Street cleaner is a professional whose job is to sweep and clean streets, squares, gardens, spaces and, in general, public spaces in the open air so that they are hygienic and healthy, collecting vegetation remains (normally leaves) and other waste such as paper, plastic or organic waste. The cleaning of streets and squares also includes watering streets and other areas where dirt accumulates, such as around municipal markets or shopping streets.

The role of this professional derives from the need to maintain urban spaces in healthy conditions. As the process of urbanisation has consolidated and the production of waste has increased, the demands for the correct management of street cleaning have become more and more important and, consequently, the figure of this professional has become essential. These professionals usually work in large companies holding concessions from the administration that provide street cleaning services in one or more towns.

• Sweep the streets, working individually or as part of a group. In the first case, these professionals usually carry a cleaning cart in which they deposit the rubbish; in the second case, they are usually accompanied by a waste vacuum cleaner that cleans the pavements of the streets.
• Perform job-specific tasks according to the route and/or work order assigned to the foreman and under the guidance and supervision of the team leader.
• Carry out manual sweeping tasks, mechanical sweeping of pavements and mixed sweeping or carry out water cleaning tasks with the support of hydro-pressure equipment.
• Empty and clean litter bins, as well as reinforce the cleaning of overflows on public roads. This task is normally carried out individually, but with the support of a vehicle to help with the movement.
• Clean the area around the bins.
• In the event of being in charge of the high-pressure water washer, clean the streets by throwing high pressure water onto the pavement and road surface after sweeping them.
• Attend incidents in the public space such as: traffic accidents, fires, acts of vandalism, occasional landslides, occasional accumulations of waste, citizen complaints and other incidents determined by the City Council.
• To be familiar with and comply with the Quality, Prevention and Environmental Management System, as well as those specific to their job and place of work.
• In the case of incidents in the state of the vehicle or material, make the relevant communication to the person in charge.
• If required by the function performed in the workplace, coordinate with the work team for the accomplishment of the task and complete the daily work report.

• Collect the route map and/or work orders to be carried out and the planned vehicle.
• Check the general condition of the vehicle and the critical mechanisms for the performance of the service, incorporating, if necessary, the additional material for the performance of the service. In the event of incidents in the state of the vehicle or equipment, they will inform the person in charge.
• Drive vehicles for the movement of equipment.
• Complete the daily work report.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Professional d'Instal·lació i Manteniment: Neteja en espais oberts i instal·lacions industrials (Nivell 1)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Serveis Socioculturals i a la comunitat: Neteja de superfícies i mobiliari en edificis i locals (Nivell 1)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família professional de Seguretat i Medi ambient: Gestió de residus urbans i industrials (Nivell 2)

Complementary training

Flexibility and change management: Level 1

Orientation within reach: Level 1

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Municipal solid waste collector

Catering organiser

Expert window cleaner

Waste carrier

Plant operator

• Work hours

  There are different working shifts, both day and night shifts. Traditionally, some tasks are carried out at night, such as the collection of certain fractions or the collection of old furniture and junk.
  
  The working day tends to be 7 hours a day. These professionals must be willing to work weekends, holidays for reasons of extraordinary needs of the service and in different shifts.
  
  

• Salary

  Between 1,000 and 1,200 euros net per month depending on the different professional categories.
  

• Other features

  It is an occupation where career progression is possible, in terms of professional development and qualification. In some cases, career advancement is linked to having the relevant driving licences.
  

• Professional category

  Non-specialist staff