Custodian (Two Positions Available)

Essex County College; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid vacation

Retirement plans

Tuition waiver program

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Essex County College is seeking a diligent Custodian to support the maintenance of college facilities. The role involves routine cleaning, sanitation, and upkeep of buildings and grounds to ensure a safe and orderly environment.

This position offers a competitive salary of $33,000 – $35,000 along with health benefits, paid leave, pension plans, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and understand basic operating instructions.
• Capacity to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Experience operating custodial equipment and handling cleaning materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Capability to lift up to 70 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of college buildings.
• Assist with recycling collection and sustainability initiatives.
• Report maintenance and safety concerns to management.
• Lock and unlock facilities as required.
• Maintain custodial equipment in a clean condition.

Skills

Effective communication

Safety procedures

Custodial equipment operation

Team collaboration

Physical strength

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Custodial equipment

Job description

Essex County College Human Resources Department

Below you will find details of this position including documentation that may be required.

Under the supervision of the Building Services Manager, or designee, the Custodian performs routine cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance support, necessary to maintain College buildings, facilities, grounds, and related areas in a clean, safe, secure, and orderly condition.

This position offers a competitive starting salary of $33,000 – $35,000along with a comprehensive college benefits package.

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Pension and retirement plans
• Tuition waiver programs
• Opportunities for professional growth

Be part of a collaborative and mission-driven college community.

Supervisory Role

Oral and written instructions are received from the Building Services Manager or designated supervisors regarding work assignments and expected results. When designated as a Custodial Lead, the Custodian exercises supervisory authority over assigned custodial staff, including directing daily operations, assigning and coordinating work, overseeing daily activities, monitoring attendance and performance, ensuring compliance with departmental standards, procedures, and safety requirements, and reporting operational and personnel issues to management.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 1. Sweep, mop, scrub, vacuum, and maintain floors and other surfaces.
• 2. Clean, strip, wax, burnish, and refinish floor surfaces as required.
• 3. Dust, clean, and maintain furniture, fixtures, equipment, doors, windows, elevators, partitions, display cases, and related furnishings.
• 4. Clean interior glass, windows, mirrors, and glass doors.
• 5. Clean, disinfect, and service restrooms; replenish supplies as needed.
• 6. Collect, remove, and properly dispose of trash, recyclables, and other waste materials.
• 7. Assist with recycling collection and related sustainability initiatives.
• 8. Move furniture, supplies, materials, and equipment as directed.
• 9. Assist with room setups and breakdowns for meetings, classes, and special events.
• 10. Lock and unlock classrooms, offices, lecture rooms, and other assigned facilities as required.
• 11. Observe and report maintenance, safety, security, and housekeeping concerns to supervisory personnel and the Public Safety Department.
• 12. Operate custodial equipment and cleaning tools in accordance with established safety and training procedures.
• 13. Assist with snow and ice removal from entrances, steps, sidewalks, and other assigned areas.
• 14. Maintain custodial equipment, tools, and storage areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• 15. Follow College policies and procedures regarding workplace safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and chemical handling.
• 16. Attend required safety, equipment operation, and regulatory training sessions.
• 17. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:

• Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Sit, stand and walk/move from place to place for required periods of time.
• Move between buildings.
• Speak and hear, communicate using telephone and/or walkie talkie.
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
• Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, including but not limited to, computers, keyboards, telephones, calculators, and controls.
• Bend, twist, climb, push, pull, and lift.

Additional Requirements

The Custodian may be required to work overtime, alternate shifts, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather, weather-related emergencies, College closures, and other operational emergencies as directed. The position may be designated as essential personnel when required by the College.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience (number of years), Knowledge and/or Abilities

• 1. Ability to read and understand basic operating instructions and safety information.
• 2. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• 3. Ability to safely operate custodial equipment, cleaning products, and related materials.
• 4. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• 5. Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 70 pounds.
• 6. Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated surfaces when necessary.
• 7. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• 8. Ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.
• 9. Ability to meet physical examination requirements established by the College.

Education Requirements

Education Requirements High School Diploma

Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver’s license, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience (number of years), Knowledge and/or Abilities

• 1. High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 2. Custodial, janitorial, housekeeping, or related experience preferred.

Education Requirements

Education Requirements High School Diploma

Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver’s license, etc.)

Posting Information

Open Date

Open Date 10/02/2026

Open Until Filled No

Close Date

Close Date 10/30/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Essex County College is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).