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Description
Example Titles
Classified Elsewhere
Duties
Skills
Employment Requirements
Terms & Conditions
Earnings
Education / Training
Career Paths
Outlook
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies

Employment by Age Group
Employment by Industry
Employment by Region
Employment by Gender
Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
Employment by Visible Minority

Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents (NOC 6663)

Description

Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Building superintendents employed in large establishments are responsible for the operation of the establishment and may also supervise other workers. They are employed by office and apartment building management companies, school boards, hospitals and other institutions, recreational and shopping facilities, and industrial and other establishments.

Example Titles

building caretaker
building superintendent
custodian
handyman/woman
heavy-duty cleaner
industrial cleaner
plant cleaner
school janitor

>> View all titles

Classified Elsewhere

Cleaning Supervisors (6215)
Light Duty Cleaners (6661)
Specialized Cleaners (6662)

Duties

Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents perform 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
Clean and disinfect washrooms and fixtures
Make adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing and electrical systems, and contact tradespersons for major repairs
Perform other routine maintenance jobs and repair such as painting
Ensure that security and safety measures are in place in the establishment
May advertise vacancies, show apartments and offices to prospective tenants and collect rent
May supervise other workers.

Skills

Janitors and caretakers need the following skills and abilities:

an interest in maintaining a clean and safe building environment,
physical stamina and flexibility, and ability to work in adverse conditions,
an understanding of operation and maintenance of equipment,
a mechanical aptitude (some may need practical skills in trades such as electrical, carpentry, painting, plumbing, and building mechanical systems),
good communication and interpersonal skills,
an interest in helping people,
a strong sense of initiative and responsibility in working alone,
problem solving and decision-making skills,
the ability to follow clear rules and guidelines.

Employment Requirements

In Manitoba, some employers may require completion of secondary school.
A journeyman/woman certificate in one or more of the trades or a building operator certificate may be required for building superintendents.
Employment with some employers requires a Class 4 or 5 power engineering certificate for operating heating and ventilation systems..

Terms & Conditions

Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents commonly work indoors as well as outside. They may need to stand for long periods and occasionally lift and move heavy furniture or equipment.

The majority (73%) work full time, although many work part time, usually as caretakers for residential apartments. Self-employment in these occupations is not very common (8%).

Earnings

$20,800 per annum - starting

$29,200 per annum - average

$41,400 per annum - high

Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.

Education / Training

The University College of the North offers a two-year Facilities Technician diploma program.
Red River College offers a Facilities/Real Property Management Administrator (BOMI) program through the Continuing Education Division. Red River College also offers a certificate program in Power Engineering.
Winnipeg Technical College offers a program in Building Operations and Power Engineering.

Career Paths

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

Some janitors/maintenance workers move into trades such as electrical, carpentry, painting. Experienced janitors and maintenance workers may start their own building services company.

Outlook

Employment prospects for janitors, caretakers and building superintendents in the 2010 - 2014 period are expected to be good. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 9,205.

Employment in commercial and industrial buildings is expected to remain fairly stable. However, there will be some growth in the requirement for maintenance of residential properties. Increasingly, an aging population wanting to remain in their own homes and busy families are hiring out residential home care. Condominiums and assisted living facilities are gaining popularity and require more maintenance staff.

This is a large occupational group, and opportunities for employment for qualified individuals will result from turnover. Many leave the occupation because of low wages, demanding physical requirements, and the lack of career prospects. There will be openings resulting from retirements due to an older than average age profile.

Jobs for janitors, caretakers and building superintendents are fairly evenly distributed across the province. Across industries, th greatest concentrations are in Educational Services (27%), followed by Administrative and Support Services (18%), Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (10%) and Health Care and Social Assistance (8%).

Employment by Age Group

Employment by Industry

Employment by Region

Employment by Gender

Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification

Employment by Visible Minority

Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.

Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...

Building Owners & Managers Association of Manitoba, http://www.bomamanitoba.ca