How to Be Physical Plant Custodian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 25, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When the Physical Plant Custodian is not doing their job effectively, it can cause a number of negative effects. Without proper maintenance and cleaning, the physical plant can quickly become overrun with dirt, dust, and debris. This not only affects the look of the building, but also the safety of its occupants.

Poor upkeep can also lead to a higher risk of slips and falls, as well as an increased chance of pests and other health hazards. Furthermore, when a building is not kept clean, it can lead to a poor impression for visitors and customers, resulting in a loss of business. In order to prevent these negative outcomes, it is essential that Physical Plant Custodians keep up with their duties.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. Most employers require physical plant custodians to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain Work Experience. Employers often prefer to hire physical plant custodians with at least one year of custodial and/or maintenance experience.
Apply for Open Positions. Many physical plant custodian positions are posted online, so searching job sites is a good way to find openings.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Physical plant custodians must complete on-the-job training, learning the specific tasks and duties of the position.
Obtain Certification. Depending on the state and employer, physical plant custodians may need to obtain a certification in order to perform their duties.
Have a Valid Drivers License. Physical plant custodians must have a valid drivers license, as they may be required to drive a company vehicle.

In order to keep a Physical Plant Custodian updated and efficient, it is important to stay on top of the latest trends in the industry. Keeping updated on the latest cleaning products and equipment can help to ensure that the job is done quickly and effectively. Regular training courses can also provide custodians with the knowledge and skills needed in order to stay up to date with the latest developments in the field.

Furthermore, it is important to have a well-planned system for managing tasks, as well as a clear schedule for completing them. This will make it easier to stay organized and maximize productivity, while minimizing wasted resources. By staying current with industry trends and having a well-structured system for task management, a Physical Plant Custodian can remain efficient and successful.

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Job Description

Clean and maintain buildings, floors, offices, and other areas.
Sweep, mop, vacuum, and scrub floors and carpets.
Dust furniture and equipment and empty trash receptacles.
Clean and sanitize restrooms, showers, and other areas.
Clean windows, glass partitions, and mirrors.
Clean and wax floors, wax furniture, and polish metal surfaces.
Secure buildings by locking doors and setting alarms.
Respond to emergency maintenance requests.
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.
Report any maintenance issues or safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor or manager.
Move and arrange furniture, office equipment, and other materials as directed.
Maintain the grounds by picking up trash, mowing lawns, cultivating flowerbeds, and trimming shrubs and hedges.
Perform minor repairs on equipment and building structures as directed by supervisor or manager, such as changing light bulbs and patching holes in walls.
Operate a variety of equipment such as vacuums, buffers, and other cleaning tools.
Report any potential safety issues to the supervisor or manager immediately.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cleaning techniques and products
Knowledge of floor care techniques and products
Knowledge of basic maintenance, repair and safety principles
Ability to operate and maintain janitorial equipment
Ability to follow safety protocols
Ability to lift and move heavy objects
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to read, write and understand instructions in English
Good communication skills with staff and customers
Ability to prioritize tasks
Attention to detail
Flexibility and adaptability
Dependability and reliability
Professionalism and confidentiality

Physical Plant Custodians play a vital role in many organizations, from schools and universities to office buildings and factories. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the premises are kept clean and well-maintained. To do this effectively, a Physical Plant Custodian must possess certain essential skills.

These include a strong work ethic, attention to detail, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, an ability to follow instructions and safety protocols, and good interpersonal skills. Having a good knowledge of cleaning products, tools, and techniques is also important. With these skills, a Physical Plant Custodian can quickly and efficiently address any problems that arise, helping to keep the premises safe and in good condition.

This in turn can lead to improved morale among staff and visitors, increased productivity and profits, as well as a better overall customer experience.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in physical plant and custodial services?
Describe your experience performing general maintenance tasks such as painting, plumbing and electrical repairs.
What safety procedures do you follow while working with hazardous materials and equipment?
How do you prioritize tasks to ensure all duties are completed within a given time frame?
What techniques do you use to ensure the cleanliness of an area is maintained?
What strategies have you implemented in the past to ensure an efficient and effective working environment?
What methods do you use to communicate with other custodial staff and management?
How do you handle customer complaints and requests for service?
Explain how you might resolve a conflict between two custodial staff members.
What systems and processes do you use to track and report progress on custodial tasks?

Common Tools in Industry

Broom and Dustpan. Used to sweep and collect dust and debris (eg: sweeping up crumbs on the floor).
Vacuum Cleaner. Used to suck up dirt and debris (eg: vacuuming carpets).
Mop and Bucket. Used to clean floors and surfaces (eg: mopping the kitchen floors).
Window Cleaner. Used to clean windows (eg: washing windows on the outside of the building).
Scrub Brush. Used to scrub surfaces (eg: scrubbing stained tile grout).
Squeegee. Used to remove excess liquid from surfaces (eg: squeegeeing water off windows).
Trash Can and Liners. Used to collect and dispose of garbage (eg: emptying trash cans into a dumpster).
Dusting Cloths and Dusters. Used to dust off surfaces (eg: wiping down desks and chairs).
Extension Poles. Used to reach high ceilings and walls (eg: dusting high corners of the ceiling).
Carpet Cleaner. Used to deep clean carpets (eg: shampooing carpets in hallways).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Facility Management Association
Building Owners and Managers Association
National Association of Professional Housekeepers
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association
International Window Cleaning Association
Cleaning Management Institute
Institute of Real Estate Management
International Sanitary Supply Association
American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services

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Common Important Terms

Building Maintenance. The process of keeping a building in good condition, including repairs, cleaning, and other upkeep.
Janitorial Services. Professional services to keep a facility clean and safe, such as sweeping, mopping, and dusting.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). The process of controlling the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a building.
Plumbing. The process of maintaining and repairing a buildings plumbing system.
Landscaping. The process of maintaining a buildings grounds, including planting, trimming, and mowing.
Security. The process of maintaining a safe environment in a building by monitoring and controlling access.
Electrical. The process of maintaining and repairing a buildings electrical system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Physical Plant Custodian?

The primary role of a Physical Plant Custodian is to maintain the grounds and facilities of a building or organization, ensuring a safe, clean and orderly environment.

What qualifications are needed to be a Physical Plant Custodian?

Qualifications to be a Physical Plant Custodian typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in custodial work and basic maintenance, and knowledge of safety and cleaning procedures.

How many hours does a typical Physical Plant Custodian work per week?

The typical Physical Plant Custodian works an average of 40 hours per week.

What is the average salary for a Physical Plant Custodian?

The average salary for a Physical Plant Custodian is around $35,000 per year.

What duties does a Physical Plant Custodian perform?

The duties of a Physical Plant Custodian include cleaning and maintaining the grounds and facilities, performing minor repairs and maintenance, stocking supplies, and ensuring safety regulations are met.