Top 12 Custodian Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, distinguishing yourself as a custodian goes beyond showcasing basic cleaning abilities. Highlighting a diverse set of custodian skills on your resume can demonstrate your versatility, efficiency, and commitment to maintaining a pristine and safe environment, making you a standout candidate for potential employers.

Custodian Skills

1. Sanitization Protocols
2. Waste Management
3. Floor Care
4. Equipment Operation
5. Safety Compliance
6. Space Organization
7. Chemical Use
8. Repair Skills
9. Inventory Management
10. Pest Control
11. HVAC Maintenance
12. Electrical Basics

1. Sanitization Protocols

Sanitization protocols for a custodian involve a set of standardized procedures for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and spaces to remove dirt, germs, and other harmful microorganisms, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment.

Why It's Important

Sanitization protocols are crucial for custodians as they ensure the elimination of harmful germs and viruses, maintain a safe and healthy environment, and prevent the spread of diseases, thereby safeguarding the well-being of all occupants.

How to Improve Sanitization Protocols Skills

To enhance sanitization protocols as a custodian, follow these concise steps:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly consult reliable sources like the CDC's Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines to stay informed about the latest recommendations and products.

2. Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants: Ensure the disinfectants used are effective against a wide range of pathogens. The EPA's List N is a resource for identifying suitable products.

3. Follow Product Instructions: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the application and proper dwell time to ensure effectiveness.

4. Focus on High-Touch Areas: Prioritize sanitizing surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles, light switches, and elevator buttons.

5. Implement a Routine: Develop and maintain a regular cleaning schedule to ensure all areas are addressed consistently.

6. Wear Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from chemicals and pathogens. Guidance on PPE can be found through the OSHA website.

7. Promote Good Hygiene: Encourage hand hygiene and the use of hand sanitizers among building occupants by ensuring availability and accessibility of handwashing facilities and hand sanitizer stations.

8. Train and Educate: Continuously educate yourself and your team on best practices and updates in sanitization protocols. Consider resources like the ISSA for training courses.

By implementing these steps, you can significantly improve the sanitization protocols and contribute to a safer environment.

How to Display Sanitization Protocols Skills on Your Resume

2. Waste Management

Waste Management for a Custodian refers to the collection, transportation, disposal, and recycling of waste materials generated within the premises they are responsible for maintaining. This involves routine tasks such as emptying trash receptacles, segregating recyclables from non-recyclables, and ensuring the proper disposal of all waste to maintain cleanliness and environmental compliance.

Why It's Important

Waste Management is crucial for maintaining cleanliness, ensuring public health, and protecting the environment from pollution, making it essential for a custodian’s role in keeping facilities safe and eco-friendly.

How to Improve Waste Management Skills

Improving waste management as a custodian involves adopting practices that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Here are concise steps:

1. Sort and Segregate: Separate waste at the point of collection. Use clearly labeled bins for recyclables, organics, and landfill waste. EPA's Guide on Waste Segregation.

2. Reduce and Reuse: Minimize waste generation and encourage the reuse of materials whenever possible. Implement a program for reusing supplies within the facility. Waste Reduction Tips.

3. Recycling Programs: Participate in or initiate recycling programs for paper, plastics, metals, and electronics. Recycling Basics.

4. Hazardous Waste Management: Properly dispose of hazardous waste following local regulations. This includes items like batteries, electronic waste, and chemicals. Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines.

5. Composting: For organic waste, consider setting up a composting system to reduce landfill waste and create valuable soil amendments. Composting at Home.

6. Education and Training: Educate yourself and your team about waste management best practices. Regular training ensures everyone is up to date. Waste Management Training Resources.

7. Monitor and Improve: Regularly assess waste management practices and seek ways to improve. Use feedback for continuous improvement.

By focusing on these steps, custodians can play a critical role in improving waste management within their organizations, contributing to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

How to Display Waste Management Skills on Your Resume

3. Floor Care

Floor care, in the context of a custodian's duties, involves the cleaning, maintenance, and preservation of various floor types to ensure they are clean, safe, and visually appealing. This can include sweeping, mopping, buffing, waxing, and addressing stains or damage.

Why It's Important

Floor care is crucial for a custodian as it ensures safety by reducing slip hazards, maintains cleanliness for a healthy environment, and preserves the floor's appearance and longevity, reflecting positively on the facility's overall image.

How to Improve Floor Care Skills

Improving floor care as a custodian involves a mix of regular maintenance, correct cleaning techniques, and using the appropriate cleaning products for different types of flooring. Here are concise tips:

1. Know Your Floor Type: Different materials (e.g., hardwood, tile, carpet) require specific cleaning methods and products. This guide offers insights on care for various floor types.

