CUSTODIAN

City of El Cerrito; El Cerrito (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS Retirement

Medical/Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Holidays

Job summary

The City of El Cerrito is seeking a full-time Custodian to perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance of City facilities and grounds. You will ensure spaces are safe, clean, and ready for daily operations, handling cleaning supplies, equipment, and light repairs as needed.

Responsibilities include cleaning, organizing spaces for events, and assisting with safety practices while supporting multiple departments.

Qualifications

• Basic cleaning methods and sanitation knowledge.
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Sweeps, dry mops and wet mops floors; vacuums carpeted areas; strips, buffs, and/or re-waxes floors according to schedule.
• Dusts and cleans all surfaces including windows and fixtures.
• Cleans and disinfects facilities including kitchens, restrooms, and break areas; restocks supplies.

Skills

Cleaning

Safety

Facilities maintenance

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Custodian tools

Job description

We value the time and effort you dedicate as you consider embarking in a career with the City of El Cerrito and we welcome the opportunity to connect with you as we progress through the process of filling the key role of Custodian.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

What is the Role?

The City is looking to fill one (1) full-time Custodian position. The Custodian classification provides routine cleaning and maintenance for the City’s physical properties and grounds to ensure City facilities are safe, operational, and are in the best possible condition for a variety of service delivery needs. This position will be responsible for conducting the daily cleaning and maintenance of the City’s facilities and grounds; using cleaning supplies and equipment to keep the interior and exterior of the facilities looking clean; responding to request for minor repairs; performing routine cleaning task ensuring assigned spaces are prepared for the next day; providing equipment and furniture arrangements for meetings, classroom activities and events; maintaining safety; and monitoring assigned site(s) to minimize property damage, loss and liability exposure. Custodians may work early mornings, late evenings, and/or weekends. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a rewarding career in local government with great benefits!

City Perks

• CalPERS Retirement: CalPERS Classic members 2.7% @ 55 and PEPRA members 2% @ 62 retirement formula integrated with Social Security; 8.5% employee contribution.
• Medical/Dental Insurance: Fully paid medical coverage (up to Kaiser family rate) and dental coverage (up to Family coverage) for employees and their dependents. This is a value of up to $38,064 annually; cash in lieu option available at $500 per month.
• Life Insurance: The City pays for basic life and AD&D insurance coverage each up to $100,000.
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance: 2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly.
• Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental life insurance, deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) offered.
• Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year, plus 3 floating holidays and 1 birthday holiday.
• Vacation: Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service.
• Sick Leave: Accrued at 8.75 hours per month.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Cost reimbursement up to the maximum of $3,500/fiscal year for work related studies.
• Bilingual Pay: The City pays $2,600 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City.
• Wellness Program: Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Are We A Match?

• You enjoy working in partnership with multiple departments to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all.
• You take pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation across various spaces, from offices to public areas.
• You are proactive and self-motivated, always looking for ways to improve efficiency and maintain cleanliness standards.
• You are reliable, flexible and adaptable to different schedules and tasks, accommodating the needs of the facility.
• You have a strong attention to detail, ensuring even the small things are done well for a top-quality appearance.
• You work well independently but also as part of a team, contributing to a positive and supportive work environment.

Tentative Performance/written test date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Tentative Oral Board Interview date (in-person): Thursday, October 1, 2026

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions

• Sweeps, dry mops and wet mops floors; vacuums carpeted areas; strips, buffs, and/or re-waxes floors according to assigned schedule.
• Dusts and cleans all surfaces including window coverings; polishes furniture and metal work; removes spiderwebs and cleans light fixtures.
• Picks up litter; empties, cleans, and lines waste receptacles and properly disposes of trash, recycling, and organics.
• Cleans and disinfects building and park facilities and related City assets including but not limited to kitchen and break areas, meeting areas, common areas, drinking fountains and restroom facilities, including sinks, toilets, and urinals; fills dispensers with towels, soap, toilet paper, and other items; washes mirrors, tile, walls, and windows; unclogs drains and toilets.
• Cleans and washes windows; cleans and washes walls, patios, and other outside areas, including graffiti removal; clears debris from outside areas; power washes outdoor surfaces.
• Rearranges and moves furniture and equipment; stocks facilities with needed supplies for activities; moves materials out of and into storage facility as needed to be retrieved or returned.
• Set ups and takes down facility rentals; opens facility, sets up chairs and tables and other equipment; breaks down equipment upon completion of event and secures facility.
• Conducts minor maintenance and repairs including replacing interior and exterior light bulbs and light fixture covers; performs minor plumbing and drain clearing; performs paint touchups; changes batteries on smoke detectors; tightens door locks and hinges.
• Follows label instructions to mix and dilute cleansers, disinfectants, and stripping agents to ensure proper strength for use.
• Uses a variety of custodian tools, equipment and supplies; maintains equipment and materials in proper condition.
• Maintains security of buildings by ensuring doors and windows are locked and secure; denies access to unauthorized persons; turn security systems on and off as necessary.
• Reports equipment malfunctions or needed repairs for equipment and/or facilities; conducts safety inspections and prepares safety reports; performs safety inspections of assigned City vehicles.
• Participates in special deep cleaning projects of City facilities.
• Keeps basic records of work performed, timesheets, and materials and equipment used.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience

No experience is required; knowledge of basic cleaning methods is required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a current and valid California Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record to be maintained throughout employment. An out-of-state license may be used during the hiring process, but a valid California Driver’s License must be obtained prior to appointment.

Knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Knowledge of

• Methods, materials, and equipment used in custodial work and basic and preventative building maintenance.
• Proper cleaning methods, and the safe usage of cleaning materials, disinfectants, custodial tools and equipment.
• Related trades sufficient to complete job assignments including minor plumbing repair and basic painting techniques.
• Basic safety precautions and procedures related to municipal program area(s) and facilities.
• Basic facility maintenance techniques and materials.
• Techniques for de-escalation and providing a high level of customer service by effectively assisting the public, vendors, and City staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

Ability to

• Perform building and facility maintenance work using appropriate equipment and supplies.
• Perform basic and preventative plumbing, painting maintenance and repair duties.
• Travel to different sites and locations.
• Set up rooms and facilities for classes, public and private rentals, special events, and meetings.
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
• Use and operate a variety of custodial equipment and small hand tools.
• Learn and apply City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using the English language.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

The Community

Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of around 26,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members.

The Department

The City of El Cerrito Recreation Department is renowned for running high-quality, fun & safe programs for children – winning many “Best of the Bay” awards based on the high satisfaction of parents and children. The “Department of F.U.N.” manages a full range of recreational and special activities for youth, adults and seniors, and provides activities, rentals of facilities, picnic areas, sports fields and tennis courts.

Learn more about what it's like to work for the City of El Cerrito by watching the following videos, showcasing the El Cerrito community and organization: “Welcome to Vibrant & Diverse El Cerrito” “Discover the Perks of Working for the City of El Cerrito” “Quality of Life in El Cerrito”

For more information, please visit the following: Human Resources Salary Schedules Benefit Guide Job Descriptions