If you have a knack for keeping things clean and organized and prefer a hands-on job rather than sitting in an office, then a career as a custodian might be a great fit for you. Custodians are responsible for cleaning and maintaining buildings, with a focus on the interiors, furnishings, and equipment.

Understanding Custodian Duties and Responsibilities

Custodian duties can vary depending on the job, ranging from lighter tasks to heavier ones. Light duties may include emptying garbage containers, cleaning washrooms, dusting and polishing furniture, washing and polishing glass, spot-washing walls, vacuuming carpets, sweeping or damp-mopping floors, picking up litter outside the building, and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces.

On the other hand, heavy duties may involve spot-cleaning and deep-cleaning carpets, sweeping and wet-mopping or scrubbing floors, stripping, sealing, finishing, and polishing floors, removing waste materials, washing walls and ceilings, and moving heavy furniture, equipment, and supplies.

Skills and Traits of Successful Custodians

In addition, custodians working in schools may also be responsible for maintaining heating and cooling equipment, ensuring lights and fire extinguishers are in working order. Industrial plant cleaners, on the other hand, may also have the task of keeping machinery free of lint, dust, oil, and grease, and may use a box cart to transport materials and products between buildings.

Custodians often work evenings and nights, and their working hours can range from part-time shifts to 8-hour shifts. They may also be required to respond to emergencies even when off duty. Some important traits and skills for custodians include the ability to work on their feet for a full shift, physical fitness and the ability to bend, stretch, walk, and lift or move things, as well as good communication skills. It's also necessary to enjoy taking an orderly approach to work and be comfortable using equipment like vacuum cleaners, sweepers, and floor polishers.

Exploring Custodian Job Opportunities

If you're considering a career as a custodian, the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes may be relevant: 2006 NOC: Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents (6663), 2006 NOC-S: Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents (G933), 2011 NOC: Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents (6733), and 2016 NOC: Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents (6733).

In conclusion, being a custodian is a rewarding profession that requires a hands-on approach to cleaning and maintaining buildings. With a demand for custodians in various industries and a range of duties to perform, it can be a fulfilling career choice for those who enjoy keeping things tidy and orderly.

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