Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facility Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Facility Attendant, you are the backbone of our building's operations and the first line of defense in ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all employees, clients, and visitors. This role is a dynamic blend of hands-on maintenance, janitorial excellence, and proactive problem-solving. You will be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep, minor repairs, and overall presentation of our physical space, directly contributing to our organization's efficiency, safety, and positive image. This role requires a reliable and detail-oriented individual who takes pride in their work and understands the critical impact of a well-maintained facility.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Janitor / Custodian
General Laborer
Maintenance Helper

Advancement To:

Lead Facility Attendant / Custodial Supervisor
Facilities Coordinator
Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Groundskeeper
Security Guard

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform a comprehensive range of cleaning and sanitation duties, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting across all assigned areas such as offices, conference rooms, lobbies, and common spaces.
Conduct routine inspections and servicing of all restrooms, ensuring they remain clean, sanitary, and fully stocked with supplies like soap, paper towels, and toilet paper throughout the day.
Execute minor and routine maintenance tasks, including but not limited to changing light bulbs, fixing leaky faucets, adjusting door hardware, and performing minor paint touch-ups to maintain facility aesthetics.
Manage the collection and disposal of waste and recyclables from internal receptacles to designated central collection points, ensuring a clean and tidy appearance.
Proactively patrol and inspect the facility premises, both interior and exterior, to identify potential safety hazards, maintenance needs, security risks, or areas requiring immediate attention.
Respond promptly and efficiently to urgent service calls and facility-related emergencies, such as spills, plumbing clogs, or equipment malfunctions, to minimize disruption and safety risks.
Set up and break down rooms for meetings, corporate events, and special functions, including the precise arrangement of tables, chairs, and audio-visual equipment per event requirements.
Ensure all building entrances, walkways, and parking areas are safe and clear of debris, including performing seasonal tasks like snow and ice removal.
Skillfully operate and perform preventative maintenance on various types of facility equipment, such as floor buffers, carpet extractors, power washers, and basic hand/power tools.
Monitor building systems, including lighting, HVAC, and plumbing, to ensure proper functionality and report any deviations or malfunctions to the Facilities Manager.
Adhere strictly to all organizational and governmental health and safety protocols, including the correct handling of chemical cleaning agents and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Provide excellent customer service to all building occupants, guests, and vendors, professionally addressing inquiries and concerns related to the facility.
Maintain accurate logs and records of completed maintenance tasks, daily cleaning schedules, and safety inspections for compliance and reporting purposes.
Assist specialized trade technicians (e.g., HVAC, electricians, plumbers) by providing site access, information, and support as directed.
Perform security-related duties as needed, such as locking and unlocking facilities at designated times and monitoring for unauthorized personnel.
Manage and maintain the cleanliness and organization of all janitorial closets, storage rooms, and maintenance workshops.
Conduct preventative maintenance checks on facility infrastructure and equipment to identify wear and tear and prevent future breakdowns.
Prepare surfaces for painting and perform small to medium-sized interior and exterior painting projects to keep the facility looking fresh and professional.
Assist in maintaining inventory levels of all cleaning, maintenance, and restroom supplies, and formally notify supervisors when reordering is necessary.
Ensure all fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and emergency lighting, is accessible, charged, and inspected according to schedule.
Address and repair minor damages to walls, such as patching drywall and touching up paint, to preserve the integrity and appearance of interior spaces.

Secondary Functions

Support logistical needs for inter-departmental moves, including the relocation of furniture, equipment, and boxes.
Assist with the receiving and distribution of large shipments and supplies.
Participate in regular safety committee meetings and contribute to a culture of continuous safety improvement.
Provide backup support to other facilities team members during absences or periods of high workload.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and maintaining commercial cleaning and maintenance equipment, including floor scrubbers, buffers, carpet extractors, and power tools.
Basic Repair Skills: Foundational knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and carpentry for performing minor repairs (e.g., fixing a clog, replacing an outlet cover, repairing furniture).
Safety Protocol Knowledge: Familiarity with OSHA standards, hazard communication, and proper handling/storage of chemical cleaning agents and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Preventative Maintenance: Ability to follow a preventative maintenance schedule for building systems and equipment.
Physical Stamina: Capability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in various environmental conditions.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all cleaning, maintenance, and inspection tasks to ensure high standards are consistently met.
Time Management & Organization: Excellent ability to prioritize tasks, manage a daily workflow, and work efficiently with minimal supervision.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful and proactive in identifying issues and implementing effective, timely solutions.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and professionally communicate with team members, management, and building occupants.
Reliability & Work Ethic: A dependable and punctual team player with a strong sense of ownership and pride in their work.
Customer Service Orientation: A friendly and helpful demeanor when interacting with staff and visitors, ensuring their facility-related needs are met.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or Trade School certification in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Maintenance
Building Trades
Custodial Technician Training

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a similar role.

Preferred: Prior experience in a commercial office, healthcare, educational, or hospitality environment is highly desirable. Demonstrable experience with hands-on maintenance and repair tasks is a significant plus.