Cleaner

ngs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Geographic Society in Washington, DC, is seeking a reliable Custodian to support daily cleaning, maintenance, and event setup across facilities. This essential role ensures a clean, safe campus environment for staff and visitors, with shifts that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Applicants should have a High School diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of custodial experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of custodial/janitorial experience.
• Ability to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• General Cleaning and sanitization of interiors, floors, and surfaces.
• Restroom cleaning, restocking supplies, and maintaining hygiene.
• Exterior cleaning and seasonal maintenance (snow/ice removal).
• Waste collection and recycling per sustainability protocols.
• Event support and setup/teardown for museum activities.

Skills

Cleaning & Sanitation

Safety

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

How You'll Contribute

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. The public-facing portion of this renovation will be the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration. Components of the new museum will include a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

The Campus and Experiences team is responsible for creating amazing brand experiences for live audiences and delivering excellent service and operations at NGS headquarters. The team is currently focused on the Base Camp renovation project, including all construction, content and design, revenue and operations planning, and overall budget and schedule management. They also produce and generate revenue through National Geographic Live and National Geographic's Traveling Exhibitions programs.

The Campus & Experiences Division is seeking a reliable, versatile, and proactive Custodian to provide support to the Custodial Manager and Custodial Supervisor(s) to perform a variety of duties for the National Geographic Society and various tenants. This role will ensure our facility operates smoothly, cleanly, and safely. This role is a critical component of our facilities team, combining expert janitorial services with essential operational support. Key responsibilities include daily and routine or project-based cleaning, seasonal duties, setup and teardown for facility events, assistance with office relocations, and daily porter services to maintain continuous facility function. Flexibility, a can-do attitude, and a proactive approach to facility upkeep are essential.

We are seeking a team member who values interoperability and is ready to jump in and support colleagues across different projects when needed. At the Museum of Exploration, we believe that our greatest successes come from shared expertise and a willingness to step outside of a single role. This isn't just a part of the job; it's a core aspect of how we operate and collaborate, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines National Geographic's culture.

This position is considered essential. Essential employees are required to report to and remain at work during emergencies. This role requires flexibility to work various shifts, which may include weekends, holidays, early mornings, or late evenings to support our year-round operations and event schedules.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• General Cleaning and Sanitization (45%)
  • Performs a wide range of cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, and washing floors and other surfaces inside buildings.
  • Operates light and heavy commercial-type floor care equipment, such as buffers and shampoo machines.
  • Vacuums and spot cleans carpets and rugs in offices, exhibits, and public areas.
  • Cleans and dusts furniture, exhibit cases, pictures, chairs, door trim, light fixtures, and all other horizontal surfaces.
  • Washes windowsills and interior glass in doors and partitions to maintain a pristine appearance.
• Restroom and Common Area Servicing (25%)
  • Thoroughly cleans and sanitizes all restrooms, including tile walls, shelves, and stall partitions.
  • Restocks all restroom supplies daily, including soap, paper towels, and toilet paper, ensuring dispensers are full and functional.
  • Monitors restrooms and public spaces for maintenance issues, such as clogged drains or burned-out lights, and promptly reports them to the supervisor.
• Exterior and Seasonal Maintenance (10%)
  • Maintains cleanliness of immediate exterior areas, including entrances and walkways, by sweeping debris and removing trash from exterior receptacles.
  • Performs seasonal duties such as snow and ice removal from sidewalks, steps, and entrances using hand tools and chemical de-icing agents to ensure safe passage for staff and visitors.
• Waste Management (10%)
  • Collects and removes building trash, recycling, and compost daily, placing materials in designated containers for removal in accordance with NGS sustainability protocols.
  • Replaces liners in all waste baskets and trash containers.
• Event and Museum Support (10%)
  • Provides logistical support for special events as needed, including setup and breakdown of furniture and equipment.
  • Maintains a professional and helpful presence in public-facing areas, proactively assisting visitors who may need guidance or assistance.
  • Works collaboratively with colleagues across departments to ensure seamless operations and a positive visitor experience.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Education Required

High School diploma or equivalent preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in custodial, jan