Buffalo Custodian Jobs Overview
Custodians help keep employees or residents of a building stay healthy and safe by performing basic cleaning and maintenance tasks. Because custodian jobs are so vital, they are considered essential workers.
While the terms janitor and custodian are sometimes used interchangeably, traditional custodians are considered responsible for a specific building. This means that they perform tasks beyond cleaning and housekeeping and are on site more frequently. They may also be expected to take more initiatives and have more of an overall responsibility for the conditions of the building. Note that this position might also be referred to as cleaner or building caretaker.
Job responsibilities may include:
- cleaning floors, furniture, restrooms, carpets, windows etc.
- unlocking doors and arming/disarming security systems
- performing simple repair and maintenance tasks
- operating, servicing, and cleaning machine equipment
- moving furniture and other heavy objects
- maintaining the outdoor areas, including pools, patios, and gardens
- restocking supplies
- applying insecticides
- enforcing building rules
- reporting issues that need attention
This job can be a great fit if you like working alone, prefer a job where you are physically active instead of sitting in front of a desk, and are looking for an entry-level position that does not require a college degree.
Some custodians supervise other janitors. This position is called head custodian. Head custodians may hire, train and manage a team of janitors. They may also have additional job responsibilities, such as managing inventories and ordering supplies, developing cleaning and maintenance plans, and overseeing contractors and gardeners.
You can expand your search for building maintenance jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Buffalo, New York
Most people will think of tangy sauce slathered over chicken wings when they envision Buffalo, but the second-largest city in the state of New York has lots more going for it. Some quick, fun facts: It has the first and oldest coordinated urban parks system in the country; the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library features a Rare Book Room with the original manuscript for Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; and the area boasts no less than five Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, including the phenomenal Martin House (a designated National Historic Landmark).
Buffalo jobs were originally supported by shipments arriving down the Erie Canal, and have now branched out into various sectors, including logistics, banking, healthcare, and tourism. Viticulture is becoming popular too, and Buffalo's cost of living is 20.5% lower than the U.S. average. Winters may be harsh and snowy, but spring, summer, and early fall climates are usually very accommodating—and you're just 20 miles away from the magnificent Niagara Falls. Also, consider looking around Rochester, Albany, and New York City for additional job opportunities.
Update Your Buffalo Custodian Resume
The first step in your job search is to update your resume and cover letter. Because the job responsibilities typically combine cleaning and maintenance tasks, include any previous work experience as a janitor, housekeeper, handyman, contractor, or gardener. If you have operated industrial cleaning or gardening equipment, mention that as well. Take a look at our custodian resume sample and custodian cover letter for guidance in this process. We also have general tips on how to write a resume and sample cover letters.
How Much Do Custodian Jobs Pay in Buffalo, New York?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in custodian jobs in Buffalo, New York, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median janitor pay in Buffalo is $12.58 per hour, which is 2% higher than the national average.
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