How to Be Parking Lot Cleaner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 27, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The presence of litter in a parking lot can have a negative effect on its appearance, leading to a decrease in customer satisfaction. Not only does litter create an unsightly environment, but it can also pose a health hazard, as it can attract pests and rodents. Hiring a parking lot cleaner to regularly clean up the area is an effective way to combat this problem, as it can help maintain a clean and safe environment for customers.

regular cleaning can extend the life of the pavement, as it decreases the amount of debris that can damage the surface. Therefore, parking lot cleaners provide an invaluable service that helps keep parking lots looking inviting and safe.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. A high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement for becoming a parking lot cleaner.
Pursue additional training or certification in the area. Although not required, some employers may prefer workers who have received training in cleaning and maintenance procedures.
Apply for an open position. Many parking lot cleaners are employed by parking lot management companies or private contractors. Applicants should research and apply to any openings they may find.
Gather the necessary supplies and equipment. Most parking lot cleaners will be required to provide their own cleaning supplies, such as buckets, brooms, mops, and rags.
Follow safety guidelines when cleaning. Parking lot cleaners should always wear protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, when handling and disposing of hazardous materials.
Dispose of waste properly. Parking lot cleaners should always use the appropriate containers for disposing of waste, such as trash cans and recycling bins.
Monitor the cleanliness of the area. Parking lot cleaners should regularly inspect their assigned area for any debris, dirt, or other materials that need to be cleared away.

Parking lot cleaning is an important task that all property owners should prioritize to ensure a safe, clean and attractive parking lot. To achieve an efficient and skilled cleaning, it is important to have the right equipment, personnel, and procedures in place. The right equipment will help get the job done quickly and thoroughly.

Pressure washers, brooms, and squeegees are all essential tools for cleaning a parking lot. The right personnel are also key to achieving the desired outcome. Having people who are knowledgeable in parking lot cleaning and safety protocols is a must.

Finally, having the right procedures in place is important in order to ensure that the cleaning is done correctly and to the highest standards. This includes carrying out regular inspections to identify any issues that need attention and ensuring that all cleaning tasks are done in the most efficient way. With the right equipment, personnel and procedures in place, a parking lot can be cleaned quickly and skillfully.

You may want to check Commercial Cleaner, Grounds Cleaner, and Facilities Cleaner for alternative.

Job Description

Sweep, mop, and scrub the parking lot.
Remove debris from the lot and dispose of it in a proper manner.
Clean and maintain all parking lot equipment, such as garbage cans, signage, and pavement markings.
Empty trash cans, sweep sidewalks, and pick up litter.
Pressure wash the lot to remove dirt, debris, and oil stains.
Inspect the lot for any damage or repairs needed and report it to the proper personnel.
Maintain safety regulations and use proper safety equipment when working.
Monitor weather conditions and take appropriate action as needed.
Perform general maintenance of the parking lot, such as painting lines and signs, repairing potholes, and filling cracks.
Perform regular inspections of the lot to ensure it is in good condition.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cleaning materials and techniques
Ability to safely operate cleaning equipment
Ability to lift and move heavy objects
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of safety protocols
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail
Time management skills
Ability to follow instructions
Physical stamina and strength

Having an organized and clean parking lot is essential for businesses that depend on customer traffic. The key to a successful parking lot is to have a well-trained parking lot cleaner. A parking lot cleaner must possess a range of skills, including attention to detail, communication, problem solving, customer service, and time management.

Attention to detail is important for noticing potential hazards and cleaning the area thoroughly. Communication skills are needed to work with colleagues and customers efficiently. Problem solving is necessary to quickly assess and address any issues that arise.

Customer service is essential in order to be able to interact with customers in a professional manner. Lastly, time management is crucial in order to make sure that the parking lot is cleaned in a timely manner. Having these skills will ensure that the parking lot remains clean and organized, which in turn leads to a better customer experience.

Dry Cleaner, Pool Cleaner, and Floor Cleaner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in parking lot cleaning?
What safety protocols do you follow when cleaning a parking lot?
How would you handle a situation where a customer is not satisfied with the quality of your work?
What methods do you use to ensure that a parking lot is clear of debris and trash?
What type of equipment do you use to clean a parking lot?
Describe a time when you had to complete a large parking lot cleaning project with limited resources.
What challenges have you faced while cleaning parking lots?
How do you stay organized when faced with multiple cleaning projects?
How do you handle pressure when faced with tight deadlines for parking lot cleaning projects?
What do you think sets you apart from other parking lot cleaners?

Common Tools in Industry

Broom. Used to sweep and remove debris from a parking lot. (eg. Broom and dustpan)
Street Sweeper. A machine used to clean large parking lots by sweeping and vacuuming up debris. (eg. Tennant 5680 street sweeper)
Pressure Washer. A machine used to clean hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete with high pressure water. (eg. Karcher K5 pressure washer)
Leaf Blower. Used to blow away leaves and other debris from the lot. (eg. Craftsman leaf blower)
Sweeping Compound. A chemical used to loosen dirt and debris from the surface of the lot for an easy clean. (eg. Big Bully sweeping compound)
Degreaser. A chemical used to remove oil and grease stains from the lot. (eg. Simple Green degreaser)
Shovel. Used to scoop up debris and dispose of it in a trash receptacle. (eg. Shovel with long handle)
Rake. Used to gather leaves and other debris from the lot for easy disposal. (eg. Garden rake)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Parking Institute
American Planning Association
National Parking Association
Institute of Transportation Engineers
International Municipal Parking Association
Parking Industry Manufacturers Association
National Association of City Transportation Officials
Transportation Research Board
National Street Maintenance Collaborative
National Association of Clean Water Agencies

We also have Industrial Cleaner, Office Cleaner, and Bathroom Cleaner jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Sweeper. A vehicle equipped with a rotating brush for sweeping and collecting debris from parking lots and other surfaces.
Vacuum Cleaner. A machine used to clean carpets, floors, and other surfaces by sucking up dirt and debris.
Pressure Washer. A machine that uses a high-pressure jet of water to clean hard surfaces such as cars, sidewalks, and driveways.
Leaf Blower. A device that uses a fan to blow air at high speeds to move leaves, grass clippings, and other debris away from a parking lot or other surface.
Debris Removal. The process of removing leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from a parking lot or other surface.
Pavement Sealing. A process used to protect asphalt and concrete surfaces by sealing them with a protective coating.
Line Striping. The process of painting lines and symbols on a parking lot or other surface to define parking spaces and provide guidance for drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of equipment is used to clean parking lots?

Parking lot cleaners typically use large, powerful pressure washers and industrial vacuums to remove debris, dirt, and contaminants from the pavement.

How often should parking lots be cleaned?

The frequency of parking lot cleaning depends on the amount of traffic and environmental conditions, but it is generally recommended that parking lots be cleaned at least twice a year.

How much does it cost to clean a parking lot?

The cost of cleaning a parking lot will vary depending on the size, condition, and type of equipment used. Generally, the average cost is $500 - $2,000 USD per cleaning.

How long does it take to clean a parking lot?

The amount of time required to clean a parking lot depends on the size and condition of the lot, but it can typically take anywhere from an hour to several days.