1st shift Janitorial Cleaner -37141

Chicago, United States
1st shift Janitorial Cleaner -37141
Company
Harvard Maintenance, Inc
Location
Chicago, IL
Job type
Full-time and Part-time
Salary
20.65 an hour
Via
via Glassdoor
Job description
Life at Harvard:

Are you ready to be part of something Extraordinary? Look no further than Harvard is the largest family-owned provider of premier commercial janitorial and professional security services in the United States. We believe in the power of our people. Here, every team member is valued, empowered, and trained to contribute their best. We foster an inclusive workplace culture where diversity is celebrated and every voice matters.

A day in the life:

A Cleaner is responsible for basic cleaning, including cleaning of all common areas, restrooms, entrances, elevators, walkways, windows, furniture, fixtures, stairs, chairs, tables, telephones, drinking fountains, trashing, dusting, polishing, and other assigned items/areas. We have multiple shifts available as well as both full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities.

What you’ll do as an Exceptional Team Member:
• Responsible for all basic cleaning
• Clean, sanitize, and restock restrooms, break rooms, and common areas
• Empty trash and recycling bins, and dispose of waste properly
• Cleaning includes sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors in all areas
• Operate cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers, buffers, and vacuums
• Follow all health and safety regulations and company policies
• Report any maintenance issues or safety hazards to management
• Performs additional duties as required, including attending to flooded areas, incidental spills, and related clean-up work for trash and restroom concerns

What you’ll need to be an Extraordinary Team Member:
• Minimum of 1 year experience preferred
• Strong communication skills
• Reliable transportation to and from work sites
• Must be willing to work assigned hours
• Capable of performing the physical demands of the job, including bending, kneeling, carrying, lifting, reaching, and standing for extended periods
• Bilingual preferred

The Harvard Promise:

Join our team of Extraordinary People committed to delivering Exceptional Service. Together, we'll redefine industry standards and create a workplace where your talent thrives. Discover your potential with Harvard Maintenance. Learn more about our company and culture, apply today and be part of something extraordinary.

www.harvardmaint.com

Harvard is offering a competitive salary structure including benefit package with medical, dental, life, and long-term disability (LTD) insurance along with 401K Savings Plan.

An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V

Our Salary & Wage Details: USD $20.65/Hr. Schedule: Flexible Schedule

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Cleaning Staff Jobs in United States

Q
What is the federal minimum wage for cleaning staff jobs in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, the federal minimum wage for non-exempt cleaning staff under the FLSA is $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2026. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate is required for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states mandate higher rates, such as $15.00 per hour minimum in New York as of January 1, 2025.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
Q
What is the median annual wage for janitors and cleaners in the US in 2026?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for janitors and building cleaners in the US is projected at $40,400 or $19.43 per hour in 2026 based on 3.1 percent annual growth from the May 2023 median of $37,010. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $27,440 annually, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $51,510. Wages vary by location, with higher pay in metropolitan areas like New York at $45,200 median.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Q
What work visa options exist for international applicants seeking cleaning staff jobs in the US in 2026?
As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the H-2B visa allows temporary non-agricultural workers, including cleaning staff for seasonal or peak-load needs, with a statutory cap of 66,000 visas per fiscal year supplemented by 64,716 additional visas for FY 2025 extending into 2026. Employers must obtain temporary labor certification from DOL before filing Form I-129. Processing time is 2-4 months with fees of $460 base plus $500 fraud fee.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Q
What are the education and experience requirements for entry-level cleaning staff jobs in the US?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no formal educational credential is required for janitors and cleaners, though some employers prefer a high school diploma or equivalent. Entry-level positions typically involve short-term on-the-job training of less than 30 days. No prior experience is necessary for most roles.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics