Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Floor Cleaner / Floor Care Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As our Floor Care Technician, you are the specialist responsible for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and longevity of our diverse flooring surfaces. You will operate advanced cleaning equipment and apply industry-best practices to perform everything from daily maintenance to intensive restorative procedures. This role is perfect for a proactive and reliable individual who understands that a clean facility is a reflection of our brand's commitment to excellence. You will work both independently and as part of a larger facilities team to ensure our environment is pristine, safe, and fully operational at all times.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Housekeeper / Environmental Services Aide
No direct experience required; training provided

Advancement To:

Lead Custodian / Floor Care Supervisor
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Environmental Services (EVS) Manager

Lateral Moves:

Building Maintenance Technician
Janitorial Specialist
Groundskeeper

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate a variety of heavy-duty commercial floor cleaning equipment, including automatic scrubbers, high-speed buffers/burnishers, carpet extractors, and wet/dry vacuums.
Perform comprehensive stripping, sealing, and finishing procedures on hard surface floors, such as Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT), ensuring proper application of wax and sealant for a durable, high-gloss finish.
Execute deep cleaning and restorative projects for carpets, including shampooing, bonnet cleaning, and hot water extraction, to remove embedded dirt and stains.
Conduct routine floor maintenance tasks, such as dust mopping, damp mopping, and spray buffing, to maintain cleanliness and shine on a daily basis.
Identify, assess, and treat various spots and stains on both carpet and hard surfaces using appropriate chemicals and techniques.
Follow established cleaning schedules and routes to ensure all designated areas are serviced efficiently and according to company and client standards.
Inspect floors post-cleaning to ensure they meet stringent quality and appearance standards, performing touch-ups as necessary.
Safely and accurately dilute and mix cleaning chemicals and solutions according to manufacturer specifications and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Ensure all safety protocols are strictly followed, including the use of "wet floor" signs, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safe equipment operation.
Move and rearrange furniture, equipment, and other obstacles before and after cleaning operations to ensure thorough coverage of all floor areas.
Perform preventative maintenance on all floor care equipment, including cleaning, inspecting, and reporting any malfunctions or needs for repair to the supervisor.
Maintain a neat and organized janitorial closet, ensuring all supplies and equipment are stored correctly and safely.
Respond promptly to and clean up any spills, biohazardous materials, or other flooring-related emergencies in a safe and effective manner.
Manage the inventory of floor care supplies, such as waxes, strippers, pads, and chemicals, and report replenishment needs to the supervisor.
Adhere to all organizational and regulatory policies, including OSHA, HIPAA (if in a healthcare setting), and other environmental health and safety standards.

Secondary Functions

Assist the general janitorial team with tasks such as trash removal, dusting, and cleaning of restrooms and common areas during periods of high need or staff shortages.
Perform minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs or ceiling tiles, as requested by the facilities management.
Set up and break down rooms for meetings, events, and special functions, including arranging tables, chairs, and other equipment.
Pressure wash exterior entryways, walkways, and patios to maintain a clean and safe outdoor environment.
Document completed work, inspections, and any incidents or equipment issues on daily logs or through a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Provide excellent customer service by professionally and courteously addressing any requests or concerns from building occupants.
Participate in mandatory safety training sessions and team meetings to stay current on best practices and company policies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating commercial floor care equipment (auto-scrubbers, buffers, burnishers, carpet extractors).
Expertise in floor stripping, waxing, sealing, and finishing techniques for various floor types.
Knowledge of different flooring materials (VCT, LVT, terrazzo, concrete, wood, various carpet types) and their specific care requirements.
Safe handling, dilution, and application of industrial-grade cleaning chemicals and solutions.
Ability to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on cleaning equipment.
Understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and OSHA safety regulations.
Carpet care expertise, including spot treatment, bonnet cleaning, and hot water extraction methods.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a high standard for cleanliness.
Strong time management and organizational skills to complete tasks efficiently without supervision.
Ability to work independently and as a collaborative member of a team.
Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), stand, bend, and walk for extended periods.
Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
Problem-solving skills to address unexpected cleaning challenges or equipment issues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalent is often preferred, but not strictly required.

Preferred Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Vocational Certification in Custodial Services
Building Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-3 years of experience in a commercial cleaning, janitorial, or environmental services role.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of dedicated experience specifically focused on floor care, including operating buffers, scrubbers, and performing stripping and waxing procedures.