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

Nov 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

When a senior janitor is assigned to a facility, the overall cleanliness and organization of the building can drastically improve. This is because senior janitors typically have more experience and knowledge of cleaning techniques and proper maintenance of the space. They are also able to take on more responsibility, such as managing a team of janitors, ordering supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. As a result, senior janitors can ensure that the facility is kept in a good condition, which is beneficial for everyone who visits the building, including staff, customers and clients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED for senior janitor positions.
Obtain prior janitorial experience. Most employers prefer to hire senior janitors who have prior experience in janitorial work. This could include experience in a residential or commercial setting, as well as in a school or hospital.
Become familiar with the use of various janitorial equipment and cleaning supplies. Senior janitors should be comfortable using and maintaining a variety of janitorial equipment.
Take a course in safety and health. Senior janitors should be aware of safety protocols to ensure that the environment is safe and healthy for everyone.
Obtain certification in OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. OSHA certifications demonstrate that a potential employee is knowledgeable about safety protocols.
Become certified in First Aid and CPR. Many employers require senior janitors to be certified in First Aid and CPR in case of an emergency.
Pursue additional certifications or training to become more marketable. Additional certifications in carpet cleaning or floor care can make a senior janitor more attractive to potential employers.
Develop strong customer service and communication skills. Senior janitors must be able to effectively communicate with customers, vendors, and other staff members.
Demonstrate leadership qualities. Employers may require that senior janitors have the ability to lead, motivate, and train other janitors.

Being a reliable and capable senior janitor requires hard work and dedication. It starts with understanding the job requirements and having an excellent work ethic. First, a senior janitor must have an eye for detail and be able to recognize any potential problems that may arise.

They must also be able to work independently and quickly assess the situation in order to make the best decisions for the job at hand. they must be highly organized, efficient, and have strong communication skills in order to effectively communicate with colleagues and supervisors. Finally, they must be willing to take initiative and go above and beyond to ensure the job is done correctly and that their tasks are completed correctly, on time, and within budget.

By having these skills, a senior janitor can ensure that the facilities they manage are kept clean and safe for everyone.

You may want to check Janitorial Manager, Certified Janitor, and Janitorial Technician III for alternative.

Job Description

Clean and maintain assigned areas using appropriate cleaning equipment, supplies, and techniques
Sweep, mop, scrub, and wax floors; vacuum carpets
Clean and polish furniture, fixtures and other surfaces
Empty trash cans and replace liners
Replenish restroom supplies
Maintain the cleanliness of stairwells and hallways
Clean windows, glass partitions, and mirrors
Sanitize and disinfect restrooms, drinking fountains, and other areas
Dust and polish furniture and fixtures
Clean walls, ceilings, and vents
Respond to emergency cleaning situations
Report any maintenance or repair issues to supervisor
Follow all safety guidelines when handling hazardous materials
Perform additional tasks as required

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to perform general janitorial duties such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting.
Ability to read and understand instructions and safety regulations.
Ability to use cleaning equipment such as mops, vacuum cleaners, and power washers.
Ability to lift and move heavy objects.
Knowledge of proper waste disposal procedures.
Knowledge of safety protocols and hazardous materials.
Ability to use chemical cleaning agents safely and effectively.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Good organizational skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and complete them in a timely manner.
Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a busy environment.
Flexibility to work shifts on short notice.
Ability to assess and complete tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.

Being a successful Senior Janitor requires having a wide range of skills. One of the most important skills to have is excellent organizational ability. This involves the ability to plan ahead and create systems that ensure that all cleaning tasks are completed efficiently and on time.

Having strong communication skills is also essential for a Senior Janitor, as it allows them to effectively communicate with their supervisors, fellow employees, and customers. problem-solving and decision-making skills are needed, as Senior Janitors often encounter unexpected and complex cleaning situations. Finally, being physically fit is important, as Senior Janitors must be able to perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting and carrying heavy objects over long distances.

By having these skills, Senior Janitors can be sure to provide a high-quality cleaning service to their employer and customers.

Janitorial Supervisor, Janitorial Coordinator, and Part-time Janitor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have cleaning and maintaining large buildings?
How would you handle a difficult situation with an uncooperative customer?
Describe a time when you had to work independently to complete a project.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with hazardous materials?
How do you prioritize tasks with competing deadlines?
Explain how you use advanced cleaning equipment and tools.
How do you ensure the quality of your work meets the standards of the organization?
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem and resolve it quickly.
What do you believe is the most important part of janitorial work?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. Used to remove dirt, dust, and debris from carpets and hard surfaces (eg. Hoover WindTunnel Vacuum Cleaner).
Mop and Bucket. Used to clean and sanitize hard floor surfaces (eg. Rubbermaid WaveBrake Mopping System).
Broom and Dustpan. Used to sweep dirt, dust, and debris from floors and surfaces (eg. O-Cedar Dual Action Microfiber Sweep and Mop).
Squeegee. Used to clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces (eg. Ettore Master Stainless Steel Squeegee).
Extension Cords. Used to extend power to a variety of electrical devices (eg. Woods indoor/outdoor extension cord).
Carpet Cleaner. Used to deep clean carpets and remove dirt, dust, and other debris (eg. Bissell Proheat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner).
Toilet Brush. Used to clean and sanitize toilets (eg. OXO Good Grips Toilet Brush).
Ladder. Used to access high places, such as ceiling fixtures or light bulbs (eg. Werner 6 ft Fiberglass Step Ladder).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA)
Association of Building Cleaning Professionals (ABCP)
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
American Institute of Cleaning Sciences (AICS)
National Association of Professional Janitorial Services (NAPJS)
National Organization of Professional Janitors (NOPJ)
Professional Janitorial Services Association (PJSA)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
National Cleaning Association (NCA)

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

Common Important Terms

Cleaning Supplies. Items used to clean, such as mops, sponges, vacuums, cleaning solutions, and other materials.
Custodial Maintenance. Responsible for keeping a facility in an orderly and presentable condition.
Floor Care. The process of cleaning and/or maintaining different types of flooring, including tile, wood, carpet, and linoleum.
Sanitation. The practice of keeping a facility clean and hygienic by removing dirt, germs, and other harmful contaminants.
Trash Removal. Collecting and disposing of waste material from a facility.
Emergency Clean-up. Cleaning up spills or messes immediately after they occur to prevent further damage or contamination.
Janitorial Services. Professional services that provide maintenance, repair, and janitorial services to businesses and other organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications for a Senior Janitor?

Senior Janitors typically have several years of janitorial experience and may have completed specialized training in areas such as safety protocols, infection control, and hazardous material management.

What tasks are typically performed by a Senior Janitor?

Senior Janitors are responsible for performing a variety of maintenance and cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors; emptying trash cans; cleaning bathrooms and kitchens; and cleaning and polishing surfaces. They may also be responsible for minor repairs and maintenance.

What skills are necessary to be a Senior Janitor?

Senior Janitors need to have excellent organizational skills, be detail-oriented, and have the ability to work independently and follow instructions. They should also be physically fit and able to lift heavy items.