A sanitation manager, in the broadest sense, supervises a crew of sanitation workers who help keep a given area clean and free of trash. Municipalities and local governments run many of the largest sanitation crews, which include most trash disposal and pick-up services. However, not all sanitation workers deal with garbage; many businesses hire these professionals to keep their facilities clean and presentable. In the restaurant and hospitality industries, this is especially true. Because the manager is likely to be a member of the crew, the job will almost certainly include some cleaning and labor-related duties. However, on the managerial side, this person will be in charge of tasks such as job assignment, delegation of responsibility, and the creation of timelines. Depending on the structure, the manager may also be responsible for contract and pay negotiations, as well as coordinating with and reporting to other members of the leadership team.
Getting a Basic Understanding of Sanitation
In a broader sense, “sanitation” in the civil context refers to keeping public places and spaces clean and in compliance with societal and governmental standards. Many businesses hire sanitation crews to help keep public spaces like restaurants, offices, and hospitals clean and safe to visit on a regular basis. Depending on the size of the building and the amount of ongoing work that needs to be done, this crew can have one or more members. A sanitation manager is usually in charge of the crew.
The Job’s Scope and Fundamentals
The specifics of the job are usually determined by the location. A person in charge of a trash collection crew in a major city will typically have a very different daily task list than someone in charge of maintaining cleanliness and order in a top hotel; similarly, a manager for a restaurant chain will almost certainly have a completely different set of responsibilities. In almost all cases, however, the work necessitates a thorough understanding of the applicable standards, an understanding of how and when to complete the task, and the ability to coordinate with a variety of parties.
Sanitation management professionals typically require a diverse skill set due to the numerous aspects of the job, including construction, custodial, and general labor. These abilities should not only meet the job’s physical labor requirements, but also include some interpersonal skills, as this person will most likely be directing and inspecting the work of others. A good sanitation manager is firm enough to ensure that workers complete each job according to established standards while also being approachable by crew members with any problems that may arise.
In the restaurant and manufacturing industries
This type of manager is frequently involved in duties involving the cleaning and sanitation of specific establishments, such as restaurants and hotels. It could be this person’s responsibility to clean walls and floors, perform routine maintenance, shovel snow from sidewalks and walkways to ensure patron and employee safety, or keep restrooms clean and well-stocked. The manager of a large building may simply supervise and inspect the work of various sanitation and maintenance workers.
In a restaurant, the manager may also be responsible for inspecting food and equipment to ensure that ingredients are current and safe to eat. He or she could keep detailed records of when and where food items were purchased, as well as when they would expire. This ensures that spoiled or rotten food is discarded before it is used in cooking. The manager may also be in charge of inspecting the entire kitchen and dining area on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in compliance with government safety regulations. If a health inspector pays a surprise visit, the restaurant will not receive a poor rating.
In the Civil Service
Municipal sanitation crews are in charge of collecting trash, recyclables, and yard debris from homes and businesses, as well as transporting it to a landfill or other processing facility. Managers frequently plan truck routes and make disposal arrangements, as well as coordinating employees to ensure that all shifts are adequately covered.
The First Steps
It’s rare for someone to start working as a manager without having at least some prior experience in the field. People who want to work in sanitation management often start out as custodians or lower-level sanitation workers and work their way up to manager. Others have managerial experience or have acquired special handyman skills in previous jobs.
Independent Work Possibilities
In some cases, the sanitation manager may work as a freelancer or self-employed individual. In some larger cities, handyman service companies exist, and they typically involve a sanitation or maintenance worker going from business to business offering services to various businesses. Many self-employed sanitation workers began their careers as managers or supervisors before deciding to start their own company.