Custodian

Poway Unified School District; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Poway Unified School District is seeking an entry-level Custodian to maintain clean, safe school facilities and support events. You will perform routine cleaning, manage supplies, and help with basic repairs under supervision.

Responsibilities include disinfecting rooms, setting up spaces for activities, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Training is provided; opportunity for shift variety and growth within the district.

Qualifications

• Experience performing custodial duties in school or similar facility setting.
• Ability to operate and maintain cleaning equipment safely.
• Understanding of safety regulations and PPE usage.

Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect classrooms, restrooms, and common areas to maintain a sanitary environment.
• Set up and arrange furniture for meetings and events, and assist with basic maintenance tasks.
• Report hazards and equipment needs to supervisor and participate in ongoing trainings.

Skills

Custodial duties

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Vacuum cleaners

Floor buffers

Power washers

Job description

CUSTODIAN BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, maintain an attractive, sanitary, and safe facility for students, staff, and the public by performing a variety of cleaning and custodial maintenance duties in assigned buildings and facilities. Provide equipment and furniture arrangements for meetings, classroom activities, and events. Minimize property damage, loss, and liability exposure.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Clean and disinfect classrooms, shops, cafeterias, gymnasiums, offices, and related facilities; dust and polish furniture and woodwork; empty waste receptacles; spot mop spills; remove gum, debris, and graffiti as needed. E
• Clean and disinfect drinking fountains, restroom facilities, and locker rooms including sinks, toilets, and urinals; fill dispensers with towels, soap, toilet paper, and other items; clean mirrors, tile, and windows; unclog drains and toilets. E
• Sweep, scrub, mop, strip, wax, and polish floors; vacuum rugs and carpets in classrooms, offices, workshops, and other work areas; spot clean and shampoo carpets. E
• Perform general outside cleanup and maintenance for the purpose of keeping school sites and buildings safe and clean, such as pick up paper and other debris from school grounds, walkways, and areas adjacent to school facilities; remove and dispose of banners and posters; sweep, wash, or power wash concrete surfaces. E
• Operate a variety of custodial equipment used in the cleaning and maintenance of school and district facilities, such as vacuums, mops, floor buffers and strippers, wet dry vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, power washers, blowers, small hand and power tools, and other equipment as assigned. E
• Inspect school facilities to ensure that the site is suitable for safe operations, maintained in an attractive and clean condition, and/or identify necessary repairs due to vandalism, equipment breakage, weather conditions, etc. E
• Respond to immediate safety and/or operational concerns by taking appropriate action to resolve issues and maintain a functioning educational environment. E
• Report safety, sanitary, and fire hazards to appropriate personnel; report need for maintenance repairs to appropriate authority. E
• Unlock or lock doors and gates as appropriate, assuring facilities are properly secured; raise or lower flags, storing as necessary; perform security check on facilities; set alarms. E
• Participate in facilitating the use of school facilities; prepare classrooms and multi-purpose rooms for special events or meetings; set up and arrange chairs, tables, and other furniture and equipment for special events and activities; clean-up of furniture, equipment, and debris following these events. E
• Provide assistance to maintenance staff as needed by making first-level, non-technical repairs, such as replacing lights, adjusting shades or blinds, and assembling or adjusting chairs or furniture. E
• Participate in thorough cleaning and restoration of district facilities during school recess periods. E
• Communicate with District personnel, through written or electronic means, to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns. E
• Maintain custodial equipment in clean, safe, and operative condition. E
• Receive, store, and distribute instructional supplies, custodial supplies, furniture, and equipment as necessary. E
• Maintain routine records related to assigned activities through written or electronic means. E
• Operate a motorized maintenance cart to conduct work. E
• Participate in ongoing trainings and staff development.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

At the end of some of the duty statements, there is an “E” which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF: Proper methods, techniques, materials, cleaning solutions, tools, and equipment commonly used in modern custodial and general maintenance work. Operation of mechanical equipment commonly found in public schools. Appropriate Health and Safety regulations, safety precautions, and procedures. Proper wear and usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies. Operation of motorized maintenance cart. District and site policies, procedures, and objectives of assigned program and activities. Basic math skills such as using calculations, fractions, percentages, and ratios. Record-keeping techniques. Oral and written communication skills. Basic computer skills. Proper lifting techniques. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. ABILITY TO: Learn the schedules, procedures, and full use of equipment and supplies used in custodial work. Operate a variety of related tools and equipment. Maintain tools and equipment in a clean, orderly, and working condition. Observe and report safety hazards and need for maintenance and repair. Properly wear and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Work independently with little direction. Maintain work pace and accuracy to meet schedules and time lines. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Respond appropriately to feedback, direction, and evaluation. Read, interpret, and follow rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Learn and perform basic math. Learn and perform record-keeping techniques. Operate a motorized maintenance cart to conduct work. Work in the vicinity of staff, parents, and students. Be reliable in attendance, punctuality, and follow through.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Sufficient training and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities needed to perform the typical duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT: Indoor and outdoor work environment. Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions. Driving a motorized maintenance cart to conduct work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching. Climbing ladders. Climbing stairs and ramps. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a keyboard/keypad and a variety of tools and equipment. Heavy physical labor. Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling moderately heavy objects (50 lbs.) as needed for the position. Reaching overhead, horizontally, and above the shoulders. Seeing to perform custodial duties. Walking or standing for extended periods of time.

HAZARDS: Exposure to and contact with cleaning agents and chemicals. Exposure to bio-hazard materials. Exposure to dust, gas, or fumes. Exposure to noise. Exposure to seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions. Exposure to vibration. Walking on uneven or unimproved ground and wet or slippery surfaces. Working around and with machinery with moving parts. Working at heights on ladders or elevated work platforms.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Custodian - The Custodian is the entry level classification in the Custodial series. This class is generally assigned to a site under the immediate work direction of a Crew Chief I/II, Lead Custodian or Custodial Supervisor I/II. The Custodian may be assigned to either day or evening shifts.

Crew Chief I - The Crew Chief I performs custodial duties at an assigned middle school and typically works an evening shift providing training and basic work direction to Custodians. In addition to assigning and reviewing routine cleaning duties, the incumbents perform a variety of related duties supportive of school activities and facility use.

Crew Chief II - The Crew Chief II performs custodial duties at an assigned high school and typically works an evening shift providing training and basic work direction to Custodians. In addition to assigning and reviewing routine cleaning duties, the incumbents perform a variety of related duties supportive of school activities and facility use. The Crew Chief II is differentiated from Crew Chief I by the added level of complexity inherent in the support of extra-curricular activities associated with a high school.

Lead Custodian - The Lead Custodian performs custodial duties typically during the day at an assigned elementary school providing training and basic work direction to Custodians. In addition to assigning and reviewing routine cleaning duties, the incumbent is responsible for site budget and inventory management; performs a variety of duties supportive to school activities and facility use; and is the primary contact for site custodial communication. Some Lead Custodians may be assigned to other district facilities and work evening shifts.