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Window cleaners

OaSIS code 65311.05

Window cleaners clean windows and other glass surfaces using specialized equipment and techniques.

Overview

Also known as

  • Venetian blinds cleaner and repairer
  • Window cleaner

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Wash and clean interior and exterior windows and other glass surfaces in low-rise and highrise buildings.

Additional information

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

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Cleaning supervisors (62024)

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

65311 – Specialized cleaners

Occupational profile

65311.05 – Window cleaners

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Handling and Moving Objects
3 - Moderate Level
Performing General Physical Activities
3 - Moderate Level
Assisting and Caring for Others
2 - Low Level
Controlling Machines and Processes
2 - Low Level
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
2 - Low Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
2 - Low amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
0 – Not applicable
Standing
Duration
5 - All the time, or almost all the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
3 - About half the time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
2 - Somewhat important
Frequency
2 - Once a month or more but not every week

Workplaces/employers

  • Self-employed
  • Specialized cleaning services companies

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Body Flexibility
3 - Moderate Level
Dynamic Strength
3 - Moderate Level
Gross Body Coordination
3 - Moderate Level
Gross Body Equilibrium
3 - Moderate Level
Multi-Limb Coordination
3 - Moderate Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Operation and Control
2 - Low Level
Preventative Maintenance
2 - Low Level
Coordinating
1 - Lowest Level
Critical Thinking
1 - Lowest Level
Decision Making
1 - Lowest Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Attention to Detail
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
3 - Important
Stress Tolerance
3 - Important
Adaptability
2 - Somewhat important

Interests

The OaSIS uses the Holland Codes to describe the work-related interests. According to the Holland model, people work best in work environments that match their preferences, which means that people and work environments can be matched for a best fit. Occupational environments in Holland’s theory are described according to a combination of main interests and the activities they represent. There are six interests in the Holland typology: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. All occupations in OaSIS have up to three interests assigned to them.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Interests profile: RC

Realistic (R)

Realistic occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the explicit, ordered or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals. Many of these occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional (C)

Conventional occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail following sets of procedures and routines. These activities may include systematic manipulation of data, such as keeping records, filing materials, reproducing materials, organizing written and numerical data according to a prescribed plan, and operating business and data processing. They often require following a clear line of authority and usually involve working with data and details more than with ideas.

Employment requirements

Employment requirements includes the education, training, certifications and the knowledge required to work in each occupation. The Knowledge category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency, and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of Knowledge descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Education, certification and licensing

  • There are no specific education requirements for occupations in this unit group.
  • On-the-job training is usually provided.
  • Previous experience in a related position may be required for some occupations in this unit group.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Client Service
1 - Basic Level
Languages
1 - Basic Level
Mathematics
1 - Basic Level
Accounting
0 – Not applicable
Agriculture and Horticulture
0 – Not applicable

Skills for success

 
Skills for Success Model
 
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They can help you to get a job, progress at your current job or even change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
 
 
Linkages Between ESDC Skills Models and Frameworks
 
ESDC makes available a dictionary of over 300 terms (or descriptors) and definitions, known as the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT). Descriptor information from the Taxonomy is used in the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).
 
While there is general commonality of meaning between the descriptors in the SCT and the Skills for Success model, there are some differences in their definitions due to their distinct purposes. The Skills for Success Model [9 broadly defined skills] identifies the skills that are universally applicable. The SCT displays specific skills and competency requirements for 900 occupations. Users of the Skills for Success Model and Essential Skills content may find competency information from the Taxonomy and the OaSIS to be complementary.
 
Stay tuned to this section for more information and updates regarding linkages between the Skills for Success model and the OaSIS.

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.

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