Custodian

Southeast Polk Community School District; Altoona (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Custodian for the Middle School in Altoona, IA. The position runs 3:00pm–11:30pm, Monday through Friday, focusing on cleaning classrooms, restrooms and hallways, securing buildings, and supporting school operations.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to perform basic math, read and follow procedures, and communicate effectively. Experience in school custodial work and a first aid certificate are a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to perform basic math for weight, volume & distance.
• Ability to read, write & interpret rules, reports & procedures.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and preserves designated spaces to health standards.
• Cleans rugs, carpets, upholstery, draperies; vacuum/shampoo as needed.
• Sweep, scrub, wax, and polish floors; dust furniture and equipment.
• Wash windows, walls, ceilings, and woodwork; replace as needed.
• Empty trash; move/arrange furniture; set up chairs for events.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication (oral & written)

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Custodian

Southeast Polk Community School District Middle School - Altoona, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5947932

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 02, 2026 2:03 AM (UTC)

Job Description

SOUTHEAST POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description

Job Title: Custodian 3:00pm-11:30pm M-F

Location: Middle School

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical skills, such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication to determine weight, volume and distance.
• Ability to read write and interpret rules, reports and procedure manuals as required when performing assignments.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking to others so they will understand both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and accomplish assigned work.
• Ability to work independently and/or as a team to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Ability to recognize problems, determine causes, and take appropriate action for resolution.
• Ability to take direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner.
• Basic knowledge required to identify building conditions and/or chemicals which could be hazardous.
• Knowledge of how to safely use, post notice, and dispose of chemicals.
• Ability to perceive identification numbers marked on material; read and understand numbers and volumes; and transcribe numbers.
• Knowledge of the basic techniques of floor maintenance, including carpet, tile, and terrazzo.
• Knowledge in wall and window surface maintenance is preferred.

Desired:

• Experience in school custodian department or related experience.
• First aid certificate.
• Knowledge of fire and safety codes.

Reports to: Director of Buildings and Grounds with work direction/input provided by Building Administrator.

Job Goal:

This position is responsible for performing custodial work in assigned buildings. Responsibilities may include sweeping and mopping floors; emptying garbage; cleaning classrooms, restrooms, and hallways, and securing the building. The professional responsibilities as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the department.

Performance Responsibilities

Duties may vary by season, grade-level and activity usage.

• Cleans and preserve designated spaces, equipment, etc., in assigned buildings so that health standards are met.
• Clean rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and/or draperies using vacuum cleaners and/or shampooers.
• Sweep, scrub, wax, and/or polish floors, using brooms, mops, and/or powered scrubbers.
• Dust and polish furniture and equipment.
• Wash window, walls, ceilings, and woodwork, waxing and polishing as necessary.
• Empty wastebaskets and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas.
• Move and arrange furniture as required.
• Remove debris from driveways, garages, bus loading areas, and entrances to buildings.
• Set and take down lunch tables.
• Set up chairs for special events.
• Moves cafeteria tables within the building for special events.
• Raise and lower flag at beginning and end of day when applicable.
• Fill in for other shift custodial absence as required by Administration.
• Makes recommendations to improve service and ensure more efficient operation.
• Examines building and reports the needs for repairs of failed equipment.
• Request repair work as discovered and report needs immediately for maintenance.
• Keep equipment and work area clean and neat.
• Perform minor adjustments and repairs as needed.
• Follows the chain of command as required.
• Restock disposable items and provide inventory usage and data.
• Requests supplies and equipment to complete required cleaning.
• Assist visiting public utilizing the facilities with directions within the building and in obtaining and setting up equipment.
• Reports to work each day neat and clean.
• Works in all types of weather conditions.
• Must be able to get along with a great variety of people.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Manages ones' own time efficiently and the time of others.
• Attend in-service training and school meetings as directed.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude, loyalty, cooperation, teamwork, attendance and safety.
• Sort clothing and other articles, load washing machines, and fold dried items.
• Maintains good public relations with students, parents, faculty and community.

Physical Demands

• Certification of good health signed by a licensed physician.
• Must be able to work with interruptions frequently during a work shift.
• Must be capable of walking/standing constantly.
• Must be capable occasionally of lifting up to 50 pounds to waist level.
• Must be capable of carrying 40 pounds up 13 steps as many as 50 times per month.
• Must be capable occasionally of carrying 25 pounds at waist level for a distance of 100 feet.
• Must be capable occasionally of using 10 pounds-force to fold, then pushing cafeteria tables up to 50 feet.
• Must be capable occasionally of climbing 8 steps of a portable ladder.
• Must be capable occasionally of climbing 12 steps of a fixed ladder and setting foot on roof.
• Must be capable occasionally of pushing 50 pounds-force to relocate portable inside bleachers.
• Must be capable occasionally of operating a buffer/scrubber for up to 1 hour at a time.
• Must be capable frequently of using wet/dry mops for up to 30 minutes at a time.
• Must be capable of performing circular motion tasks with the hands for upward of 10 minutes, such as washing/dusting white boards, black board, windows, furniture, etc.
• During winter months, must be capable of operating a single-stage snow thrower or shoveling snow for up to 1 hour at a time.
• Must be capable frequently of operating a vacuum machine for up to 1-1/2 hours at a time.
• Must be capable frequently of squatting for up to 2 minutes at a time.
• Must be capable occasionally of bending over for up to 3 minutes at a time.
• Must be capable occasionally of lifting staging sections requiring 55 pounds-force with hands placed at 48 inches above floor.
• Must be capable occasionally of pushing wrestling mat sections onto portable carts with 75 pounds-force.
• Must be capable occasionally of pushing folding chair portable cart requiring 70 pounds-force, then lifting folding chairs weighing 5 pounds from two-tier portable cart to floor.
• Must be capable occasionally of pushing/pulling bleacher sections requiring 25 pounds/force with hands placed at 6 inches above floor.
• Must be capable occasionally of using hand tools requiring a grip force of up to 15 pounds.
• Must be capable occasionally of using cleaning chemicals with recognized inhalation and absorption hazards.
• Must be capable occasionally of working in extreme temperatures, humid and dusty environments.

Note: The physical demands described above represent real life tasks an employee may need to perform as part of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While the frequency may be low, the above stated physical demands may be required during the course of a daily work shift. Tasks that have physical demands that exceed the above stated limits should only be performed with sufficient manpower or material handling equipment.

Clothing

• Safety glasses, rubber toed shoes/boots, no open toed shoes or sandals, street clothes.
• Rubber gloves, boots, face shield, aprons, ear protection, and respirators provided based on job duties.

Terms of Employment

• Employment based on need.
• Hours as assigned by Supervisor

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.

Disclaimer:

The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.

It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Joseph M. Horton, Associate Superintendent, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515)-967-4294 , [e-mail] . Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA 50319-0201, [phone] ; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories:

Support Staff > Custodian

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

Job Requirements

Contact Information

• Jacklyn Kretz
• 407 8th Street SE
• Altoona , Iowa 50009
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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