CARETAKER JOB DESCRIPTION
Explore real caretaker job descriptions covering park, property, school, and facilities roles, with duties, qualifications, and skills outlined for each setting.

Caretaker Job Description Template
1. About the Role
Someone keeps the building running. That job is harder than it looks. In institutional and commercial facilities - schools, parks, office sites - a Caretaker holds physical accountability for every space visitors, staff, and guests depend on daily, from heating systems and exterior pathways to planned maintenance schedules and contractor coordination. WHMIS compliance, IOSH-aligned health and safety obligations, and asbestos condition monitoring are real and recurring responsibilities here, not background considerations. What makes the role demanding is the combination of reactive urgency and structured routine within a single position.
2. Position Summary
As the Caretaker, you maintain the physical safety, cleanliness, and operational readiness of an assigned facility or multi-building site, responding to both planned maintenance schedules and unplanned issues as the primary on-site resource. Working under a Facilities or Operations Director, you hold key-holder responsibilities and serve as the first point of contact for security, contractor access, and out-of-hours emergencies across the site.
3. Why Join Us
Career Impact: Hands-on experience managing IOSH-standard compliance, asbestos records, and planned maintenance cycles builds a documented portfolio that supports progression into Facilities Coordinator or Site Manager roles.
Business Impact: Visitors, students, and staff depend on this site being safe, clean, and functional every day - gaps in heating, security, or pathway clearance surface immediately and fall to this position to resolve.
Growth Opportunity: Caretakers who develop trade skills alongside health and safety certifications expand into senior facilities roles or multi-site management, where demand for credentialed practitioners continues to grow.
Company Value: Roles in this cluster have offered on-site accommodation with nominal rental, providing stability and proximity that supports the out-of-hours responsibilities the position carries.
4. Key Responsibilities
- Maintain daily cleanliness of all assigned buildings, facilities, and amenity areas to prescribed standards.
- Conduct routine and reactive maintenance repairs across building plant, equipment, and exterior grounds.
- Monitor and record the condition of asbestos and other statutory compliance items within the facility.
- Enforce building security procedures including opening and closing, out-of-hours checks, and alarm response.
- Coordinate contractor access and complete required documentation for all external maintenance interventions.
- Inspect and manage consumables, equipment inventory, and supply replenishment across the site.
- Support visiting users by preparing rooms, clearing pathways, and ensuring seasonal hazards such as ice are addressed.
- Audit maintenance records and report unresolved issues to the line manager or Facilities Director.
5. Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
- 1 or more years of caretaking, custodial, or facilities maintenance experience, with exposure to both cleaning and building upkeep tasks.
- Valid driver's licence with a clean driving record.
- Working knowledge of health and safety regulations applicable to building environments, including COSHH or WHMIS-equivalent standards.
- Ability to use and maintain hand tools, power tools, and floor cleaning equipment for routine repairs and upkeep.
- Physical fitness sufficient to carry out manual tasks including lifting, climbing, and working in all weather conditions.
- Basic computer literacy for email communication and maintenance record-keeping.
6. Preferred Qualifications
- Formal trade qualification or completion of a recognised health and safety training programme such as IOSH Managing Safely.
- Asbestos awareness certification or documented experience monitoring asbestos condition records in an institutional setting.
- Pool operations qualification or off-highway vehicle operating experience relevant to outdoor or multi-use facilities.
- Prior experience supervising cleaning staff and coordinating daily work allocation across a shared site.
7. Success Metrics & Environment
- Percentage of planned maintenance tasks completed on schedule each month, reflecting proactive site management.
- Number of unresolved maintenance items outstanding beyond 48 hours, measuring reactive response speed.
- Compliance audit pass rate for statutory inspections including asbestos records and safety equipment checks.
- Contractor documentation completion rate, tracking whether SR-equivalent paperwork is filed per visit.
- Seasonal hazard clearance response time, measuring how quickly ice, snow, or debris is addressed after onset.
8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)
- Base Salary Range: $32,000 to $42,000 per year, depending on site size and experience.
- Bonus: Infrequent; some employers offer small annual performance bonuses.
- Equity: Not typical for this role level.
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard at most institutional employers.
- PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, with public holidays included.