2. Daily Cleaning: Sweep, vacuum, or dust mop floors daily to remove dirt and debris. Use a microfiber mop for efficient dust and hair removal without scratching the surface.

3. Spot Cleaning: Address spills and stains immediately to prevent them from setting in. This resource provides homemade cleaner recipes for different types of stains.

4. Deep Cleaning: Schedule regular deep cleanings based on the traffic and use of the area. Use a floor buffer for hard surfaces to remove built-up grime and restore shine.

5. Proper Products and Tools: Always use the recommended cleaning products and tools for your specific floor type. Over-wetting can damage some floors, so use spray mops for controlled moisture.

6. Safety Measures: Always display "wet floor" signs and use non-slip mats to prevent accidents. OSHA guidelines offer comprehensive safety practices.

7. Maintenance and Repair: Regularly check for and address any damage or wear. Promptly repairing small issues can prevent more significant problems.

8. Training and Education: Stay updated on new cleaning techniques and products. ISSA offers courses on floor care and other custodial skills.

By following these tips and staying informed on the latest in floor care, custodians can effectively maintain and improve the appearance and longevity of the floors they are responsible for.

How to Display Floor Care Skills on Your Resume

4. Equipment Operation

Equipment operation, in the context of a custodian, refers to the use and handling of cleaning and maintenance machinery and tools, such as vacuum cleaners, floor buffers, and power washers, to perform custodial duties efficiently and safely.

Why It's Important

Equipment operation is crucial for a custodian as it ensures efficient and effective cleaning, maintenance of a safe environment, and prolongs the lifespan of the equipment, thereby optimizing operational costs.

How to Improve Equipment Operation Skills

To improve equipment operation as a custodian, focus on the following steps:

1. Read the Manual: Understand the manufacturer's guidelines for each piece of equipment. Custodial Training Manual provides insights into general equipment maintenance and operation.

2. Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance checks and cleaning to ensure equipment functions efficiently. The ISSA Cleaning Times offers a good reference for maintenance schedules.

3. Proper Use: Use equipment as intended to avoid damage and inefficiencies. OSHA Guidelines offer safety and proper usage standards.

4. Training: Participate in training sessions for new or complex equipment. Online platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer courses on equipment operation and maintenance.

5. Report Issues: Promptly report any malfunctions or irregularities in equipment operation to prevent further damage.

By adhering to these steps, custodians can ensure optimal equipment operation, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in their role.

How to Display Equipment Operation Skills on Your Resume

5. Safety Compliance

Safety Compliance for a Custodian involves adhering to established health and safety guidelines and regulations to ensure a secure environment for themselves and others while performing cleaning and maintenance duties. This includes using protective equipment, handling chemicals safely, and following proper procedures to prevent accidents or injuries.

Why It's Important

Safety compliance is important for a custodian to prevent accidents, ensure a healthy work environment, protect against legal liabilities, and maintain operational efficiency by adhering to safety regulations and standards.

How to Improve Safety Compliance Skills

Improving safety compliance for a custodian involves several straightforward steps:

1. Education and Training: Ensure custodians receive regular safety training that covers relevant regulations, proper use of cleaning chemicals, and emergency procedures.

2. Communication: Foster an environment where safety concerns can be openly discussed. Implement a reporting system for hazards or incidents.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, and masks to protect against chemical exposure and other hazards.

4. Regular Audits: Conduct regular safety audits to identify and rectify potential hazards in the workplace.

5. Update Safety Protocols: Regularly review and update safety protocols based on new regulations, products, or procedures.

By focusing on these areas, custodians and their employers can work together to ensure a safer working environment.

How to Display Safety Compliance Skills on Your Resume

6. Space Organization

Space Organization, in the context of custodial work, refers to the systematic arrangement and maintenance of physical spaces to ensure cleanliness, orderliness, and efficient use of areas.

Why It's Important

Space organization is crucial for a custodian because it ensures efficient cleaning, maintenance, safety, and optimized use of space, leading to a well-maintained and functional environment.

How to Improve Space Organization Skills

To improve space organization, especially from a custodian's perspective, follow these concise steps:

1. Declutter: Regularly remove unnecessary items to free up space. Good Housekeeping offers practical decluttering tips.
2. Systematize Storage: Use labeled bins and shelving units to categorize and store items neatly. The Spruce provides innovative storage solutions.
3. Routine Cleaning: Maintain a schedule for cleaning different areas to ensure spaces remain organized and presentable. Martha Stewart shares a comprehensive cleaning checklist.
4. Implement Standard Procedures: Create and follow standardized procedures for setting up, breaking down, and maintaining spaces. ISSA outlines the importance of standard operating procedures in cleaning.
5. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and adjust strategies for organization based on what works best in your space. MindTools discusses techniques for continuous improvement.

