How to Be Janitorial Maintenance Worker - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 20, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Janitorial Maintenance Worker is to provide essential cleaning and maintenance services to a wide variety of environments. These duties include cleaning and maintaining restrooms, classrooms, office areas, kitchens, and lobbies. The job also requires the use of specialized equipment such as vacuums, mops, and cleaning chemicals to ensure that these areas are kept clean and sanitary.

The cause of this role is to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, as well as to provide a safe and healthy environment for people to work and live in. As a result, Janitorial Maintenance Workers are essential for the protection of public health, as well as for providing a pleasant environment for visitors and employees. Furthermore, by keeping areas clean and free from clutter, Janitorial Maintenance Workers help to create an organized and efficient workspace for workers, which can lead to improved productivity.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most janitorial maintenance positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
Consider pursuing optional certifications. Certifications such as the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) can help you stand out among other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.
Gain experience in the field. Many employers prefer to hire workers with previous janitorial experience. If you dont have prior experience, consider volunteering your services or taking on an entry-level position.
Learn how to use specialized equipment. Janitorial maintenance workers typically use a variety of specialized equipment, such as floor scrubbers and pressure washers. Take the time to learn how to safely and properly use this equipment.
Acquire basic computer skills. Many janitorial maintenance workers are expected to use computers for tracking inventory and scheduling duties. If you dont have these skills, consider taking a basic computer class at a local college or community center.
Search for job openings. Look for job openings in newspapers, online job boards, and through networking contacts. When applying for positions, be sure to highlight any relevant experience or certifications that you may have acquired.
Attend an interview. If you are invited to an interview, be sure to dress appropriately and arrive on time. Be prepared to answer questions about your abilities and your experience with janitorial maintenance.

Reliability and capability as a janitorial maintenance worker can be achieved through dedication, hard work and consistency. Having the right attitude and a willingness to learn is essential in order to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job well. Consistency in carrying out janitorial duties on a daily basis is key, as it allows for the development of skill and familiarity with the tasks.

Hard work is also important for success in this field, as it demonstrates a commitment to excellence and dedication to completing tasks to the highest standard. With these qualities, janitorial maintenance workers can build a reputation for reliability and capability that will open many doors for them in their career.

You may want to check Part-time Janitor, Janitorial Attendant, and Janitorial Services Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Clean and maintain all areas of the facility, including restrooms, hallways, elevators, and other public areas.
Dust furniture, sweep and mop floors, and vacuum carpets.
Empty trash cans and replace with fresh liners.
Clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces.
Disinfect and sanitize restrooms, countertops, and other surfaces.
Maintain supplies such as soaps, tissue, and other paper products.
Clean spills and remove stains from floors and other surfaces.
Maintain and organize janitorial closets.
Communicate with supervisor regarding cleaning needs and supplies used.
Operate industrial cleaning equipment such as vacuums, buffers, and floor scrubbers.
Perform minor maintenance tasks such as replacing light bulbs and unclogging toilets.
Follow safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to understand and follow safety policies and procedures
Knowledge of cleaning products, tools and equipment
Good physical stamina and strength
Ability to work independently and with a team
Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to work flexible hours
Attention to detail
Ability to lift heavy items and move furniture
Good organizational skills
Ability to read, write and communicate in English

The most important skill for a Janitorial Maintenance Worker is time management. Time management allows them to efficiently complete tasks, ensuring that the job is done properly and on time. Having good organizational skills helps them to plan ahead and set priorities in order to meet deadlines.

they must possess basic knowledge on how to use and maintain cleaning tools and equipment, as well as how to handle hazardous materials. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication skills in order to interact with coworkers, supervisors, and customers. They must be able to follow instructions carefully and demonstrate strong customer service skills.

Lastly, Janitorial Maintenance Workers must be able to work in a safe manner in order to protect themselves and those around them from any potential hazards. By possessing the necessary skills, a Janitorial Maintenance Worker can successfully complete their job and provide quality services.

