Custodian Lead

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Custodian Lead to support the Park Operations team in guiding and training custodial staff, monitoring daily work, and assisting during special events. This hands-on role combines custodial duties with leadership and operational support, including assuming lead responsibilities when management is unavailable.

Responsibilities include overseeing daily tasks, training seasonal staff and volunteers, and participating in rounds to identify cleaning and maintenance

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate clearly with team members and guests.
• Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with staff and volunteers.
• Solid problem-solving skills to handle daily operational issues.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily tasks performed by Custodial staff.
• Assist with training staff and directing seasonal employees and volunteers.
• Conduct weekly rounds to identify cleaning and maintenance needs.
• Assist with cleaning and stocking restrooms, pathways, food service areas, benches, trash cans, and other Zoo spaces.
• Provide operational support for events (CATZ, ZooBoo, Zoobilation) and snow removal.
• Lead responsibilities in the absence of management staff.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

As part of our Park Operations team, the Custodian Lead supports the day-to-day operations of the Custodial Team. In this role, you'll assist with guiding and training team members, monitoring daily work, supporting special events, and helping the Park Operations management team keep things running smoothly.

About the Role

The Custodian Lead assists the Park Operations management team with the day-to-day guidance and training of department staff while also participating in the cleaning and upkeep of Zoo buildings and grounds.

This is an active, hands-on position that combines custodial responsibilities with leadership and operational support. When management staff are unavailable, the Custodian Lead assumes lead responsibilities for the department and helps ensure daily tasks and priorities are completed.

Key Responsibilities

• Help oversee daily tasks performed by Custodial staff.
• Assist with training staff and providing direction to seasonal employees and volunteers.
• Participate in weekly rounds to identify cleaning and maintenance needs.
• Assist with cleaning and stocking restrooms, pathways, food service areas, benches, trash cans, and other Zoo spaces.
• Provide operational support for events, including CATZ, ZooBoo, Zoobilation, and snow removal.
• Occasionally serve as the event contact for morning and evening events outside normal Zoo operating hours.
• Follow all Zoo safety, sanitation, chemical handling, and operational procedures.
• Assume lead responsibilities in the absence of management staff.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid Indiana driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Custodial, housekeeping, or related experience preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work a 40-hour schedule, including weekends, holidays, overtime, and varying shifts as needed.
• Ability to occasionally work morning or evening events outside normal Zoo operating hours.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to remain active throughout the workday and safely handle items weighing up to 100 pounds.

Why Join Us?

As a member of the Park Operations team, you'll help create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our guests while supporting the people who keep our facilities running smoothly.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.