Building Custodian I - Sandburg - 1.0 FTE - 26-27 SY

Wifca; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Madison Metropolitan School District is seeking a Building Custodian I for Sandburg Elementary. The role oversees cleaning, maintenance, and grounds tasks, supervising Custodian Workers, and ensuring timely completion of work orders.

Starting pay is $32.20 per hour, with a 1.0 FTE schedule, Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM, in a non-exempt, full-time capacity. You will coach staff, manage supplies, coordinate outdoor duties, and maintain safety and boiler logs, while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate and work effectively with school staff and community.
• Experience leading a small team and coaching custodial staff.
• Ability to read and follow directions and maintain accurate records.
• Strong English language skills for emergency situations.
• Ability to manage supplies and meet district standards.
• Knowledge of general building maintenance and safe practices.
• Ability to operate basic custodial and grounds equipment.
• Comfort working in a school environment with interaction across ages.
• Demonstrated reliability and organizational skills.
• Willingness to train others and model best practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prioritize the custodial work for the building daily.
• Perform duties of various custodial roles and model high standards.
• Provide coaching and training to custodial staff.
• Coordinate outdoor duties including landscaping, snow removal, and salting.
• Operate lawn tractors and snow removal equipment as needed.
• Maintain and repair equipment and boilers, keep logs and safety tests.
• Meet weekly with the principal or designee to review tasks.
• Order supplies and track purchases through logs.
• Conduct safety drills and maintain compliance with MMSD standards.
• Monitor facility usage and respond to maintenance requests.
• Ensure building security and complete required inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching staff

Reading directions

Communication

Emergency English

Time management

HVAC knowledge

Grounds maintenance

Safety practices

Equipment operation

Job description

Building Custodian I - Sandburg - 1.0 FTE - 26-27 SY

Building Services

Starting Compensation: $32.20 Hourly Wage (26-27 Salary Schedule)

Employment Type: Non-Exempt

Initial Deadline for Internal Applicants: October 29, 2026

Hours of Employment:Monday - Friday, 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants! Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

Why You Should Work with MMSD!

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin. We have a simple but bold vision — to ensure that every school is a thriving school, that prepares every student to graduate from high school ready for college, career, and community. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.

The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. We have a simple but bold vision — to ensure that every school is a thriving school, fostering the growth of every student so they graduate from high school ready for college, career and community.

Our strategy is captured in our strategic framework , and centers on three major goals: that all children achieve academically, that our schools are places where children and adults thrive, and that our Black youth excel at school. To achieve this vision, we seek to retain staff in all positions, who are committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. Staff who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families and staff.

We firmly believe in and are here to create a work environment that is challenging and rewarding, while supporting employees in their career path. We strive to provide, encourage, grow, and develop a talented workforce that better supports and represents the diversity of our student population. We know this vision doesn't come to life without dynamic leaders and support staff in every school.

About Our District

The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin. The district serves a beautifully diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color. Almost half come from low income households. Nearly one third are English Language Learners, and more than 100 languages are represented in our schools. Madison schools are committed to making this district a place where every child thrives.

Purpose of the Position:

Under direct supervision of the building principal and Building Services, is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of an elementary school. Acts in a lead capacity, schedules, trains, inspects, and directs the work of custodians assigned to the building. Responsible for the maintenance of the building, equipment and grounds.The duties listed below are commonly performed. This list is not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required to complete as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directs the work of Custodian Worker I and II

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and prioritize the work of the custodial team based upon specific building activities and needs on a daily basis aligned to timely pre-determined District standards
• Perform the duties of a Custodian Worker I, Custodian II, and the Building Custodian and set a standard of performance by modeling excellent work
• Provide coaching and training to custodial staff as needed
• Perform, plan, and coordinate outdoor duties including, but not limited to, trash pick-up, landscaping, mowing, string trimming, snow removal, ice removal, salting sanding, and other seasonal maintenance
• Operate lawn tractors, sn owblowers, and various mechanical equipment to maintain facilities and grounds.\
• Maintain equipment, replace parts, and complete minor repairs
• Problem solve issues related to custodial services with school and building services staff
• Meet with the principal or principal designee on a weekly basis at a minimum
• Order custodial supplies and/or purchase tools through purchase logs
• Conduct Fire Drills according to MMSD standards
• Maintain boilers, maintain log sheets, and perform safety tests
• Test elevator phones weekly
• AHERA Asbestos logs and bi-annual inspection
• Inspect and complete playground logs and fire extinguisher inspections monthly
• Monitor and communicate maintenance needs to appropriate staff
• Monitor use of facilities by groups issued a building permit and establish appropriate work activities based upon permits
• Check and secure the building during shift
• Direct the day-to-day work of custodial worker(s) and perform follow-up assessments daily
• Respond timely to all communication received (e.g., email, voice messages) and attend meetings as required
• Work requires walking, lifting, climbing, bending, reaching, and kneeling
• Dress appropriately per Employee Handbook section 3.29, with Photo I.D. visible and ensure custodial staff meets this standard.
• Review, enter, and sign off tasks for completion (e.g., work orders, preventative maintenance) in EAM as required.
• Carry and respond to any assigned district-provided communication devices (e.g., phones, radio)
• Perform a variety of related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Ability to communicate and work effectively and professionally with and serve school district personnel, students, and the community
• Ability to fill in for any crew member who is absent, including helping with cleaning and daily tasks
• Ability to read, follow directions, and maintain accurate records
• Ability to motivate and encourage staff to complete assignments timely and accurately
• Ability to manage supply storage area in a fiscally responsible manner
• Ability to maintain general mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing independently
• Knowledge of general building maintenance and repair including building systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
• Ability to clearly communicate in English for emergency response situations
• Knowledge and ability to perform the key functions of a CWI, CWII, CWIII, and Maintenance Worker
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance, tree, and shrub care
• Knowledge of ordering and issuing supplies and care of equipment
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices
• Knowledge of computer applications including Gmail, Google Docs, Kronos, Munis, Active.net, and others
• Knowledge of sprinkler system codes, adherence, and procedures
• Skill in leading and directing others with at least one year of experience working in a lead worker position
• Skill and demonstrated success in managing multiple priorities in a timely manner
• Skill in planning, prioritizing, and executing the work activities of the custodial team

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation
• Experience working cross-culturally and/or commitment to work toward one’s own cultural competence (i.e., valuing difference/diversity, recognizing personal limitations in one’s skills and expertise, and having the desire to learn in these areas)
• Successful experience training, coaching, and providing input to the evaluation of staff on custodian techniques and proper procedures

Working Conditions

• Work may require travel to different locations within the district and to off-site meetings.
• Position may require working evenings, nights, and some weekends.
• Certain positions within the District may allow hybrid work flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process
• School-based positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by the building principal.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors is minimal and poses little to no risk of injury. This position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and may involve walking, sitting, stooping or reaching. Manual dexterity is necessary for completing general tasks while operating office equipment. This position may require being stationary for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments throughout the year, including in inclement weather, spaces without air conditioning, and areas where temperatures may be uncomfortable or fluctuate rapidly.

Disclaimer

This position description is subject to change at any time. The above job description does not limit the duties and responsibilities listed above as they are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employees in this position may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as directed by the supervisor.

The Madison Metropolitan School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to seek a diverse and talented workforce. We encourage veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.