- Common Perks: On-site accommodation may be offered; uniform and equipment provided; training sponsorship for safety certifications.
Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.
9. EEO & Legal
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States as a condition of employment. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. A background check, including criminal history review, is required prior to a final offer of employment.
Caretaker Job Description Examples
1. Park Caretaker (Alberta Parks)
The Park Caretaker owns daily cleaning, minor maintenance, and visitor services across park buildings and outdoor facilities, ensuring Alberta Parks' high standards of customer service and safety are consistently met. Working as part of the broader park team and reporting to park operations leadership, the Park Caretaker supports a safe, well-maintained environment for guests across sites including Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform daily cleaning of all park buildings, facilities, and amenities including disinfecting, sweeping, mopping, dusting, polishing, washing, cobweb removal, and restocking necessities.
- Complete minor maintenance repairs and upkeep of park facilities.
- Clean Comfort Camping units between guests and handle all cleaning and sanitization duties associated with the Conference Centre (Dinosaur Provincial Park only).
- Collect and dispose of garbage and recycling.
- Conduct regular inspections and upkeep of assigned fleet vehicles.
- Maintain and inspect work spaces.
- Comply with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
- Support the broader park team in delivering high-level visitor services.
Required Qualifications
- Some high school education required.
- Valid Class 5 driver's license (unrestricted or GDL) with a 5-year Driver's Abstract showing no more than 8 demerits (4 for GDL); Defensive Driving Course required prior to commencement.
- Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR-Level C Certificate are assets and may be required; current WHMIS Certificate required.
- 6 months of directly related experience in janitorial, housekeeping, custodial, or caretaking work.
- Knowledge of local services and tourism opportunities within Dinosaur Provincial Park and surrounding areas is an asset.
- Experience using Microsoft Windows, email, and internet; off-highway vehicle, small equipment, and floor polishing/scrubbing/buffing equipment experience are assets.
- Ability to carry out physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions including extreme heat or wet conditions.
- Professional attitude with strong work ethics, problem-solving ability, and good organizational and time management skills.
2. Animal Caretaker (Biomedical Research)
Reporting to laboratory operations management, the Animal Caretaker delivers routine animal husbandry, facility housekeeping, and supply management in support of biomedical research activities. Partnering with research and compliance staff, the Animal Caretaker maintains a clean, well-stocked research animal facility while upholding security clearance requirements and accurate recordkeeping standards.
Primary Duties
- Perform a variety of routine tasks associated with general laboratory animal care in biomedical research.
- Feed and house laboratory animals.
- Carry out general laboratory animal housekeeping and cleaning tasks to maintain the research animal facility.
- Order and stock supplies.
- Keep simple records.
- Use computer skills for email, training, and basic data entry.
- Operate automatic washing and cleaning equipment.
- Work schedules may include weekend and holiday hours.
Skills & Qualifications
- 8th grade education or higher required.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- 6 months or more of related animal care or laboratory experience preferred.
- Basic knowledge of computers and ability to keep basic records.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and wear respiratory protective equipment as necessary.
3. Caretaker (Park Operations)
Sitting at the intersection of facilities management and guest hospitality, the Caretaker owns park operations, grounds maintenance, and Duty Manager responsibilities across a 7-day roster with on-call and out-of-hours coverage. Operating across grounds upkeep, front office administration, and safety compliance, the Caretaker ensures the park meets all statutory, brand, and safety standards while inclusive on-site accommodation is provided to support the role's out-of-hours demands.
Duties
- Manage park operations including on-call and out-of-hours responsibilities.
- Perform occasional front office administration including guest account management, forward bookings, and reservations.
- Complete grounds-keeping tasks to maintain a high standard of appearance including lawns, gardens, trees, and painting.
- Complete maintenance tasks across all park facilities including plant, equipment, and overall aesthetic appearance.
- Ensure the park complies with all safety, statutory, and brand standards.
- Perform Duty Manager responsibilities including opening and closing facilities, out-of-hours security checks, and attending to emergencies.
Experience & Qualifications
- Current driver's licence required.
- Trade qualification preferred but not essential.
- Pool operations qualifications desirable.
- Grounds and maintenance experience required.
- Knowledge and understanding of WHS responsibilities.
