16 Sanitation Worker Skills for Your Career and Resume

Sanitation workers are responsible for keeping public areas clean and safe. They have a variety of skills that help them perform their job duties effectively. If you’re interested in becoming a sanitation worker, it’s important to understand what skills are necessary for the job.

Attention to Detail

Sanitation workers need to be detail-oriented when performing their duties. They must follow all safety regulations, complete tasks in a timely manner and ensure that they clean the areas they’re assigned to thoroughly. Attention to detail is also important for sanitation workers who operate heavy machinery because it helps them notice potential hazards before an accident occurs.

Safety Procedures

Safety is an important skill for sanitation workers to have, as they often work in potentially hazardous environments. Sanitation workers should be able to follow safety protocols and procedures when working with chemicals or other materials that could cause harm if handled improperly. They also need to know how to use the equipment they operate safely so they can avoid accidents and injuries.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for sanitation workers to have because they often interact with customers on a regular basis. Sanitation workers should be friendly and helpful when interacting with people, as this can help them build positive relationships with their customers. Customer service skills also include the ability to listen to customer needs and provide solutions that satisfy those needs.

Hazardous Materials Handling

Hazardous materials handling is a necessary skill for sanitation workers to have. This involves the ability to handle and dispose of chemicals, radioactive waste and other potentially dangerous substances in an appropriate manner. Sanitation workers need to know how to properly store these materials so they don’t pose a threat to others or the environment.

Report Writing

Sanitation workers often use written reports to record their work and submit it to supervisors. They may also write inspection forms, which require detailed descriptions of the areas they cleaned. Strong report writing skills allow sanitation workers to communicate effectively with their managers and coworkers. It’s important for them to be able to clearly explain what actions they took to clean an area and why those actions were necessary.

Data Entry

Data entry is the ability to input information into a computer system. Sanitation workers often use data entry when recording their work hours, tracking supplies and documenting accidents or incidents that occur on the job. Data entry skills can help sanitation workers keep track of important information related to their jobs and ensure they receive proper credit for their work.

Teamwork

Sanitation workers often work in teams to complete their duties. They may be part of a team that cleans an entire building or they might work with other sanitation workers on the same shift. Sanitation workers need to know how to work well with others and follow instructions from supervisors. Teamwork skills can help them collaborate effectively with coworkers and managers alike.

Physical Stamina

Sanitation workers often work long shifts and may be on their feet for most of the day. Physical stamina is important to ensure you can complete your tasks efficiently and safely. You may also need physical stamina when cleaning large areas, such as a warehouse or construction site.

Waste Management

Waste management is the process of handling and disposing of waste materials. Sanitation workers often use this skill to ensure that they dispose of their trash properly, which helps maintain a clean environment for people in the surrounding area. This also includes knowing how to handle hazardous materials like medical or industrial waste.

Safety Consciousness

Safety is an important aspect of any job, especially one that involves working with chemicals and other potentially hazardous materials. Sanitation workers should be able to follow all safety protocols set by their employer and understand the risks associated with certain tasks. They may also need to train new employees on proper safety procedures.

Equipment Operation

Sanitation workers need to be familiar with the equipment they use in their job. This includes understanding how to operate a garbage truck, dumpster and other vehicles used for waste management. It’s also important to know how to properly handle tools like shovels, brooms and mops so you can clean effectively.

Troubleshooting

Sanitation workers need to be able to troubleshoot when equipment or machinery breaks down. They also need to know how to fix common sanitation issues, such as clogged pipes and malfunctioning valves. Troubleshooting skills can help you identify the source of a problem and repair it quickly. This can save time and money for your employer and improve workplace safety by reducing accidents.

Cleaning

Sanitation workers often clean the areas they work in, including their own desks and equipment. They also may be responsible for cleaning restrooms or other facilities at their workplace. Having good cleaning skills can help sanitation workers keep their workspaces sanitary and comfortable for others. It’s important to follow company standards when it comes to cleaning so everyone has a consistent experience.

Work Ethic

A strong work ethic is necessary for sanitation workers, who often have physically demanding jobs. They must be willing to work long shifts and weekends if needed. Sanitation workers also need to be punctual and reliable so their employers can trust them with important tasks.

Inventory Control

Sanitation workers use inventory control skills to track the supplies they need for their job. For example, if a sanitation worker cleans an office space and needs to replace the furniture, they might use inventory control skills to find the right size of desks or chairs. They also use these skills when ordering new supplies so they know what to order and how much of each supply to buy.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Sanitation workers often need flexibility because their work environment can change throughout the day and week. For example, a sanitation worker may start out working indoors one day and then transition to outdoor work later in the day.

Flexibility also helps sanitation workers be more productive when they have to switch tasks or locations during their shift. It’s important for sanitation workers to be flexible with their time management so that they can complete all of their duties on time.

How Can I Learn These Sanitation Worker Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills for a sanitation worker. Many of these skills, such as attention to detail, customer service, and teamwork, can be learned through on-the-job training. However, it is also important to have a basic understanding of safety procedures, hazardous materials handling, and waste management. You can learn these skills through online courses, books, or by attending seminars offered by professional organizations. It is also important to be physically fit and have a strong work ethic.