Custodian- Full Time

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Medical and dental benefits

Life and disability insurance

Family friendly work environment

Job summary

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is seeking a full-time Custodian to maintain a clean and welcoming environment across the historic site. The role includes cleaning restrooms, offices, exhibits, and public areas, along with seasonal or weekend shifts and collaboration with the Facilities & Preservation team.

The position offers benefits as part of a comprehensive package, including shift-based duties and potential for growth within the maintenance department.

Qualifications

• HS Degree or equivalent.
• Some experience working in a team environment preferred.
• Must have or complete OSHA 10 certification.
• Maintain a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Keep facility clean, including restrooms and offices.
• Empty trash and recycling throughout the facility multiple times per shift.
• Clean floors, exhibits, signage, and equipment; operation of cleaning tools.
• Assist with maintenance tasks as needed by the Associate Director, Facilities & Maintenance.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Initiative

Flexibility

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Job Title: Custodian (Full-Time)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Facilities & Preservation

Reports to: Associate Director, Facilities & Maintenance

Effective Date: April 17, 2026

Position Summary

Custodial staff are responsible for ensuring that all areas of the facility are neat and clean, including restrooms and offices, and for creating a positive and engaging experience for each visitor.

Key Responsibilities

• Duties and tasks may include:
  • Ensure floors are clear of debris and/or trash.
  • Empty trash cans throughout the facility multiple times per shift.
  • Break down cardboard boxes and remove them to recycling bins.
  • Clean bathrooms including toilets, sinks, and floors multiple times per shift.
  • Clean offices including wiping down counters, tables and desks, mopping/vacuuming floors, and dusting.
  • Clean exhibits, signage, and other equipment throughout the facility.
  • Pull weeds in public areas.
  • Clean up any unforeseen debris or mess as is possible.
  • Assist the Associate Director, Facilities & Maintenance as needed with facility maintenance tasks including landscape maintenance, snow removal, changing lightbulbs, adjusting timers, or other duties as assigned.
• Other:
  • Work in a safe manner and strive for OSHA compliance.
  • Contribute to a clean and safe shop space by following practices for proper storage of materials and equipment.
  • Complete FMX tickets in a timely fashion.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Previous custodial and/or maintenance experience a plus but not required.
• Willingness to learn and take initiative to handle problems as they arise.
• Excellent customer service.
• Ability to work as a team.
• May be required to work occasional early morning, weekend, or late-night shifts. Regular schedule will include one weekend day.

Education and Experience

• HS Degree or equivalent.
• Some experience working in a team environment preferred.
• Maintain a valid Driver's License. Must have or complete upon starting OSHA 10 certification.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard.
• Must be able to climb, and work from, ladders.
• Ability to wear a respirator for installation and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to lift and/or carry objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary - $17.00 per hour

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit.

Benefits - Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site offers a comprehensive benefit package including 401K, medical and dental benefits, life and disability insurance and a family friendly work environment.

About ESPHS:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles.

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.

Commitment to Diversity:

We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision‑making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy regarding recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS (Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site) strongly believes in second chances and is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.