Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facility Housekeeper

🎯 Role Definition

As a Facility Housekeeper, you are the cornerstone of our daily operations, directly responsible for creating a positive first impression and maintaining a world-class environment. This role goes beyond simple cleaning; you will be an integral part of our facilities team, tasked with upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and order. Your meticulous work ensures our workspace is not only aesthetically pleasing but also hygienic and fully compliant with health and safety standards. You are a proactive guardian of our physical space, contributing significantly to employee morale, client satisfaction, and the overall professional image of our organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Entry-Level / No formal experience
Residential Cleaner
Janitorial Assistant

Advancement To:

Housekeeping Supervisor / Team Lead
Environmental Services (EVS) Lead
Facilities Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Custodian (Specialized)
Maintenance Technician Assistant
Groundskeeper

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive cleaning and sanitization duties across all designated areas, including offices, restrooms, break rooms, lobbies, and conference rooms, following established schedules and quality standards.
Execute detailed floor care procedures such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and operating floor scrubbers and buffers to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of various floor surfaces.
Thoroughly clean, disinfect, and restock all restroom facilities, ensuring sinks, toilets, urinals, mirrors, and floors are sanitary and supplies like soap and paper products are always available.
Manage waste disposal by collecting, segregating (trash, recycling, compost), and transporting it to designated collection areas, ensuring compliance with waste management policies.
Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including desks, countertops, windowsills, partitions, and office furniture, to remove dust, dirt, and smudges.
Clean and polish glass surfaces, windows, mirrors, and interior glass partitions to ensure they are free of streaks and fingerprints.
Monitor and maintain inventory levels of all cleaning supplies, paper products, and janitorial equipment, submitting timely requisitions to the supervisor to prevent shortages.
Proactively identify and report any maintenance issues, safety hazards, or facility damage (e.g., leaking faucets, broken lights, damaged furniture) to the appropriate personnel.
Respond promptly to urgent clean-up requests, such as spills or accidents, using proper procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure immediate resolution and safety.
Adhere strictly to all health and safety regulations, including the proper handling, mixing, and storage of cleaning chemicals and the correct use of all cleaning equipment.
Prepare and set up conference rooms and event spaces before meetings and clean and reset them afterward, ensuring they are presentable for the next use.
Conduct deep cleaning and restorative projects as scheduled, which may include carpet shampooing, floor stripping and waxing, and high-level dusting.
Maintain the cleanliness of building exteriors, including entranceways, walkways, and patio areas, by sweeping debris and removing litter.
Operate and maintain various types of powered cleaning equipment, such as commercial vacuums, carpet extractors, and automatic floor scrubbers, performing minor preventative maintenance.
Ensure all cleaning equipment is properly cleaned, stored, and in good working order at the end of each shift.
Follow specific infection control protocols, especially in sensitive environments, to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a hygienic space.
Secure the facility at the end of shifts as required, including locking doors, closing windows, and turning off lights in designated areas.
Interact professionally and courteously with building occupants, staff, and visitors while performing duties, addressing minor requests or directing them to the appropriate contact.
Maintain detailed logs and records of cleaning activities, inspections, and supply usage as required by facility management.
Assist with seasonal tasks, such as placing weather mats during inclement weather or performing extensive cleaning during facility shutdowns.
Systematically clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and handrails to minimize the spread of germs.
Uphold the organization's standards for a professional and orderly appearance throughout the entire facility, taking personal pride in the quality of work delivered.

Secondary Functions

Assist with minor furniture and equipment moves as requested by the facilities team.
Provide support for company events and functions by assisting with setup and breakdown.
Participate in mandatory safety training and team meetings to stay current on best practices and company policies.
Escort vendors or contractors to designated work areas within the facility as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating commercial cleaning equipment (floor buffers, carpet extractors, auto-scrubbers).
Knowledge of proper chemical handling, dilution, and storage procedures (SDS/MSDS).
Expertise in various cleaning techniques for different surfaces (wood, glass, metal, tile, carpet).
Understanding of infection control principles and sanitation standards.
Ability to perform minor maintenance on cleaning equipment.
Skill in waste management and recycling protocols.
Competence in advanced floor care, including stripping, waxing, and sealing.
Physical stamina and strength to lift up to 50 lbs, bend, and stand for extended periods.
Knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage and requirements.
Basic inventory management skills for tracking and reordering supplies.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail
Reliability and Punctuality
Strong Time Management and Organizational Skills
Ability to Work Independently with Minimal Supervision
Professionalism and a Positive Attitude
Proactive Problem-Solving Abilities
Adaptability and Flexibility to Changing Priorities
Clear Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Strong Work Ethic and Integrity
Collaborative Team Player

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certification in custodial services or housekeeping (e.g., CMI, ISSA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
Facilities Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of professional cleaning or housekeeping experience.

Preferred:

Experience in a commercial, healthcare, educational, or corporate environment is highly desirable.