Role Specification - Hotel Janitor / Public Area Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

The Hotel Janitor, often referred to as a Public Area Attendant or Houseman, is the cornerstone of our hotel's presentation and guest experience. This individual is responsible for the meticulous upkeep and cleanliness of all public-facing and back-of-house areas. More than just cleaning, this role acts as a guardian of our brand's image, ensuring that every guest's first impression is one of pristine care and welcoming order. The Janitor works diligently, often behind the scenes, to create a safe, sanitary, and aesthetically pleasing environment that upholds our high standards and contributes directly to guest satisfaction and loyalty.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Cleaner
Residential Housekeeping
Entry-Level Restaurant or Retail Roles

Advancement To:

Lead Janitor / Housekeeping Team Lead
Housekeeping Supervisor
Facilities Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Room Attendant / Housekeeper
Laundry Attendant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously clean and maintain the appearance of all public spaces, including the lobby, hallways, lounges, public restrooms, and entrances, to ensure a superior standard of cleanliness.
Perform comprehensive floor care duties, which include sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, stripping, waxing, and buffing hard-surface floors in high-traffic areas to maintain shine and safety.
Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted areas, including hallways, meeting rooms, and lobby spaces, and perform spot-cleaning treatments on carpets as needed to remove stains.
Routinely service, clean, and sanitize public restrooms, ensuring they are fully stocked with paper products, soap, and other essential supplies throughout the day.
Collect and dispose of trash and recycling from all public area receptacles, transport waste to designated disposal areas, and maintain the cleanliness of the waste disposal sites.
Clean all interior and exterior glass surfaces, including entrance doors, windows, and mirrors, ensuring they are free of streaks, smudges, and dirt.
Dust and polish furniture, fixtures, ledges, frames, and other surfaces in the lobby and common areas to maintain a dust-free and polished environment.
Monitor and patrol public areas continuously throughout the shift, addressing any cleaning needs or safety hazards proactively and immediately.
Execute scheduled deep cleaning projects, such as shampooing carpets, pressure washing exterior walkways, or high-dusting light fixtures and vents.
Ensure the proper and safe use of all cleaning chemicals and solutions in accordance with manufacturer specifications and hotel safety protocols (MSDS).
Maintain and clean all janitorial equipment after use, ensuring it is in good working order and stored neatly in the designated janitorial closets.
Report any observed maintenance issues, property damage, safety hazards, or malfunctioning equipment to the Maintenance or Housekeeping Supervisor promptly.
Set up and break down tables, chairs, and other furniture for meetings, banquets, and special events as directed by management.
Keep janitorial closets and storage areas clean, organized, and well-stocked with cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
Respond to and handle guest requests or complaints regarding public area cleanliness with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

Secondary Functions

Assist the housekeeping department with tasks such as stripping linens from rooms or delivering fresh supplies to Room Attendants during peak periods.
Provide support to the maintenance team for minor tasks, including changing light bulbs, touching up paint, or assisting with moving heavy items.
Monitor exterior grounds, including parking lots and entranceways, to remove litter, debris, and snow/ice as weather conditions require.
Deliver guest amenities, rollaway beds, or cribs to guest rooms upon request from the front desk or a guest.
Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and paper goods, and communicate reordering needs to the supervising manager to prevent shortages.
Adhere to all hotel security and safety procedures, including lost and found protocols, to ensure the well-being of guests and fellow team members.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Commercial Cleaning Techniques: Proficient in the use of commercial-grade cleaning agents and equipment for various surfaces.
Floor Care Expertise: Knowledge of operating floor buffers, carpet extractors, and wet/dry vacuums for deep cleaning and maintenance.
Chemical Safety Knowledge: Understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and the proper handling, mixing, and storage of cleaning chemicals.
Waste Management: Familiarity with proper trash and recycling disposal procedures according to company and local regulations.
Minor Maintenance: Basic ability to perform simple repairs like changing a lightbulb or tightening a loose fixture.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure no aspect of cleanliness is overlooked, from a stray piece of litter to a smudged window.
Time Management & Organization: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently to cover large areas without direct supervision.
Independence & Autonomy: Self-motivated and capable of working independently to complete a checklist of duties with a high degree of quality.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods (lifting up to 50 lbs) to perform physically demanding tasks.
Professionalism & Discretion: Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance while working around guests, respecting their privacy and experience.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and quickly resolve cleaning and safety issues as they arise.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is generally required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in custodial services or facilities management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
Facilities Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of cleaning or janitorial experience.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience in a janitorial or public area attendant role within a hotel, resort, hospital, or upscale commercial property. Experience in a customer-facing environment is a significant asset.