Janitor Career Overview

Janitors (also called custodians or building porters) keep facilities clean, safe, and ready for daily use. They support schools, offices, hospitals, retail spaces, apartments, and public buildings by handling cleaning routines, minor fixes, and room setups. The role suits reliable, detail-oriented people who like hands-on work and take pride in a well-kept space.

What Janitors Do

• Clean and sanitize restrooms, classrooms, offices, lobbies, and common areas

• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and spot-clean floors; handle trash and recycling

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces and restock supplies

• Set up rooms for events and reset layouts afterward

• Perform light maintenance (replace bulbs, tighten hardware, report larger issues)

• Monitor building conditions and report hazards promptly

Where They Work

• K–12 schools, colleges, and universities

• Office buildings and coworking spaces

• Hospitals, clinics, and senior living communities

• Retail stores, malls, entertainment venues

• Apartments, condos, and HOAs

• Government buildings and transportation hubs

Must-Have Skills

• Consistency and attention to detail to keep standards high every day

• Safety awareness for chemicals, wet floors, ladders, and sharps disposal

• Time management to complete routes on schedule and handle urgent tasks

• Communication and teamwork with facility staff, teachers, nurses, or tenants

• Problem solving to identify issues early and prevent disruptions

• Customer service mindset for occupant requests and room changes

Training and Certifications

• On-the-job training for tools, equipment, and routines

• Chemical safety and SDS comprehension; PPE use

• Bloodborne pathogen awareness (common in healthcare and schools)

• OSHA 10/30 general industry awareness (helpful)

• Floor care certifications (auto-scrubbers, burnishers, finishes) from manufacturers or trade groups

• Local background checks for school and childcare settings

Tools and Technology

• Vacuums, auto-scrubbers, burnishers, carpet extractors, and floor machines

• Microfiber systems and color-coded cleaning to prevent cross-contamination

• Dilution control stations and closed chemical systems

• Mobile work orders or CMMS apps for task lists, photos, and sign-offs

• Basic hand tools for light fixes and room setup

Safety and Compliance Essentials

• Labeling, storage, and mixing procedures for chemicals

• Wet-floor signage and slip-fall prevention

• Ladder safety and safe lifting techniques

• Sharps and biohazard handling where applicable

• Secure access to closets and equipment in schools and public venues

Career Path

• Janitor or Custodian → Lead Custodian or Shift Lead → Supervisor or Day Porter Lead

• Specializations: floor care technician, infection prevention, event services

• Advancement into facilities technician, building operations, or housekeeping management

Breaking In

• Start in an entry-level custodial role; learn routes, standards, and equipment

• Build reliability by meeting checklists and documenting completed tasks

• Add short courses in floor care, infection control, or safety to stand out

• Keep a small portfolio of before-and-after photos (if allowed) to show quality

Key Takeaway
Janitors are essential to safe, healthy, and productive spaces. Consistent quality, safety discipline, and good communication create trust—and open doors to lead roles and broader facilities careers.


Source:  ChatGPT