Custodian & Grounds-High School

Round Lake Area Schools CUSD #116; Round Lake (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Round Lake Area Schools CUSD #116 is seeking a Custodian-Grounds at the High School to perform custodial, groundskeeping and maintenance tasks. The role supports safe, clean, and functional facilities for students and staff, including snow removal, field upkeep, and minor repairs.

The position requires a High School diploma, 2 years’ related experience (3 preferred), and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Candidates should have a valid driver's license and basic computer skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years custodial/groundskeeping or related field; three years preferred.
• Certificate of good health; ability to lift 50 lbs; valid driver’s license.
• Able to read/write reports and follow oral/written instructions.
• Basic computer skills for district communications and records.
• Good attendance history required.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine custodial cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance.
• Maintain district grounds, athletic fields, and outdoor facilities.
• Conduct routine grounds maintenance: mowing, edging, pruning, irrigation, snow removal.
• Inspect facilities to identify maintenance needs and safety concerns.
• Open/close buildings and secure doors and equipment as directed.
• Maintain records, complete work orders, and communicate with supervisors.

Skills

Custodial experience

Groundskeeping knowledge

Read and follow instructions

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

None

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Job Title: Custodian-Grounds (High School)
• Department: Operations
• Bargain Unit Classification: Bargaining Unit-EARL
• Reports To: Building Principal, Director of Operations & Safety
• FLSA Designation: Non Exempt
• Pay Scale/Lane: Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Benefits: Benefit Summary
• Work Calendar: 260 days
• Version Date: 10/2026

PART I: SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Custodian/Groundskeeper performs a variety of custodial, groundskeeping and general facility maintenance duties to ensure district buildings, grounds, athletic facilities, and related properties remain safe, clean, functional and attractive. Responsibilities include routine cleaning, sanitation, building upkeep, landscaping, athletic field maintenance, snow and ice removal, minor repairs, and operational support for school programs and activities. The position works collaboratively with building administrators and Operations personnel to maintain and environment conducive to student learning, staff productivity, and community use.

PART II: MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

A. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. High School diploma or equivalent; 18 years of age.
2. Two (2) years of experience in custodial services, groundskeeping, facility maintenance, or a related field required; three (3) years preferred.

B. CREDENTIALS

1. Certificate of good health by a licensed physician, consistent with applicable requirements.
2. Physically able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and occasionally handle heavier equipment and supplies.
3. Possess a current driver's license.
4. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
5. Ability to complete required reports, work orders, and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
6. Proficiency in basic computer applications necessary to access and communicate work-related information.
7. Good attendance record.

C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of custodial practices, cleaning techniques, sanitation procedures, and routine building maintenance.
2. Knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, landscaping techniques, and the care of turf, trees, shrubs, flowers, and athletic fields.
3. Knowledge of custodial and grounds maintenance equipment, tools, vehicles, machinery, and their proper operation and care.
4. Knowledge of applicable safety practices, occupational hazards, and federal, state, and local regulations governing custodial services, grounds maintenance, and chemical applications.
5. Knowledge of cleaning agents, disinfectants, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other treatment products, including their safe handling, storage, and authorized application.
6. Skill in performing custodial services, including cleaning, sanitizing, floor care, waste removal, and maintaining classrooms, restrooms, offices, and common areas.
7. Skill in performing grounds maintenance activities, including mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, planting, irrigation, athletic field preparation, and snow removal.
8. Ability to operate and maintain custodial equipment, groundskeeping machinery, vehicles, ladders, and other tools safely and effectively.
9. Ability to inspect buildings, grounds, athletic facilities, and equipment; identify maintenance needs and safety concerns; and implement or report appropriate corrective actions.
10. Ability to read and interpret work orders, equipment instructions, specifications, diagrams, and District procedures.
11. Ability to organize work, prioritize assignments, follow established schedules, and complete tasks efficiently with minimal supervision.
12. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and maintain accurate records and reports.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, administrators, contractors, vendors, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
14. Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, climbing, bending, and working in varying indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.
15. Ability to respond effectively to emergencies, changing operational priorities, special events, and other District needs while maintaining professional conduct and appropriate safety practices.

PART III: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Perform routine custodial cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance of District buildings, classrooms, offices, restrooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, common areas, and related facilities in accordance with established schedules and District standards.
2. Complete custodial tasks including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, waxing, and maintaining floors; dusting and polishing surfaces; cleaning windows, furniture, and fixtures; removing waste; replenishing supplies; and cleaning and disinfecting restrooms and other designated areas.
3. Maintain District grounds, landscaped areas, athletic fields, playgrounds, parking lots, sidewalks, entryways, and other outdoor facilities in a safe, clean functional, and attractive condition.
4. Perform routine grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, edging, watering, weeding, pruning, planting, fertilizing, mulching, irrigation, leaf removal, and debris cleanup.
5. Prepare, maintain, mark, and restore athletic fields, tracks, courts, stadium areas, and related facilities to support instructional programs, interscholastic athletics, extracurricular activities, and community events.
6. Inspect buildings, grounds, athletic facilities, equipment, and outdoor structures to identify maintenance needs, damage, unsafe conditions, and repair requirements; perform minor corrective actions or report concerns to appropriate personnel.
7. Perform minor building and grounds repairs, including furniture, fixtures, equipment, fencing, signage, irrigation systems, outdoor structures, and other facility components within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
8. Monitor building systems, including heating and ventilation equipment, for observable operational concerns and report malfunctions or unsafe conditions to appropriate personnel.
9. Open, close, and secure assigned buildings, classrooms, and facilities as directed, ensuring doors, windows, access points, and equipment are appropriately secured.
10. Perform snow and ice removal operations, including plowing, shoveling, salting, de-icing, and maintaining safe access to District buildings, parking areas, sidewalks, and other designated locations.
11. Operate, inspect, clean, and maintain custodial equipment, groundskeeping machinery, vehicles, tools, and related equipment in accordance with safety procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
12. Handle, store, and use cleaning agents, disinfectants, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other treatment products in accordance with applicable laws, safety requirements, manufacturer instructions, and District procedures, including required licensing or authorization.
13. Maintain cleanliness and functionality of exterior areas, including fence lines, drains, walkways, driveways, and other grounds-related infrastructure.
14. Assist with the setup, preparation, maintenance, cleanup, and restoration of District facilities and grounds for instructional activities, food service, athletics, special events, and community use.
15. Follow assigned work schedules, daily assignments, seasonal maintenance plans, special projects, and summer or school-break cleaning and grounds maintenance requirements; adjust priorities as directed to meet operational needs.
16. Load, unload, transport, receive, distribute, and properly store equipment, materials, supplies, and deliveries necessary to support District operations.
17. Maintain accurate records of inspections, completed work, maintenance activities, repairs, supplies, and equipment needs; prepare and submit work orders, reports, and requisitions as required.
18. Collaborate with custodial, grounds, maintenance, building, and District Operations personnel to address facility needs, provide temporary operational support, and respond to requests from authorized supervisors.
19. Follow District policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations; take reasonable precautions to protect students, staff, visitors, equipment, and facilities; and participate in required training, emergency response, and professional development activities.
20. Demonstrate professionalism through reliable attendance, appropriate conduct, effective communication, cooperation with District personnel.
21. Performs related duties assigned.

PART IV: STAFF SUPERVISION

1. Not applicable

PART V: ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue.
2. Occasional exposure to inclement/extreme weather conditions for hours at a time.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES PERFORMED BY PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

RLAS #116 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE DISTRICT WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGE BOTH PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT EMPLOYEES TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE DISTRICT WHEN NECESSARY.