Custodian, Entry Level Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Public School System in Maryland is seeking a Custodian to perform building inspections, cleaning, and maintenance duties across school facilities. The role requires reliability, physical stamina, and ability to work with students and staff.

Responsibilities include outdoor maintenance, snow removal, basic repairs, and after-hours availability. This 12-month position follows the AFSCME Master Agreement with overtime considerations.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of cleaning materials and equipment.
• Understanding of English-language operating instructions and safety procedures.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to operate cleaning and grass-cutting machines.
• Willingness to attend and participate in training sessions.
• Self-starter attitude and ability to learn acceptable cleaning methods.
• Positive interaction with students, administrators, co-workers, parents, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Perform building inspections to ensure security and safety compliance.
• Clean indoor spaces by sweeping, dusting, mopping, scrubbing, sealing, buffing, vacuuming, and washing surfaces.
• Maintain outdoor areas by mowing, watering, sweeping, weeding, shoveling snow, and operating grass-cutting equipment.
• Move and store furniture and equipment as needed.
• Remove snow, ice, gum, and debris from sidewalks and windows.
• Conduct general maintenance such as filling dispensers, replacing light bulbs and neon tubes, and making minor repairs.
• Monitor and secure the building during and after cleaning activities.
• Respond to emergency calls and be available for after-hours service.
• Operate cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, scrubbers, buffers, wet and dry mops, and brooms.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Skills

Cleaning materials

Safety procedures

Communication

Equipment operation

Self-starter

Interpersonal skills

Job description

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform building inspections to ensure security and safety compliance.
• Clean indoor spaces by sweeping, dusting, mopping, scrubbing, sealing, buffing, vacuuming, and washing surfaces.
• Maintain outdoor areas by mowing, watering, sweeping, weeding, shoveling snow, and operating grass‑cutting equipment.
• Move and store furniture and equipment as needed.
• Remove snow, ice, gum, and debris from sidewalks and windows.
• Conduct general maintenance such as filling dispensers, replacing light bulbs and neon tubes, and making minor repairs.
• Monitor and secure the building during and after cleaning activities.
• Respond to emergency calls and be available for after‑hours service.
• Operate cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, scrubbers, buffers, wet and dry mops, and brooms.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year of experience as a custodian in a school system or in building maintenance.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of cleaning materials and equipment.
• Understanding of English‑language operating instructions and safety procedures.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to operate cleaning and grass‑cutting machines.
• Willingness to attend and participate in training sessions.
• Self‑starter attitude and ability to learn acceptable cleaning methods.
• Positive interaction with students, administrators, co‑workers, parents, and community members.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS – PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Hear spoken words at 25 feet.
• Work outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
• Climb ladders and stairs.
• Pick up and lift up to 65 pounds.
• Stand for prolonged periods.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

12‑month per year position on the AFSCME Custodial Salary Scale, Grade II. Step placement follows the system’s salary procedures and AFSCME Master Agreement. The position is not exempt from overtime under the FLSA.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and a Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan with a 7% employer contribution. Availability of additional paid time off and other benefits is outlined in the negotiated agreement for the AFSCME bargaining unit.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Provide professional references from current or recent supervisors.
• Undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background investigation.
• Complete a Maryland Employment History Review and, if required, a physical examination and drug testing.
• Present proper identification and documentation of U.S. employment eligibility.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

HCPSS is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to a work environment free of discrimination or harassment. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer sponsorship for employment.