- Sound computer skills, especially in the MS Office suite.
- Great people and relationship-building skills.
- Availability to work a 7-day roster including weekends and public holidays, with on-call duties.
4. Caretaker (Facilities Maintenance)
A key member of the facilities and operations team, the Caretaker delivers planned and reactive maintenance, building security, and grounds management at a commercial site, keeping all buildings and equipment in serviceable working order in line with legislative and programmed requirements. Collaborating across the Manchester office and coordinating with external contractors, the Caretaker works under the direction of the Facilities and Operations Director to resolve day-to-day maintenance issues and maintain accurate records.
Functions
- Support the Manchester office by providing maintenance, gardening, and some cleaning.
- Inspect and maintain building security as required.
- Assist in the preparation and delivery of planned maintenance.
- Identify and order equipment, tools, and materials required for maintenance tasks.
- Identify and report work requiring intervention from external contractors.
- Undertake maintenance and repair work in compliance with Health and Safety guidelines.
- Complete day-to-day maintenance duties and keep accurate records.
- Liaise with line manager to escalate issues beyond own initiative.
- Undertake training and development as directed by the Facilities and Operations Director.
- Carry out any other duties within the role's remit as requested.
Qualifications & Experience
- Formal trade qualification and formal health and safety training preferred.
- Previous experience in a maintenance role or strong handyman skills required.
- Experience in a commercial environment preferred.
- Good knowledge of relevant Health and Safety regulations.
- Able to use and maintain hand and power tools and carry out some cleaning and external area maintenance.
- Physically fit and able to lift light items of equipment and furniture.
- Intermediate IT skills in Microsoft Word and email.
- Good written and verbal communication skills with ability to prioritize and maintain a positive approach.
5. Caretaker (School Facilities)
School safety and daily operations depend on the Caretaker, who manages building access, cleaning staff supervision, heating systems, maintenance, and statutory compliance including asbestos condition monitoring across a school site. Based within a supportive school community and governing body, the Caretaker serves as main key holder and first responder to alarm call-outs, with a caretaker's house with nominal monthly rental offered as part of the package.
Accountabilities
- Supervise cleaning staff and allocate work duties.
- Open and lock up the school as the main key holder, and act as first responder to alarm call-outs liaising with the monitoring centre and police.
- Perform cleaning duties in designated areas (approximately 10 hours per week) and carry out porterage duties as required.
- Monitor and record the condition of asbestos and maintain other required premises and equipment inspection records.
- Perform basic maintenance and repairs, attend to heating systems, and ensure required temperatures are maintained including weekends.
- Ensure exterior hard surfaces are clean and clear; salt and de-ice pathways and playground and remove snow in winter months.
- Empty external litter bins and deal with contractors including completion of SR77 paperwork.
- Prepare rooms for lettings and other building users, organize replenishment of consumables, and maintain adequate stock levels.
- Attend required training associated with the role such as Asbestos Awareness and IOSH.
Position Requirements
- Experience in caretaking or similar services required.
- Basic tradesman skills required.
- Basic computer literacy including email.
- Good communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work well as part of a team.
- Experience supervising staff and allocating work required.
6. Property Caretaker (Residential Property Management)
Embedded within a residential property management operation, the Property Caretaker delivers professional cleaning, routine maintenance, and responsive guest support across a portfolio of homes. Working closely with property owners and coordinating directly with guests, the Property Caretaker ensures each residence meets company standards between stays and that maintenance issues are resolved promptly.
Core Functions
- Manage and maintain a portfolio of homes.
- Respond promptly to guest calls and issues that arise with assigned properties.
- Communicate with property owners as needed.
- Clean residences professionally using prescribed company procedures and products.
- Sweep, vacuum, and wash all hard surface floors, moving portable furniture to clean underneath.
- Maintain hot tubs (onsite training provided).
- Perform customer service and quality control.
- Carry out basic property maintenance tasks such as fixing garbage disposals and changing wall outlets.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience in all aspects of general housekeeping and deep cleaning of residences required.
- Personal smartphone and internet access required.
- Reasonable comfort level with computers required.
- Applied verbal and written communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
- Weekend availability required.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
Editorial Process and Content Quality
This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.
Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.
Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.
Learn more about our editorial standards.