Janitor / Custodian Jobs in Canada
Sector: Hospitality, Cleaning & Services · Typical gross pay: CAD 16–29/hour · Typical locations: Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia
Hiring snapshot
Custodians keep buildings safe, clean, and operational—often outside peak hours. Expectations vary by province and site type (schools, hospitals, offices, retail, warehouses).
| Typical gross hourly pay | CAD 16.00–28.72/hour (common mid-range near the low-to-mid 20s for experienced workers) |
|---|---|
| What drives the rate | Province, union vs non-union sites, experience, shift premiums, overtime, and whether floor-care equipment is required |
| Typical shifts | Day, evening, or night; rotating schedules are possible depending on the facility |
| Common hiring areas | Ontario (Toronto/GTA, Ottawa), Quebec (Montreal, Quebec City), Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton), BC (Vancouver area) |
Pay ranges are indicative and shown as gross (before deductions). Actual pay depends on project/site policy, local labour conditions and overtime rules.
What you’ll do (day-to-day)
Core cleaning & sanitation
- Clean and disinfect restrooms, common areas, entrances, break rooms and high-touch surfaces
- Empty waste and recycling; replace liners; follow site rules for segregation and disposal
- Replenish consumables (soap, paper products) and report shortages
- Spot-clean spills and respond to hygiene issues promptly
Floor care & periodic tasks
- Sweep, mop, vacuum, and detail edges/corners
- Periodic deep cleaning: scrubbing, stripping/waxing (where applicable), machine use per site policy
- Clean glass, doors, elevators, and touchpoints; maintain a presentable appearance throughout shifts
- Light maintenance reporting: damaged fixtures, leaks, hazards (reporting—not repairs unless assigned)
Common tools & equipment
- Commercial vacuums, mop systems, microfiber tools
- Floor machines (auto-scrubber/buffer) on some sites
- Safe chemical use and labelled dilution practices (site training provided)
- PPE based on task: gloves, eye protection, masks/respirators when required
The “custodian” difference
Many employers use “janitor” and “custodian” interchangeably. Some sites expect custodians to handle broader building upkeep, basic checks, and more structured reporting—especially in schools, hospitals, and large commercial facilities.
Sites & environments
Work environments vary by employer and contract. You may be assigned to one steady location or rotate across several facilities.
Physical demands can include standing, lifting, repetitive motion, and working around the public. Some sites require quiet work standards during night shifts.
Requirements & documents (legal work in Canada)
Skills & experience
- Experience in commercial cleaning or facility services is a plus (training may be provided for entry-level roles)
- Basic workplace communication in English (A2+ recommended)
- Comfort following checklists, hygiene protocols, and safe chemical handling
- Ability to work independently and maintain pace on shift
Documents often requested (site-dependent)
- Valid identity and work authorization documents as required by law and employer policy
- CV (1–2 pages) with duties, equipment experience, and availability
- References or proof of experience (where available)
- Background checks or additional screening for sensitive sites (e.g., schools/healthcare), when required
Work authorization (high-level)
To work legally in Canada, you generally need appropriate authorization (for example, an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit, depending on your situation). Employers follow legal and policy requirements for eligibility and documentation.
Do not submit sensitive personal data in free text. Provide core documents only when requested through the official hiring process.
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
- Prefer structured work with clear checklists and measurable outcomes
- Can keep consistent standards across restrooms, common areas and high-traffic zones
- Work safely with chemicals and equipment and take PPE seriously
- Can handle shift work and maintain reliability (attendance matters)
- Notice details others miss (edges, corners, touchpoints, odors, consumables)
- Stay calm when priorities change (spill response, urgent sanitizing)
- Can communicate basic issues clearly (hazards, broken fixtures, supply shortages)
This role is not for you if you…
- Dislike routine, repetitive tasks or strict hygiene standards
- Want a desk-based role or minimal physical activity
- Prefer unstructured work without quality checks
- Are not comfortable working evenings/nights when the site needs it
- Ignore safety rules or cut corners with chemicals/equipment
Safety, PPE & workplace standards
- Follow site-specific safety rules, signage, and incident reporting procedures
- Use labelled chemicals correctly; never mix products; follow dilution instructions
- Set wet-floor warnings and manage public safety in high-traffic areas
- Use PPE appropriate to the task (gloves/eye protection/masks as required)
- Respect restricted areas and confidentiality expectations on sensitive sites
Some sites provide tools and PPE; others require basic personal items. Always clarify expectations during onboarding.
How to apply (CV required)
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Include: site types you worked on, key duties, equipment experience (floor machine if any), and shift availability
- Submit your application — shortlisted candidates are contacted
Tip: Add 2–3 bullet points describing measurable scope (e.g., “maintained 3-floor office common areas”, “restock + daily sanitizing schedule”).
Related roles in Hospitality, Cleaning & Services
Internal links to similar vacancies
FAQ
Is a CV required?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
What is the typical gross pay for custodians in Canada?
Common ranges are CAD 16–29/hour gross, varying by province, union/non-union sites, shift premiums, and overtime.
Are “janitor” and “custodian” the same role?
Often yes. On some contracts, “custodian” may imply broader building upkeep, structured reporting, and periodic floor care.
Do I need certifications?
Many entry-level roles do not require formal certifications, but safety training and equipment experience can improve your options. Requirements depend on the site.
Can shifts include nights or weekends?
Yes. Evening and night shifts are common in schools, offices, and facilities that prefer cleaning outside public hours.
What documents are needed to work legally in Canada?
You must meet legal work authorization requirements (e.g., appropriate work permit depending on your situation) and provide identity documents as requested by the employer.