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Occupation AtlasJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

O*NET · 37-2011.00

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

Also called Airport Attendant · Alley Cleaner · Blinds Cleaner · Blinds Washer · Brass Cleaner · Brass Polisher · Building Attendant · Building Custodian
107 more

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Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Amusement and Recreation Attendants

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCSRealistic · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.73
  • C Conventional4.61
  • S Social2.11
  • E Enterprising1.67
  • I Investigative1.15
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma14%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent62%
  • Bachelor's Degree24%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (33%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (53%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (50%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.3Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Speakingbasic3.02.1Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Coordination2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Monitoringbasic2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Time Management2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active Learningbasic2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Service Orientation2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Writingbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Operations Monitoring2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Troubleshooting2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Persuasion2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Instructing2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Equipment Maintenance2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Repairing2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Selection2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operation and Control2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Quality Control Analysis2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Systems Analysis2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Material Resources1.50.6
  • Mathematicsbasic1.40.6
  • Management of Financial Resources1.40.5
  • Programming1.3—
  • Technology Design1.3—
  • Operations Analysis1.1—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

12 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Service, clean, or supply restrooms.4.2
  2. Gather and empty trash.4.2
  3. Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.4.2
  4. Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.4.2
  5. Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.4.2
  6. Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.4.2
  7. Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.4.0
  8. Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.3.8
  9. Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.3.7
  10. Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.3.7
  11. Clean and polish furniture and fixtures.3.5
  12. Move heavy furniture, equipment, or supplies, either manually or with hand trucks.3.4
Show the other 9
  1. Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.3.7
  2. Remove snow from sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas, using snowplows, snow blowers, or snow shovels, or spread snow-melting chemicals.3.5
  3. Make adjustments or minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing, or electrical systems.3.5
  4. Set up, arrange, or remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, or scaffolding to prepare facilities for events, such as banquets or meetings.3.4
  5. Spray insecticides or fumigants to prevent insect or rodent infestation.3.4
  6. Drive vans, industrial trucks, or other vehicles required to travel to, or to perform, cleaning work.3.4
  7. Clean chimneys, flues, and connecting pipes, using power or hand tools.3.2
  8. Mow or trim lawns or shrubbery, using mowers or hand or power trimmers, and clear debris from grounds.3.1
  9. Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security3.42.6
  • Administration and Management3.22.8
  • English Language2.92.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Customer and Personal Service2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Law and Government2.31.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Telecommunications2.21.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
Show all 33
  • Communications and Media2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Administrative1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Education and Training1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Physics1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Chemistry1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and Accounting1.80.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Mechanical1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Production and Processing1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Philosophy and Theology1.7—
  • Computers and Electronics1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Mathematics1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Engineering and Technology1.4—
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.3—
  • Psychology1.30.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Design1.1—
  • Sales and Marketing1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Trunk Strength3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Extent Flexibility3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Oral Comprehension3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Problem Sensitivity3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Static Strength3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Information Ordering2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Multilimb Coordination2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Selective Attention2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Deductive Reasoning2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Far Vision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Gross Body Coordination2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Speech Recognition2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Stamina2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Category Flexibility2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control Precision2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Inductive Reasoning2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Visualization2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Comprehension2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written Expression2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Flexibility of Closure2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of Ideas2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory Attention2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Rate Control2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Closure2.01.4
  • Memorization1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Response Orientation1.80.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.80.9
  • Explosive Strength1.50.9
  • Glare Sensitivity1.50.6
  • Mathematical Reasoning1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—
  • Spatial Orientation1.3—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.73.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Getting Information3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Developing and Building Teams3.52.6
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Training and Teaching Others3.32.8
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.22.6
  • Processing Information3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.12.5Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.12.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.12.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.02.3Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.02.0Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.92.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.92.7
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.82.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.81.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Working with Computers2.82.6
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.72.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.5
  • Spend Time Walking or Running4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.2
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.1
  • Spend Time Standing4.0
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers3.9
  • Contact With Others3.7

Technology

6 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (2)
  • Eko
  • Squeegee

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
  2. Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
  3. Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
  4. Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
  5. Dishwashers
  6. Recycling and Reclamation Workers
  7. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  8. Floor Sanders and Finishers
  9. Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
  10. Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.