By adopting these practices, custodians can significantly enhance the organization and efficiency of the spaces they manage.

How to Display Space Organization Skills on Your Resume

7. Chemical Use

Chemical use for a custodian refers to the application and handling of cleaning and maintenance chemicals to ensure cleanliness, sanitation, and upkeep of facilities.

Why It's Important

For a custodian, the use of chemicals is important for effectively cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining facilities in a hygienic, safe, and visually appealing state, ensuring the well-being of occupants and the longevity of the property.

How to Improve Chemical Use Skills

Improving chemical use for a custodian involves optimizing safety, efficiency, and environmental impact. Here are concise strategies:

1. Use Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for green cleaning products that are less harmful to the environment and health.

2. Proper Training: Ensure comprehensive training on correct chemical handling, mixing, and storage to minimize risks.

3. Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for use and dilution to ensure effectiveness and safety.

4. Implement a Dilution Control System: Use dilution control systems to accurately mix chemicals, reducing waste and ensuring safety.

5. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE such as gloves and goggles when handling chemicals.

6. Proper Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation hazards. Use ventilation techniques recommended by health guidelines.

7. Safe Storage: Store chemicals in labeled, leak-proof containers in a designated area, following proper storage guidelines.

8. Minimize Use: Wherever possible, minimize chemical use by adopting efficient cleaning techniques that reduce the need for harsh chemicals.

9. Regularly Review Practices: Continuously evaluate and improve chemical use practices by staying updated with the latest safety standards and product innovations.

By adopting these strategies, custodians can ensure safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly chemical use in their duties.

How to Display Chemical Use Skills on Your Resume

8. Repair Skills

Repair skills for a custodian involve the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and fix various issues within a facility, including basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical repairs, ensuring the building's functionality and safety.

Why It's Important

Repair skills are crucial for a custodian as they enable efficient handling of routine maintenance and quick fixes, reducing downtime and costs related to external repair services, ensuring the facility remains in optimal condition and safe for all occupants.

How to Improve Repair Skills Skills

To improve repair skills as a custodian, focus on the following concise steps:

1. Educate Yourself: Enroll in online courses or workshops that cover basic repair skills. Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer relevant courses.

2. Practice Regularly: Hands-on practice is key. Start with small repair projects at home or volunteer for tasks that require fixing things.

3. Learn from Others: Watch tutorial videos on YouTube for visual step-by-step guides on specific repairs.

4. Stay Current: Follow blogs and forums that focus on maintenance and repair. Sites like Reddit’s DIY section can be quite informative.

5. Use the Right Tools: Familiarize yourself with essential maintenance tools. Guides on websites like Family Handyman can help you understand which tools are must-haves.

Remember, consistency and a keenness to learn are your best tools for improvement.

How to Display Repair Skills Skills on Your Resume

9. Inventory Management

Inventory management, in the context of a custodian, involves overseeing, organizing, and tracking all the assets and supplies under their care to ensure they are maintained properly, available when needed, and accounted for accurately.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for a custodian as it ensures the accurate tracking and availability of cleaning supplies and equipment, minimizes waste, optimizes resource allocation, and maintains a clean and safe environment effectively and efficiently.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management, especially for a custodian role, involves several key strategies. Here's a concise guide:

1. Utilize Software: Adopt inventory management software to automate tracking, reduce errors, and save time.
2. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure records match actual stock and identify discrepancies early.
3. Categorize Inventory: Organize inventory into categories for easier management and retrieval. This guide to inventory categorization can help.
4. Implement FIFO: Use the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method, particularly for perishable items, to reduce waste.
5. Set Reorder Points: Establish reorder points for each item to avoid stockouts and overstocking.
6. Enhance Supplier Relations: Develop good relationships with suppliers for better terms and reliability. This guide highlights the importance.
7. Train Staff: Ensure all team members are trained in inventory management best practices and software use.

Implementing these strategies can significantly improve inventory management efficiency and accuracy, reducing costs and increasing satisfaction for both the custodian and stakeholders involved.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

10. Pest Control

Pest control is the management or elimination of pests, such as insects and rodents, to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment, particularly in facilities managed by custodians.

Why It's Important

Pest control is crucial for a custodian because it ensures a clean, safe, and hygienic environment by preventing the spread of diseases, protecting property from damage, and maintaining overall public health standards.

How to Improve Pest Control Skills

Improving pest control, especially for a custodian, involves a combination of proactive and reactive strategies:

1. Prevent Entry: Seal cracks and entry points around doors, windows, and foundations to prevent pests from entering the building.

2. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep areas clean and free of food debris. Proper sanitation practices are crucial in preventing pest infestations.

