Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

Maintain a neat and tidy appearance in all buildings at all times. Among your many responsibilities will be the scrubbing of floors, the washing of rugs and carpets, the wiping of walls and windows, and the disposal of trash.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT JANITOR OR CLEANER CAREERS

Janus was the Roman deity of gates and doors, so it's no surprise that the first janitors worked as doorkeepers. Cleaning, sweeping, and other facility maintenance duties were gradually included to the job description. As a result, janitors are often known as 'building caretakers' or'maintenance employees.' 

Janitors are responsible for keeping public spaces nice and clean. However, cleaning and trash collection are frequently only a fraction of the job. Janitors can also do basic electrical and plumbing maintenance. They may be in charge of repairs, replacing light bulbs, and even repairing or replacing door locks. They may also test and maintain a building's heating and cooling systems. 

Janitors in certain places clear snow from sidewalks in the winter and care for a building's lawns and bushes in the summer. Some janitorial chores are unpleasant, yet building owners and managers rely on a clean, pleasant atmosphere for their tenants and visitors. It can be incredibly pleasant to know that you are helping to maintain such an atmosphere.

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Characteristics

Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Leadership
Comfort of the work setting
Dealing and handling conflicts
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Communication with others
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Competition for this position

Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Handling and Moving Objects Know More
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Know More
Performing General Physical Activities Know More

Areas of Study

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English Language Know More
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Degrees

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Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Coordination Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Monitoring Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
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