Janitorial Technician (Restaurant) – Career Overview
A Janitorial Technician (Restaurant) is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in a restaurant environment. This role includes performing regular cleaning and upkeep tasks in both the front-of-house and back-of-house areas. Janitorial Technicians ensure that the restaurant remains hygienic and welcoming for both customers and staff, contributing to the overall safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency of the restaurant.
Janitorial Technicians (Restaurant) are responsible for:
● Cleaning and sanitizing front-of-house areas, including dining rooms, restrooms, lobbies, and hallways.
● Cleaning kitchen and back-of-house areas, including wiping down surfaces, cleaning floors, and sanitizing kitchen equipment.
● Emptying trash bins and disposing of waste properly to ensure the restaurant remains clean and free from debris.
● Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, ensuring that the restaurant’s surfaces are spotless and hygienic.
● Maintaining and restocking cleaning supplies, ensuring that the restaurant is always prepared for cleaning tasks.
● Cleaning windows and mirrors, ensuring that they are free of smudges and fingerprints.
● Ensuring cleanliness of restrooms, including restocking toilet paper, soap, and ensuring sanitary conditions.
● Deep cleaning tasks such as power washing floors, cleaning kitchen exhaust systems, and stripping and waxing floors as necessary.
● Following safety procedures, especially when handling cleaning chemicals or equipment to prevent accidents.
A successful Janitorial Technician (Restaurant) should be:
● Skilled in cleaning techniques, including the proper use of cleaning chemicals, tools, and equipment.
● Detail-oriented, ensuring that all areas are thoroughly cleaned and maintained to the highest standard.
● Physically fit, as the role requires lifting, bending, standing for long periods, and performing repetitive tasks.
● Good organizational skills, able to manage cleaning tasks effectively and ensure all areas are covered.
● Knowledgeable about safety protocols when using cleaning chemicals and equipment.
● Customer service-oriented, with the ability to provide a pleasant, clean environment for customers and staff.
● Reliable and dependable, able to perform cleaning tasks with minimal supervision.
Most Janitorial Technicians (Restaurant) have:
● A high school diploma or GED.
● On-the-job training to learn specific cleaning tasks and restaurant protocols.
● Safety training, particularly in the safe use of cleaning chemicals and equipment.
● Certification in green cleaning or hazardous material handling may be required depending on the restaurant’s needs.
Janitorial Technicians (Restaurant) work primarily in restaurants, performing cleaning tasks both in the front-of-house (customer areas) and back-of-house (kitchen areas). The role involves working with cleaning chemicals, using cleaning equipment, and working in various conditions, including handling grease, food spills, and heavy equipment. Technicians may need to work early mornings, late evenings, or weekends to minimize disruption to restaurant operations.
The demand for Janitorial Technicians (Restaurant) remains steady, especially in high-traffic restaurants or those with a high standard for cleanliness. With experience, technicians can advance to roles such as Lead Janitor, Facilities Maintenance Technician, or Cleaning Supervisor. Opportunities for self-employment or contract work are also common for experienced janitorial professionals.