3. Proper Waste Management: Regularly dispose of garbage and ensure dumpsters are sealed and located away from the building. Guidelines on waste management can help in minimizing pest attractions.

4. Monitor and Identify: Regularly inspect for signs of pests and accurately identify them to choose the most effective treatment.

5. Use Appropriate Treatments: Opt for least toxic pest control methods, focusing on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, which combine biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes health and environmental risks.

6. Educate and Communicate: Educate staff and occupants about prevention measures, and communicate regularly about pest sightings and control measures. Effective communication strategies can significantly enhance pest control efforts.

By following these steps, custodians can significantly improve pest control efforts within their facilities.

How to Display Pest Control Skills on Your Resume

11. HVAC Maintenance

HVAC maintenance involves inspecting, cleaning, and servicing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure they operate efficiently and safely, covering tasks such as replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring thermostats and electrical connections are functioning properly.

Why It's Important

HVAC maintenance is essential for ensuring efficient system operation, prolonging equipment lifespan, improving air quality, and preventing costly repairs and energy waste, thereby safeguarding both the comfort and safety of building occupants.

How to Improve HVAC Maintenance Skills

Improving HVAC maintenance, especially for a custodian, involves regular checks, timely cleaning, and prompt repairs. Here are concise tips:

1. Filter Replacement: Replace or clean HVAC filters regularly to ensure efficient airflow and air quality. EPA Guidelines on Indoor Air Quality

2. Coil Cleaning: Keep the evaporator and condenser coils clean to prevent efficiency loss and potential damage. ASHRAE Standards

3. Duct Inspection: Regularly inspect and clean ductwork to maintain air quality and system efficiency. NADCA Duct Maintenance

4. Thermostat Calibration: Ensure the thermostat is accurately calibrated to save energy and maintain comfort levels. Energy Star Thermostat Guide

5. Systematic Inspection: Conduct seasonal inspections and maintenance to prepare the HVAC system for peak performance during extreme weather. ACCA Maintenance Checklist

6. Professional Checks: Schedule annual inspections by certified HVAC professionals to address complex issues and ensure the system's longevity. HVAC Excellence

7. Documentation: Keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, including dates, actions taken, and any part replacements. This helps in monitoring the system's health and planning future interventions.

Adhering to these guidelines not only prolongs the HVAC system's life but also ensures its efficiency and reliability.

How to Display HVAC Maintenance Skills on Your Resume

12. Electrical Basics

Electrical basics for a custodian involve understanding the fundamental concepts of electricity, including how to safely handle electrical appliances, recognize and manage basic electrical hazards, and perform simple maintenance tasks. This includes knowledge of turning off and unplugging electrical devices before cleaning, knowing the location of circuit breakers, and identifying signs of electrical problems (e.g., exposed wires, sparks, or unusual smells from electrical devices) to report to maintenance professionals.

Why It's Important

Understanding electrical basics is crucial for a custodian as it ensures safety during maintenance tasks involving electrical systems or equipment, allows for basic troubleshooting of electrical issues, and enhances the ability to communicate effectively with electricians or technical staff regarding electrical problems.

How to Improve Electrical Basics Skills

Improving your electrical basics can enhance your skills as a custodian, enabling you to handle minor electrical tasks safely and efficiently. Here's a concise guide to get you started:

1. Understand the Fundamentals: Start with learning the basic concepts of electricity such as voltage, current, resistance, and how they interrelate (Ohm's Law). Understanding AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) is also crucial.

2. Safety First: Electricity can be dangerous. Learn about electrical safety practices, including the use of insulated gloves and tools, and the importance of turning off power at the main breaker before starting any electrical work (OSHA Electrical Safety).

3. Tools and Equipment: Familiarize yourself with basic electrical tools like multimeters, wire strippers, and voltage testers. Knowing how to use these tools correctly can help you diagnose and fix simple electrical issues (Basic Electrical Tools).

4. Wiring Basics: Learn about different types of wires, their color codes, and how to safely connect them. Understanding how to replace a light switch, outlet, or light fixture can be very handy (Wiring Basics).

5. Circuit Breakers and Fuses: Know how to locate and reset a tripped circuit breaker. Understanding how fuses work and when to replace them is also important (Circuit Breaker Basics).

6. Energy Efficiency: Learn ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings, like using LED lighting, which can reduce electrical costs and is often part of a custodian's responsibilities (Energy Efficiency Tips).

For more in-depth knowledge, consider online courses on platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy, which offer free courses on electricity and electronics fundamentals tailored for beginners.

By enhancing your understanding of electrical basics, you not only increase your value as a custodian but also contribute to the safer and more efficient operation of your facility.

How to Display Electrical Basics Skills on Your Resume