Custodian

Ascend Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Public Charter Schools in Brooklyn seeks a custodian responsible for maintaining high cleanliness and aesthetic standards across the building. The role includes direct cleaning duties and overseeing additional cleaning staff to keep the facility at top standards.

The custodian will perform minor maintenance tasks, coordinate with the network facility team for major repairs, and ensure posters, lobby areas, and storage meet Ascend’s appearance guidelines.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience cleaning, maintaining, and managing a large building.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs and climb ladders up to 6-7 ft.
• Physical ability to walk up and down stairs in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods and equipment handling.
• Willingness to take feedback and continuously improve.

Responsibilities

• Perform general cleaning in building common areas.
• Carry out minor repairs (e.g., light fixtures, pipes).
• Clean and sanitize restrooms and cafeteria areas.
• Perform limited grounds maintenance and snow removal.
• Ensure heating and cooling systems operate properly.
• Maintain tidy janitor’s closet and stock supplies.
• Inspect for safety hazards and report deficiencies.

Skills

Cleaning experience

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Team player

Job description

Ascend is Brooklyn’s premier K–12 public charter network, committed to graduating high-achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their futures—not only through college acceptance, but through meaningful preparation for career readiness and thriving adult lives.

Across our schools, we pair rigorous academics with strong systems, supportive adult culture, and a deep belief in students’ brilliance and potential. Our work is grounded in the understanding that preparing students for long-term success requires excellence in instruction, intentional culture-building, and disciplined execution at every level of the organization.

At Ascend, adults are held to high standards because our students deserve nothing less. How we teach, lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day directly shapes the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.

Join us in shaping learning environments where curiosity is nurtured, excellence is the norm, and every student is prepared for a lifetime of boundless choice.

To learn more about Ascend, visit our website: https://www.ascendlearning.org/about/

About the Role

The custodian is responsible for ensuring the Ascend Public Charter Schools standard for cleanliness, repair, and aesthetic appearance are met. He or she is responsible for both directly cleaning the building as well as managing any additional cleaning staff to keep the facility and its surroundings at the highest levels of cleanliness. Additionally, the custodian handles small maintenance tasks and is responsible for notifying and coordinating with the network facility team on major repairs. The custodian will work closely with the assistant principal of operations to ensure that that building maintains Ascend aesthetic standards, including but not limited to how posters and signs are displayed, lobby areas are organized, and items are appropriately stored.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs general cleaning and janitorial duties in the common areas of the building.
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance such as replacing light fixtures or unclogging pipes.
• Assists in cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and cafeteria.
• Performs limited grounds maintenance such as mowing and trimming lawns and hedges and cleaning snow from sidewalks.
• Ensures heating and cooling systems are operational.
• Maintains a neat and orderly janitors room; ensures cleaning and maintenance supplies are stocked.
• Washes windows.
• Assists in examining school for safety hazards; reports deficiencies to lead custodian, principal, and/or school resource officer.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least one year’s experience cleaning, maintaining and managing a large building to the highest possible standards. Educational setting preferred.
• Move and/or carry items up to 75 lbs
• Ability to climb 6 -7 ft. ladder
• Capacity to walk up and down 6 flights of stairs with ease
• Knowledge of cleaning methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment
• A thorough attention to detail and an obsessive focus on making the building look its best at all times
• A “can do” attitude and the enthusiasm to be a hard-working, team player who is relentless in the pursuit of the school’s objectives
• An openness to accept and implement feedback and engage in a process of self-improvement
• A winning personality and professional demeanor and a desire to help at all times
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks of varying complexity and to stay organized in a fast-paced environment

Diversity at Ascend

Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.

Compensation

Initial salary offers for this position range from $17 hr - $26 per hour. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.