Building caretaker
Also known as: property caretaker, caretaker, facilities caretaker, building technician, building manager, facilities manager
About this occupation
Building caretakers maintain and monitor the condition and security of buildings. They clean, assist with minor repairs and ensure that amenities such as heating and hot water are available to the residents. Building caretakers are responsible for the quality of buildings and also serve as a contact person for residents.
Essential skills and knowledge
- execute inspection walkway
- comply with legal regulations
- manage ground maintenance
- follow company standards
- manage cleaning activities
- handle customer complaints
- examine the conditions of buildings
- liaise with managers
- register information on arrivals and departures
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Facilities Managers (O*NET 11-3013.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained.
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems.
- Oversee construction and renovation projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards, and comply with government regulations.
- Plan, administer, and control budgets for contracts, equipment, and supplies.
- Participate in architectural and engineering planning and design, including space and installation management.
- Set goals and deadlines for the department.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness
US median pay: US$106,660 a year (2025), 156,180 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.4)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.3)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- General and Operations Managers
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Construction Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Administrative Services Managers
- Industrial Production Managers
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
- Security Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.