Janitor Job Description

Summary

A janitor keeps a building clean, safe and ready for the people who use it. Common sites include offices, schools, medical offices, stores and apartment buildings.

Say what kind of building it is and whether the shift is during the day, in the evening or overnight. Those details decide who applies.

Duties and responsibilities

• Empty trash and recycling, and replace liners.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum and polish floors on a set schedule.
• Clean and disinfect restrooms, break rooms, counters and high-touch surfaces.
• Restock paper products, soap and other supplies.
• Use cleaning chemicals safely, read labels and never mix products.
• Report spills, hazards and repairs that are needed.
• Lock doors, set alarms and follow building security steps.

Skills and qualities

• Dependable and able to work on your own.
• Thorough, with a steady pace across a full shift.
• Careful with chemicals and equipment.
• Able to stand, bend, lift and push a cart for long periods.
• Respectful and discreet around the people in the building.
• Follows a checklist and a schedule.

Typical requirements

• Ability to lift the weight you name and be on your feet for a full shift.
• Willingness to complete a background check, if the site requires it. Say so in the posting and follow your state’s rules.
• Chemical safety training, which you provide before the first shift.
• Reliable transportation to the site at the shift’s start time.

Requirements differ by state, city and employer. Check the licensing, age, safety and pay rules that apply to your business before you post. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.

Schedule and conditions

Many janitorial jobs are evening or overnight, after the building closes. State the shift, the days and whether weekends are included.

Say whether the work is at one site or several, and how the supervisor checks in.

Nice to have

• Experience with floor machines such as buffers and scrubbers.
• Experience in schools, medical offices or other regulated sites.
• Keys and alarm experience.
• Experience leading a small cleaning team.

Tips for posting this job

• Name the building type and the hours.
• Say whether the job is at one site or travels between sites.
• Explain what training and equipment you provide.
• Mention background checks, if used, in plain words.
• Give the location and how to reach the site.

Put your real pay, schedule and location in the posting. Candidates skip posts that leave them out.