Certified Janitor, Janitorial Coordinator, and Janitorial Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with janitorial maintenance?
How have you handled difficult custodial situations in the past?
What techniques do you use to clean and maintain large areas?
How do you prioritize tasks in a busy janitorial setting?
What safety procedures do you follow when using cleaning chemicals and machines?
Describe a time when you identified and solved a maintenance issue.
Are you comfortable with using ladders and heavy lifting?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple areas?
What strategies do you use to motivate yourself while completing tedious tasks?
What do you believe is the most important aspect of janitorial maintenance?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. A device used to clean carpets, floors, and other surfaces. (eg: Dyson Ball Vacuum Cleaner)
Mop. A tool used to clean floors with a cleaning liquid. (eg: O-Cedar Microfiber Spin Mop)
Broom. A tool used to sweep floors and other surfaces. (eg: Libman Precision Angle Broom)
Window Squeegee. A tool used to clean windows and other flat surfaces. (eg: Ettore Professional Squeegee Off Window Cleaning Kit)
Scrub Brush. A tool used to scrub hard-to-clean surfaces. (eg: O-Cedar Dual-Action Multi-Surface Scrub Brush)
Disinfectant Spray. A chemical solution used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. (eg: Lysol Disinfectant Spray)
Dustpan. A tool used to sweep up dust and other small particles. (eg: OXO Good Grips Dustpan & Brush Set)
Cleaning Cloths. A cloth used to clean surfaces with a cleaning liquid. (eg: Norwex Microfiber Cleaning Cloths)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA)
International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA)
Janitorial Store (JANSTORE)
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
National Association of Professional Cleaners (NAPC)
Professional Cleaning & Restoration Alliance (PCRA)
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)

We also have Janitorial Technician, Janitorial Manager, and Janitorial Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cleaning. The act of removing dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces and objects.
Sanitizing. The act of using disinfectants to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces and objects.
Disinfecting. The act of using chemical agents to kill viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms on surfaces and objects.
Dusting. The act of removing dust and other small particles from surfaces and objects.
Mopping. The act of using a mop or cloth to clean floors and other surfaces.
Vacuuming. The act of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.
Trash Removal. The act of removing garbage and other trash from a space.
Window Washing. The act of cleaning windows and other glass surfaces.
Carpet Cleaning. The act of removing dirt and stains from carpets using specialized equipment and cleaning solutions.
Floor Stripping. The act of removing the wax or sealant from floors in order to prepare them for refinishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What job duties do Janitorial Maintenance Workers typically perform?

Janitorial Maintenance Workers typically perform a variety of tasks to maintain cleanliness and order in a given facility. This may include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, sanitizing, and cleaning restrooms, as well as other activities like emptying trash receptacles, restocking supplies and replacing lightbulbs.

What qualifications are needed to become a Janitorial Maintenance Worker?

Generally, the qualifications to become a Janitorial Maintenance Worker include a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of cleaning and maintenance equipment, and strong customer service skills. Training may be provided on the job or through specialized certification programs.

How much does a Janitorial Maintenance Worker typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for Janitorial Maintenance Workers is $12.29 (as of May 2020). Salaries may vary based on experience and geographical area.

What other job titles are similar to Janitorial Maintenance Worker?

Job titles similar to Janitorial Maintenance Worker include Custodian, Building Cleaner, Housekeeper, and Groundskeeper.

What safety precautions should a Janitorial Maintenance Worker take when on the job?

Janitorial Maintenance Workers should take certain safety precautions while on the job, such as wearing protective gear like gloves and masks, using caution when handling hazardous materials and disposing of them properly, and following safety protocols for using cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Web Resources

Janitorial Worker - Part Time | PSU Human Resources hr.psu.edu
UCLA Labor Center | Profile of Janitorial Workers in California www.labor.ucla.edu
Maintenance and Janitorial - Oregon Coast Community College oregoncoast.edu