The idea of getting a cleaner job in Australia can be one of your life’s best decisions because the demand for various cleaning jobs has increased rapidly all across Australia. In addition, the market is diverse and individuals are always in need of cleaners to assist them in scouring their houses or offices. The job role of a cleaner includes cleaning homes, streets, office buildings, and shopping malls.
Cleaners may work for irregular hours or do shifts, work on a full-time, part-time, or just casually. As a professional cleaner, you should develop systems for detailed cleaning and know which products and equipment work perfectly for various spaces and surfaces. A cleaner’s duties are confined to the building’s interior which include cleaning restrooms, sweeping or mopping floors, scrubbing surfaces, dusting, emptying rubbish bins, cleaning windows, and disinfecting toilets.
Also, they replace old supplies in sanitation areas and ensure a clean space always. Furthermore, cleaners can secure jobs in different business sectors ranging from manufacturing and retail to private homes and offices. However, getting a cleaner job in Australia can earn you an average annual salary between $55,000 to $60,000.
A lot of employers provide some benefits and bonuses to cleaners aside from their basic salary. For instance, your total pay package can include medical and life insurance, as well as car allowance and annual leave days. Read on as we discuss the types of cleaners, working conditions, and the benefits of getting a cleaner job in Australia.
What is a Cleaner?
A cleaner is someone responsible for the regular cleaning and organizing of homes and offices. General cleaning is done to ensure that working environments and residential areas are clean and welcoming. Furthermore, a cleaner will perform duties such as folding, doing laundry, and refilling toiletries. They also need to know how to use a house alarm and security systems in case of an emergency.
As well as tidying, scrubbing, wiping, washing, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and polishing furniture. However, some cleaners are industrial workers in charge of cleaning machines and production plants in the factory. As a cleaner, you are open to job opportunities in areas such as domestic, industrial, health, education, and public settings.
Types of Cleaners
Cleaners may work in various establishments like hotels, gyms, restaurants, banks, and commercial offices. Also, you can get a job in residential households where they need private services (cleaning of their home). We’ve compiled some types of cleaners below, read on.
1. Caretakers
Caretaker cleaning services are done at a specified time depending on the type of business, usage volume, and traffic patterns. The caretaker must ensure that the commercial setting is clean and tidy by doing different cleaning activities. These cleaning activities range from wiping the windows to mopping floors and cleaning the walls.
2. Project-related Cleaners
Project-related cleaning services are usually done in the aftermath of an event or project. However, project-related cleaning is required at a specific time and may involve cleaning floors, and furniture, among others. As a project-related cleaner, you may also clean carpets or hard floors.
3. Commercial Cleaners
Commercial cleaners often require that you pay a one-time fee with no ongoing contractual obligation. This type of cleaners often power wash the exterior of an office building or clean external windows.
4. Industrial Cleaners
Industrial cleaners usually wash and clean hazardous areas that require specialized cleaning procedures. Oftentimes, you may need to make use of some strong cleaning products. In addition, you may also clean up after fires or clean crime scenes.
Cleaner’s Work Schedule
Getting a cleaner job in Australia will require you to work in the early mornings, evenings, or at night when employees have left the building. However, your schedule will be based on the type of cleaning job you have.
For the cleaners to have maximum access to carry out their cleaning job, employers prefer they arrive after office working hours because the rooms will be vacant. Although, in some cases, the cleaning may be done on weekends. Large office buildings usually require cleaners to clean daily to keep up with the space.
These cleaners usually work less than 38 hours each week in a shift pattern. While some companies prefer the cleanings to be done during office hours when employees and customers are present. Others have flexible cleaning hours to prevent their equipment from distracting employees, especially the vacuum cleaner.
This decision will solely be made by the companies, to decide what’s most convenient for them. In some hotels, cleaners may work the 9 am to 5 pm schedule but don’t always work 38 hours weekly. Cleaners in hotels or hospitality settings may be expected to work on weekends as well
Education and Skills
To get a cleaner job in Australia, you don’t need a formal education. Once you complete Year 10, you can get some relevant work experience. However, doing some voluntary work and part-time cleaning jobs can improve your resume.
Some employers also provide on-the-job training and development opportunities.
You can also level up your skills by undertaking a traineeship that will uplift your qualifications. For instance, if you complete a traineeship in cleaning operations Level III, your remuneration improves, and you can take up supervisory roles.
To work in a professional cleaning service, you need specialized qualifications. For instance, cleaners at the trauma or crime scene will need medical-grade chemical handling or bio-hazard waste training.
Expertise and Competencies
It’s very important to have practical knowledge of cleaning, especially when in charge of handling heavy cleaning equipment and machinery. Furthermore, you should be competent enough to use new equipment effectively. Other skills and competencies that most employers look out for in cleaners include the following.
1. Physical fitness: As a cleaner, you must be physically fit, it’s one of the important factors most employers consider. A lot of bending (under desks or tables) is done and you should be able to do it while cleaning. In short, you need to be flexible to ensure you can easily reach and clean the ceilings or room corners.
2. Handling cleaning solutions: The knowledge of specific cleaning solutions is vital to ensure you use them correctly. You should also know how to store cleaning chemicals safely.
3. Attention to detail and teamwork: You need to pay attention to every detail to clean the rooms thoroughly. However, employers often prefer employees who show traces of working successfully with other cleaners to ensure efficiency. Employers also want cleaners to have good interpersonal skills to get along with their supervisors or managers.
4. Time management: Time management skills are essential to ensure you can plan your schedule correctly and complete tasks on time without excuses.
State-by-State Salary for Cleaners in Australia
This information will help you plan the best location or state to search for cleaning jobs in Australia. We have compiled the average annual earnings of some states/regions in Australia. Read on!
- Port Hedland – $66,000.
- Newcastle – $57,490.
- Sydney – $56,000.
- Melbourne – $56,000.
- Brisbane – $54,000
- Gold Coast – $54,900.
- Perth – $54,990.
- Northern QLD – $54,990.
Working Conditions for Cleaners
Domestic cleaners can work solo or be part of a team. They may also work for big cleaning companies or small privately-operated companies. As a domestic cleaner, you may work consistently with regular clients daily, weekly, or fortnightly.
In addition, domestic cleaners may have one-off placements, such as rent inspections or end-of-lease cleaning. They also travel from one residence to the next and may have irregular working hours.
Tools and Technologies
Domestic cleaners make use of appliances and equipment like vacuum cleaners, mops, and dusters. They may use chemical cleaning agents and must ensure they wear the appropriate protective gear such as gloves and face masks. Domestic cleaners generally use mobile phones to make their work arrangements. They also need to know how to use house alarms and security systems.
Conclusion
Getting a cleaner job in Australia can be one of the best-unskilled job opportunities for you. You can boost your goals, increase your revenues, and build a strong reputation in the existing market. Also, you can buy a cleaning franchise in Australia and be your boss with low overheads and hassle-free startup procedures. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and competency will be the ultimate driving force for getting a cleaner job in Australia. All the very best as you embark on getting a cleaner job in Australia.