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

Janitorial work is a necessary service to keep buildings clean and maintained. Part-time janitors provide an important contribution to the overall upkeep of commercial and residential buildings. They are responsible for basic cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and scrubbing surfaces, as well as more complex duties such as cleanup after construction projects and dealing with spills.

As a result of these duties, part-time janitors are able to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for people to live or work in, which helps to prevent the spread of illnesses and diseases. Furthermore, these janitors ensure that the building looks presentable, which can make a positive impression on potential customers or tenants, and can even increase property values. In addition, part-time janitors provide a cost-effective solution for businesses and landlords who may not need or be able to afford a full-time janitor.

Steps How to Become

  1. Research janitorial positions in your area. Look for part-time jobs in places such as schools, offices, churches, and other public places.
  2. Contact the organization, either by phone or email, and inquire about any open positions. Be prepared to provide a resume and references if requested.
  3. During the interview, be sure to highlight your skills and experience that make you a good fit for the job.
  4. Once you have been hired, complete any necessary paperwork such as background checks and drug tests.
  5. If necessary, attend any training sessions or orientation meetings to learn about the organization’s policies and procedures.
  6. Familiarize yourself with the janitorial duties, such as cleaning floors, vacuuming, dusting, emptying trash cans, and other tasks.
  7. Begin working your scheduled hours and follow the organization’s rules and guidelines.
  8. Check in with your supervisor regularly to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Maintaining an updated and efficient janitorial service requires regular maintenance and proper equipment. Regular cleaning and sanitizing routines help reduce the spread of germs and dirt, while effective and up-to-date equipment, such as vacuums and mops, ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently. Additionally, an organized cleaning schedule and a well-stocked supply of cleaning products are essential for keeping a janitorial service running smoothly. By keeping up with all of these tasks, a part-time janitor can ensure that their service is providing a clean and healthy environment for everyone.

You may want to check Senior Janitor, Janitorial Engineer, and Certified Janitor for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Clean floors, carpets, walls, windows, and other surfaces in a timely manner.
  2. Empty trash cans and replace liners.
  3. Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors.
  4. Clean and sanitize restrooms and replenish supplies.
  5. Collect and dispose of recyclables.
  6. Clean spills and messes as they occur.
  7. Replenish paper towels and soap in restrooms.
  8. Clean mirrors, sinks, and countertops in restrooms.
  9. Dust furniture and fixtures.
  10. Change light bulbs as necessary.
  11. Maintain janitorial equipment in good condition.
  12. Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
  13. Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
  14. Notify management of occurring deficiencies or needs for repairs.
  15. Adhere to all health and safety regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Ability to understand and follow safety procedures
  2. Ability to perform basic math calculations
  3. Ability to read, write and understand English
  4. Ability to lift heavy objects
  5. Ability to operate and maintain janitorial equipment
  6. Knowledge of cleaning products and related supplies
  7. Knowledge of basic repair and maintenance tasks
  8. Ability to perform tasks quickly and efficiently
  9. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  10. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  11. Ability to adhere to strict safety regulations

Exercising time management and organizational skills are essential for a successful part-time janitor. Keeping on top of cleaning and maintenance tasks requires the ability to stay organized, plan ahead, and manage time well. Without these skills, a janitor may struggle to keep up with their duties and tasks.

Poor time management can lead to tasks falling behind, which can cause the janitor to become frustrated and overwhelmed. poor organization skills can result in sanitation and maintenance supplies becoming disorganized and hard to find, creating even more stress and difficulty. By mastering time management and organizational skills, a part-time janitor can ensure that their job is done efficiently and successfully.

Janitorial Supervisor, Janitorial Attendant, and Janitorial Cleaning Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in janitorial work?
  • How have you handled difficult clean-up tasks in the past?
  • What do you consider to be the most important elements of janitorial work?
  • Do you have any certifications or specialized training related to janitorial work?
  • Are you comfortable working with hazardous materials?
  • How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
  • Are you available to work nights and weekends when needed?
  • Are you willing to help with other tasks outside of your job description?
  • How would you handle a situation if a customer or coworker was dissatisfied with your work?
  • What is your understanding of workplace safety protocols?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Vacuum Cleaner. To remove dirt and debris from carpets, floors, and other surfaces. (eg: Hoover WindTunnel UH70400)
  2. Broom and Dustpan. To sweep hard floors and eliminate dust and debris. (eg: O-Cedar Angler Angle Broom with Dustpan)
  3. Mop. To scrub and clean floors. (eg: O-Cedar Microfiber Flip Mop)
  4. Disinfectant. To kill germs and bacteria. (eg: Lysol Disinfectant Spray)
  5. Window Cleaner. To clean and eliminate dirt and grime from windows. (eg: Windex Glass Cleaner)
  6. Toilet Brush. To scrub and clean toilet bowls and surfaces. (eg: Rubbermaid Commercial Toilet Bowl Brush)
  7. Trash Bags. To collect and dispose of trash. (eg: Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags)
  8. Gloves. To protect hands while cleaning. (eg: Playtex Living Reusable Latex Gloves)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
  2. Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
  3. International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
  4. International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
  5. National Association of Professional Cleaners (NAPC)
  6. American Society of Cleaning Professionals (ASCP)
  7. National Institute for Cleaning Science (NICS)
  8. Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
  9. Green Building Council (GBC)
  10. United Policyholders (UP)

We also have Janitorial Supervisor II, Janitorial Technician, and Janitorial Maintenance Worker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Housekeeping. The practice of keeping the interior and exterior of a building clean and orderly.
  2. Cleaning Supplies. A variety of products and tools used to clean and maintain a building.
  3. Sanitation. The process of keeping a building safe from germs, dirt, and other potentially hazardous materials.
  4. Floor Care. The maintenance of floors, such as vacuuming, mopping, and waxing.
  5. Trash Removal. The process of collecting, sorting, and disposing of garbage.
  6. Restroom Cleaning. The process of cleaning and sanitizing restrooms, including sinks, toilets, and urinals.
  7. Safety Practices. Guidelines to ensure the safety of janitorial staff, including the use of proper protective gear and the use of chemicals in accordance with safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tasks are part-time janitors responsible for?

Part-time janitors are typically responsible for cleaning and maintaining office buildings, including dusting, mopping, vacuuming, sanitizing bathrooms, emptying trash cans, and restocking supplies.

How many hours per week do part-time janitors typically work?

Part-time janitors usually work between 10 and 20 hours per week.

What qualifications do part-time janitors need?

Part-time janitors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Previous experience in janitorial work is preferred but not required.

What is the average hourly wage for part-time janitors?

The average hourly wage for part-time janitors ranges between $9 and $13 per hour.

What equipment do part-time janitors use?

Part-time janitors typically use a variety of cleaning equipment such as brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, dusters, and cleaning solutions.

Web Resources

Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Albert
Submitted by our contributor
Janitor Category