How to Be Lead Janitor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The lack of janitorial services can lead to an unhealthy and hazardous environment. Without regular cleaning, dirt and dust can accumulate, leading to an increase in allergens, bacteria and germs in the air. In addition, an unclean environment can create an unpleasant working atmosphere and decrease employee morale.

This can then lead to lower productivity due to employees being distracted or feeling uncomfortable in their environment. Furthermore, when areas are not properly maintained, the risk of slips, trips, and falls increases significantly, resulting in potential liabilities for a business. To avoid these issues, it is important to invest in professional janitorial services to keep a clean and safe environment.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many janitorial positions require a basic level of education, and some employers may prefer to hire those who have completed a high school diploma or an equivalent program.
  2. Obtain a janitorial license or certification. Depending on the specific job requirements, you may need to obtain a license or certification to work as a janitor. Check with your local licensing board for more information.
  3. Gather experience. Most employers will want to hire someone with experience in janitorial work. Consider working as a janitor for a few years before applying for a lead janitor position.
  4. Apply for a lead janitor position. Look for job postings for lead janitorial positions in your area and apply for any that fit your qualifications.
  5. Participate in an interview. If you are selected for an interview, be prepared to answer questions about your janitorial experience and how you would handle different tasks as a lead janitor.
  6. Complete any additional requirements. Depending on the employer, you may need to complete additional training or pass a background check before you can start work as a lead janitor.
  7. Start work as a lead janitor. Once all of the requirements are met, you can begin your new role as a lead janitor.

The success of any organization depends on having an ideal and capable janitorial staff. Without a janitor, itÂ’s impossible to maintain a clean and safe environment, which can lead to decreased productivity, higher health risks, and inadequate customer service. Poor sanitation can also lead to an increase in pests and germs, putting the health and safety of employees and customers at risk.

On the other hand, having an ideal and capable janitor on staff can have positive effects, such as improved productivity due to a cleaner workspace, increased customer satisfaction due to a more inviting atmosphere, and improved safety standards due to better sanitation. having a qualified janitor on staff is essential for any organization to achieve its goals.

You may want to check Janitorial Attendant, Janitorial Technician II, and Janitorial Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Sweep and mop floors, hallways, stairways, lobbies, and other areas.
  2. Empty garbage cans and transport waste to designated disposal areas.
  3. Refill restroom dispensers with soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and other supplies.
  4. Clean windows, glass partitions, and mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, and squeegees.
  5. Dust furniture, walls, machines, and equipment.
  6. Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
  7. Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.
  8. Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
  9. Monitor building security and safety by performing such tasks as locking doors after operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
  10. Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of cleaning products, materials, and equipment.
  2. Ability to understand and follow safety and health regulations.
  3. Ability to read and understand instructions.
  4. Attention to detail and accuracy.
  5. Physical strength and stamina to lift heavy objects and to move around the facility.
  6. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  7. Ability to work as a team member in a cooperative environment.
  8. Excellent customer service skills.
  9. Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
  10. Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends if necessary.

Leadership is a key skill for any Janitor to possess. A successful Janitor needs to be able to lead a team, motivate and inspire them to work together efficiently, and keep the workplace clean and organized. With strong leadership skills, a Janitor can ensure that the janitorial team is working together in harmony and that tasks are being completed according to the highest standards of quality.

This, in turn, will result in a more pleasant and efficient work environment for everyone. Furthermore, a skilled Janitor will be able to handle any kind of emergency situation that may arise in the workplace, such as a spill or a broken piece of equipment. Lastly, an effective leader will be able to train and develop their team, helping them to become more knowledgeable and experienced in their duties.

All these things will contribute to a successful janitorial job and ensure the highest level of satisfaction from customers.

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

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in leading janitorial teams?
  • How have you handled difficult situations with employees in the past?
  • What strategies have you used to motivate janitorial staff?
  • How do you ensure that cleaning protocols and standards are met?
  • What safety protocols do you adhere to when leading janitorial teams?
  • How have you addressed issues with janitorial supplies and equipment in the past?
  • What methods have you used to monitor the productivity of janitorial staff?
  • How do you handle training and onboarding of new janitorial staff?
  • Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with a janitorial project.
  • How do you manage different personalities on a janitorial team?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Mop and Bucket. Used to clean floors and other hard surfaces (eg: sweeping the kitchen floor).
  2. Vacuum Cleaner. Used to suck up dust and dirt from carpets and other soft surfaces (eg: vacuuming the living room carpet).
  3. Dustpan and Brush. Used to sweep up debris and dust (eg: sweeping up crumbs from the countertop).
  4. Broom. Used to sweep up dust and dirt (eg: sweeping the hallway floors).
  5. Window Squeegee. Used to clean glass and other smooth surfaces (eg: wiping down windows).
  6. All-Purpose Cleaner. Used to remove dirt, grease, and other debris from a variety of surfaces (eg: wiping down the bathroom counters).
  7. Paper Towels or Cloths. Used to wipe up spills and other messes (eg: wiping up spilled juice).
  8. Disinfectant Wipes. Used to sanitize surfaces and kill germs (eg: wiping down door handles).

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
  2. International Cleaning Management Institute (ICMI)
  3. Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
  4. National Association of Professional Cleaners (NAPC)
  5. National Association of Building Service Contractors (NABSC)
  6. International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA)
  7. Professional Janitorial Managers Association (PJMA)
  8. International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
  9. Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
  10. National Organization of Remediation Industries (NORI)

We also have Janitorial Maintenance Worker, Janitorial Specialist, and Janitorial Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Sanitation. The process of keeping an environment clean and safe, free from disease and harmful contaminants.
  2. Disinfection. The process of using chemical or physical agents to kill microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection.
  3. Waste Management. The collection, transportation, disposal, or reuse of waste materials.
  4. Cleaning Supplies. Products and tools used to clean and maintain a space.
  5. Mopping. The process of cleaning floors with a damp mop or cloth.
  6. Dusting. The process of removing dust and other debris from surfaces.
  7. Vacuuming. The process of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from carpets and other surfaces.
  8. Trash Removal. The process of taking out garbage and other forms of waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Lead Janitor? A1: Lead Janitor is a software platform that helps businesses organize, clean and enrich their customer data, enabling them to effectively target their marketing campaigns. Q2: What features does Lead Janitor offer? A2: Lead Janitor provides a range of features including data cleansing, data enrichment, data segmentation, analytics, and reporting. Q3: How much does Lead Janitor cost? A3: Lead Janitor offers a range of pricing plans, starting from $49/month. Q4: What type of data does Lead Janitor process? A4: Lead Janitor can process data from CSV and Excel files, as well as from multiple CRM systems such as Salesforce and HubSpot. Q5: How long does it take to setup Lead Janitor? A5: Lead Janitor can be setup in minutes and requires no technical knowledge. Once setup, it can start processing data immediately.

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