About This Career

Keeps buildings in clean and orderly condition. Performs 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.

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster Lodging pathway.

A person in this career:

• Services, cleans, or supplies restrooms.
• Gathers and empties trash.
• Cleans building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
• Monitors 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.
• Notifies managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
• Follows procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
• Mixes water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
• Cleans windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
• Dusts furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.
• Requisitions supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves walking or running more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching
• Seeing clearly up close
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects
• Using abdominal and lower back muscles repeatedly or over time without tiring

Work Hours and Travel

• Irregular hours
• Weekend work