winter, janitors may be in charge of snow and ice removal in walkways and entrances.

They may also be tasked with setting up equipment for school events or moving furniture around when necessary.

Ultimately, a school janitor is instrumental in maintaining a clean, safe, and conducive environment for learning and teaching.

 

School Janitor Qualifications and Skills

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

• Physical stamina and strength to carry out tasks such as lifting, cleaning, and moving objects around the school
• Technical skills to operate and maintain cleaning equipment, machines, and tools
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies, including their correct and safe usage
• Ability to perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs or fixing a broken door handle
• Interpersonal skills to interact respectfully and effectively with school staff, students, and visitors
• Problem-solving skills to quickly identify and address cleaning and maintenance issues
• Attention to detail to ensure all areas of the school are kept clean, safe, and well maintained
• Time management skills to complete tasks efficiently within a given schedule
• Adherence to health and safety regulations to ensure a safe environment for all school occupants

 

School Janitor Experience Requirements

Most school janitors start their careers with no specific experience but rather undergo on-the-job training, often starting as a custodial assistant.

This role entails learning about cleaning practices, chemical handling, and safety protocols.

However, several schools may require their janitors to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a similar role, such as in a hospital, office, or another educational institution.

This is to ensure they are familiar with the expectations of maintaining cleanliness and sanitary conditions in a large establishment.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may be considered for roles with additional responsibilities, such as managing inventory of cleaning supplies, coordinating with external maintenance service providers, or training new janitorial staff.

Janitors with more than 5 years of experience, particularly in a school setting, may be ready for supervisory positions.

These roles often entail overseeing the work of a team of janitors, planning and scheduling cleaning tasks, and ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.

 

School Janitor Education and Training Requirements

Typically, a school janitor or custodian position does not require a specific level of formal education, although a high school diploma or its equivalent is often preferred.

On-the-job training is usually provided, where new janitors learn from experienced staff about the specific procedures and equipment used in their school.

These may include cleaning routines, proper use of cleaning chemicals and substances, and the operation of industrial cleaning equipment.

While not generally required, some janitors may choose to pursue certification through an organization such as the International Sanitary Supply Association.

Such certification demonstrates a janitor’s commitment to the profession and can provide more advanced training in areas such as green cleaning techniques, carpet care, and hard floor care.

Some janitors may also receive specialized training in minor maintenance tasks, like HVAC system operations, basic plumbing, or electrical work, which can increase their job responsibilities and compensation.

Furthermore, school janitors are required to pass a background check due to their work environment involving children.

Hence, a clean criminal record is critical for this role.

In addition to these, interpersonal skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work independently are often sought-after traits for this role.

 

School Janitor Salary Expectations

A School Janitor can expect to earn an average wage of $12.42 (USD) per hour.

However, this wage can vary based on factors such as the location of the school, the janitor’s experience level, and the size of the school.

 

School Janitor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a school janitor need?

A school janitor needs to have good physical stamina and strength as the job involves a lot of manual labor.

They should also have an understanding of cleaning procedures and safety regulations.

Having problem-solving skills is also useful, as janitors often need to carry out minor repairs.

 

Do school janitors need any specific qualifications?

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually enough for someone to be hired as a school janitor.

However, having prior experience in janitorial or cleaning roles can be beneficial.

Some schools may also require janitors to undertake a background check due to the nature of the work environment.

 

What should you look for in a school janitor resume?

A school janitor resume should include previous experience in cleaning or maintenance jobs.

Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies, and the ability to perform minor repairs, is also beneficial.

It can also be helpful if the resume mentions any training in safety procedures or certifications in areas like first aid.

 

What qualities make a good school janitor?

A good school janitor is reliable, diligent and takes pride in maintaining a clean and safe environment for students and staff.

They should be able to work independently and have good problem-solving skills for handling minor repairs.

A positive attitude and good interpersonal skills are also beneficial as they often interact with school staff and sometimes students.

 

How physically demanding is the role of a school janitor?

The role of a school janitor can be quite physically demanding as it often involves lifting heavy objects, bending, kneeling, and standing for long periods.

It also requires manual dexterity to handle cleaning equipment and tools.

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

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true nature of being a school janitor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about cleaning.

It’s about maintaining a conducive environment for learning, one speck of dust at a time.

With our definitive school janitor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But, why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping-stone to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every clean space contributes to the overall learning experience.

Let’s create that experience. Together.

How to Become a School Janitor (Complete Guide)

Market Must-Haves: The Jobs That Are Trending Now

Tech Can’t Take These: Jobs That Need Human Hearts and Minds

The Joy of Earning: Enjoyable Careers That Keep Smiles Coming

Career Buzz: The Most Trending Jobs in the Industry Today