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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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65312.00 – Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners

Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Building caretaker
  • Custodian
  • Heavy-duty cleaner
  • Industrial cleaner
  • Plant cleaner
  • School janitor

Core competencies

  • Troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve issues with cleaning equipment or unexpected problems that arise during maintenance
  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to oversee the use of tools and equipment, perform regular checks to prevent malfunctions and ensure optimal performance
  • Trunk Strength to handle and move heavy equipment or furniture, such as industrial vacuums and floor scrubbers
  • Body Flexibility to perform tasks that require bending, crouching and stretching in various positions in order to access all areas that need cleaning or maintenance
  • Attention to Detail to ensure all areas are thoroughly cleaned and maintained, including hard-to-reach spots
  • Knowledge in Chemistry to be familiar with the chemical properties of cleaning agents and use products safely, according to manufacturer guidelines

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse
  • Wash windows, interior walls and ceilings
  • Empty trash cans and other waste containers
  • Sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs
  • Clean snow and ice from walkways and parking areas
  • Cut grass and tend grounds and plants
  • Clean and disinfect washrooms and fixtures
  • May move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Cleaning supervisors (62024)
  • General building maintenance workers and building superintendents (73201)
  • Light duty cleaners (65310)
  • Specialized cleaners (65311)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

6 – Sales and service occupations

TEER

5 – Occupations usually require short-term work demonstration and no formal education

Major group

65 – Sales and service support occupations

Sub-major group

653 – Support occupations in cleaning and related services

Minor group

6531 – Cleaners

Unit group

65312 – Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners

Occupational profile

65312.00 – Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.