Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a High Pressure Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a diligent, safety-oriented, and skilled High Pressure Cleaner to become a important part of our field operations team. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for operating powerful jet washing and power washing equipment to clean, restore, and prepare a wide variety of surfaces for our commercial, residential, and industrial clients.

The ideal candidate is a meticulous and reliable professional who takes immense pride in delivering exceptional visual results. You will be a key player in maintaining the aesthetic, safety, and structural integrity of our clients' properties, working both independently and as part of a collaborative team to tackle diverse and challenging cleaning projects. If you have a strong work ethic and enjoy transforming spaces, we encourage you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Maintenance Assistant or Helper
Car Detailer / Car Wash Attendant
Landscaping Crew Member

Advancement To:

Lead High Pressure Cleaning Technician / Team Lead
Field Operations Supervisor
Operations Manager
Business Owner / Independent Contractor

Lateral Moves:

Industrial Painter or Coater
Sandblasting Technician
Facilities Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure water jetting equipment (hot and cold units) to effectively clean concrete, brick, siding, metal, and other materials.
Select and utilize the appropriate nozzles, pressure settings, and attachments for each specific job to maximize cleaning effectiveness without causing surface damage.
Safely prepare, mix, and apply a variety of industrial-strength cleaning agents, degreasers, and chemicals according to safety data sheets (SDS) and manufacturer guidelines.
Perform pre-and post-job inspections of the work area to identify potential hazards, assess the scope of work, and ensure a complete and satisfactory cleaning.
Set up and break down all equipment, including pressure washers, hoses, reels, and safety barriers, efficiently and safely at each job site.
Adhere strictly to all company, client, and OSHA safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and respirators.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance on all cleaning equipment, including checking oil levels, cleaning filters, and inspecting hoses and fittings for wear and tear.
Troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions in the field to minimize downtime and ensure project continuity.
Protect adjacent surfaces, landscaping, and property from overspray, debris, and chemical exposure using tarps, tape, and other protective measures.
Drive company vehicles, often towing trailers with heavy equipment, to and from various job sites in a safe and professional manner.
Remove a wide range of substances, including graffiti, oil stains, grease, gum, rust, and biological growth like mold and algae.
Work effectively at heights, utilizing ladders, scaffolding, and aerial work platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts) as required and with proper certification.

Secondary Functions

Document all completed work accurately by filling out work orders, service tickets, and daily logs.
Communicate professionally with clients and site supervisors, providing updates on project progress and addressing any questions or concerns.
Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked work vehicle, ensuring all necessary tools, supplies, and chemicals are readily available.
Assist in managing the inventory of cleaning chemicals, parts, and supplies, reporting needs to the supervisor.
Participate in ongoing safety training sessions and team meetings to stay current on best practices and company policies.
Train and mentor junior technicians on proper equipment operation, cleaning techniques, and safety procedures.
Ensure the proper containment and disposal of wastewater and cleaning debris in accordance with local and environmental regulations.
Respond to emergency or on-call service requests for urgent cleaning needs, such as spills or hazardous material cleanup.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High-Pressure Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating various types of pressure washers, including hot water units, cold water units, and surface cleaners.
Equipment Maintenance: Basic mechanical aptitude for performing routine maintenance and minor field repairs on engines, pumps, and hoses.
Chemical Handling: Knowledge of different cleaning agents, degreasers, and solvents, and how to apply them safely and effectively.
Safety Compliance: Strong understanding of job site safety, OSHA regulations (OSHA 10 is a plus), and proper use of all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Surface Assessment: Ability to evaluate different surfaces (e.g., EIFS, brick, historic stone, metal) to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method.
Lift/Scaffolding Operation: Certification or experience operating aerial work platforms (AWPs) and setting up scaffolding is highly desirable.
Valid Driver's License: A clean driving record is essential; a commercial driver's license (CDL) is a significant advantage for some roles.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to stand for long periods, work in various weather conditions, and lift heavy equipment (50+ lbs).
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in both the cleaning process and in protecting the client's property to ensure a flawless and damage-free result.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic with a proven track record of being dependable and on time.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think on your feet to troubleshoot equipment issues or adapt to unexpected site conditions.
Time Management: Capable of working efficiently to complete jobs within the allocated timeframe without sacrificing quality or safety.
Independent Work: Self-motivated and able to work productively with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or trade school in a related field such as industrial maintenance or small engine repair.
Manufacturer-specific or industry training certifications (e.g., PWNA - Power Washers of North America).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Skilled Trades
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of professional experience.

Preferred:

2+ years of proven, hands-on experience operating commercial-grade high-pressure washing equipment in an industrial or commercial setting.
Verifiable experience working on a variety of job sites, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, and multi-unit residential properties.
Experience with specialized cleaning tasks like kitchen hood/exhaust cleaning, fleet washing, or heavy equipment cleaning is highly valued.