Caretaker/Janitor

Also known as:

Premises Officer
School Caretaker
Janitor

Introduction

Caretakers look after the upkeep and security of buildings and their grounds. They may carry out minor repairs, organise major repairs work, and order furniture and equipment. They work in a range of buildings including places of work and residential accommodation.

When they work in educational establishments, they are usually called janitors.

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Work Activities

Caretakers look after different kinds of buildings. They work in housing estates, offices, churches and hotels. When they work in schools, colleges or universities they are usually called janitors.

Caretakers on housing estates usually work for a local authority or a housing association. They look after a large number of houses. They make sure that empty properties are secure and aren't vandalised. Some caretakers have to check equipment such as lifts in blocks of flats, or fire extinguishers. If they find a fault they have to arrange to have it fixed.

Caretakers look after the heating systems, carry out general handyperson duties and do minor repairs. Some caretakers have to monitor spending on essential stores, materials and equipment. They might also have some general cleaning and tidying duties.

In communal areas, such as community rooms, they clean stairways and corridors, replace light bulbs and carry out minor repairs. If there are communal gardens or playgrounds they might have to cut the grass, make minor repairs (eg, on broken fences) and clear up litter.

Caretakers are often the first point of contact for tenants. Some problems they deal with themselves, but if they can't, they advise people who to contact. As official key holders, they are often on call during the night if the burglar alarm goes off or if there is a break-in.

Some caretakers look after housing or residences on a smaller scale, such as homes for elderly people or private flats. For example, they check the heating systems (and in some cases order fuel and other supplies). They might also do small maintenance jobs for residents. They deal with emergencies such as burst pipes.

There are also mobile caretakers who support estate caretakers, by taking on larger jobs. They normally work in teams and travel to areas in a van. Their work might include getting rid of graffiti in public areas.

School janitors often live near to the school grounds. They have to make sure that the building, its contents and the external areas are safe and secure. They lock and unlock the building and the entrance gates each day. They supervise the team of cleaning staff and arrange for any repairs to the building. They also test fire alarms and make sure that fire extinguishers are regularly maintained. They may look after lost property. Janitors also move equipment between classrooms, arrange rooms for meetings and make sure that storerooms are secure.

Caretakers in other buildings have similar duties including security and checking visitors face to face and by CCTV.

Caretakers may have to wear a uniform.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

In this job you'll come into contact with a lot of people, but you'll also have to do a lot of work on your own. You'll have a wide range of tasks to do, most of which will be very practical. It helps if you have skills such as joinery, plumbing or electrical work.

To be a caretaker or janitor you should get on well with people and be able to work on your own. Also, you'll have to be well organised and practical.

You'll spend a lot of time on your feet in this job and might have to work outdoors as well as indoors. It's important that you are fit and in good health.

You should be honest, reliable and willing to take responsibility.

This is the kind of job that will suit you if you are flexible and enjoy variety.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Caretakers earn in the range of £200 - £250 a week, rising to £300 - £330. Higher earners can make around £360 a week.

Caretakers work a basic 36-37 hour week. Some evening or weekend work may be necessary.

Employers are local authorities, housing associations, commercial and industrial firms. There is a steady demand for caretakers and jobs exist in all areas throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have worked as a porter, or gained relevant skills and abilities in basic maintenance or security work, or in working with the public.

• 24% of caretakers work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.

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