Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

What the job really is

Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

At a glance

• Sector: Building & Grounds
• O*NET-SOC code: 37-2011
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
• Gather and empty trash.
• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
• Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
• Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
• Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
• Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
• Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.
• Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.
• Clean and polish furniture and fixtures.
• Move heavy furniture, equipment, or supplies, either manually or with hand trucks.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adjustable hand wrenches, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Aerial manlifts, Air compressors, Carpet shampooers, Claw hammers, Cordless drills, Desktop computers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
• Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
• Dishwashers
• Recycling and Reclamation Workers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Floor Sanders and Finishers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.