Custodial & Maintenance Apprentice

Shalom House, Inc.; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Job summary

Shalom House, Inc. in Portland, ME is seeking a Custodial & Maintenance Apprentice to support the Facilities team with custodial, groundskeeping, and basic maintenance tasks.

You will work under the Facilities Property Manager to learn practical skills while maintaining safe, clean common areas and assisting with project preparation. This full-time, non-exempt role offers hands-on training, on-the-job development, and the chance to advance beyond custodial work as competencies grow.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous custodial, housekeeping, groundskeeping, or maintenance experience helpful but not required.
• Demonstrated reliability, willingness to learn, and interest in hands-on work.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely.
• Basic organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in structured, hands-on maintenance training.

Responsibilities

• Custodial services in common areas and offices.
• Groundskeeping and property upkeep tasks.
• Maintenance assistance for repairs and preparation work.
• On-the-job training and development.
• Safety procedures and professional conduct.
• General facilities support and inventory management.

Skills

Reliable

Willingness to learn

Follow instructions

Basic organization

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Property Management Full-Time Employee Non-Clinical Portland, ME, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1246

Salary Range: $20.00 To $23.00 Hourly

Department: Facilities
Reports To: Facilities Property Manager
Technical Training Provided By: Senior Facilities Maintenance Specialist and Facilities Maintenance Specialist
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range:$20.00–$23.00 per hour
Position Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday – Friday 8am – 4 pm, with rotating on-call responsibilities

Position Summary

The Custodial & Maintenance Apprentice is responsible for maintaining clean, orderly, and safe common areas and supporting the general upkeep of Shalom House properties. In addition to custodial responsibilities, this position provides hands‑on assistance to the Facilities team and participates in structured, on‑the‑job development of basic building maintenance skills.

This position is intended for a dependable, motivated individual who takes pride in maintaining properties and is interested in learning practical maintenance skills. The employee will initially focus on custodial work, preparation and cleanup for maintenance projects, and other foundational responsibilities, with opportunities to progressively perform additional maintenance tasks as competencies are demonstrated.

The apprentice works under the direction of the Facilities Property Manager and receives technical instruction from experienced Facilities team members. Independent maintenance assignments will be based on demonstrated competency, appropriate supervision, and applicable safety and licensing requirements.

Essential Functions

1. Custodial Services

• Clean and maintain assigned common areas, hallways, offices, shared spaces, and other designated areas.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and perform other routine cleaning tasks.
• Clean and sanitize designated surfaces and fixtures using approved products and procedures.
• Empty trash and recycling and maintain orderly waste disposal areas.
• Replenish cleaning supplies and report shortages.
• Maintain cleaning equipment and supplies in a safe, sanitary, and organized condition.
• Report property damage, maintenance needs, pest concerns, and unsafe conditions.
• Follow established procedures for handling cleaning products, bodily fluids, and other potentially hazardous materials.

2. Groundskeeping and General Property Upkeep

• Assist with routine groundskeeping and seasonal property maintenance.
• Remove debris and maintain designated outdoor areas.
• Assist with snow removal, salting, and sanding as assigned and trained.
• Help maintain safe, clean, and accessible entrances and common areas.
• Assist with preparing properties for inspections, repairs, and scheduled maintenance.
• Report outdoor hazards, damage, and conditions requiring additional attention.

3. Maintenance Assistance

• Assist the Senior Facilities Maintenance Specialist and Facilities Maintenance Specialist with assigned repair projects.
• Gather tools, materials, and supplies before work begins.
• Prepare work areas and protect surrounding surfaces and belongings.
• Assist with painting preparation, sanding, basic cleanup, and material handling.
• Help organize tools, maintain inventory, and return equipment to designated storage areas.
• Support work‑order completion by assisting with approved tasks and project cleanup.
• Observe experienced team members performing repairs and ask appropriate questions to develop practical knowledge.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks independently only after receiving appropriate instruction and demonstrating competency.

4. On-the-Job Training and Development

• Participate in hands‑on training in safe tool use, painting, basic drywall repair, fixture maintenance, and other foundational building maintenance skills.
• Learn to identify common maintenance problems and understand when they require assistance from a more experienced employee.
• Follow instructions and demonstrate safe work practices at all times.
• Maintain a record of completed training and demonstrated competencies as required.
• Accept coaching and feedback and apply learning to subsequent assignments.
• Participate in periodic development reviews to assess progress and identify additional training opportunities.
• Work toward increasing independence in appropriate maintenance tasks as skills develop.

5. Safety and Professional Conduct

• Follow all organizational safety procedures and use required protective equipment.
• Use cleaning products, tools, and equipment only as trained and authorized.
• Report hazards, injuries, property damage, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Never perform electrical, plumbing, structural, or other specialized work beyond the employee's training, qualifications, or legal authorization.
• Respect the privacy, dignity, and safety of individuals receiving services.
• Maintain professional boundaries and communicate respectfully with staff, residents, vendors, and visitors.

6. General Facilities Support

• Assist with moving supplies, organizing storage areas, and maintaining maintenance inventory.
• Support the Facilities team with routine operational needs.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous custodial, housekeeping, groundskeeping, or maintenance experience helpful but not required.
• Demonstrated reliability, willingness to learn, and interest in hands‑on work.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely.
• Basic organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on established custodial assignments and collaboratively with the Facilities team.
• Willingness to participate in structured, hands‑on maintenance training.
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record if required for assigned duties.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to regularly lift and carry cleaning supplies, tools, and materials, including items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive cleaning and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in changing weather conditions.
• Ability to use cleaning equipment, hand tools, and other equipment safely after appropriate training.
• Ability to travel between organizational properties as required.

Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Training and Advancement Expectations

The Custodial & Maintenance Apprentice is expected to develop foundational maintenance skills through observation, instruction, practice, and demonstrated competency.

Initial training priorities include:

• Safe use and care of tools and equipment.
• Proper cleaning procedures and safe handling of cleaning products.
• Work‑order processes and maintenance documentation.
• Painting preparation and application.
• Basic drywall patching and surface repair.
• Routine property inspections and identification of maintenance needs.
• Basic fixture maintenance and other approved repairs.

Progress should be reviewed at approximately 90 days and six months, with additional reviews as appropriate. Advancement to a Facilities Maintenance Specialist position is not automatic and will depend on demonstrated competency, performance, organizational needs, and the availability of an appropriate position.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role includes:

• Maintaining assigned areas to established cleanliness standards.
• Completing custodial responsibilities consistently and reliably.
• Supporting maintenance projects efficiently and safely.
• Demonstrating initiative, dependability, and willingness to learn.
• Applying training and feedback to develop additional skills.
• Communicating maintenance concerns and safety issues promptly.
• Demonstrating progress toward greater independence in appropriate maintenance tasks.
  
• 401(k) with employer match (after 1 year)