Environmental Health Specialist

Kids for the Future; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 28,930,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting Day 1

Job summary

Kids for the Future is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for children and families in Durham, NC. This full-time role begins with Day 1 benefits and involves routine cleaning, safety checks, and minor repairs.

The role requires a high school diploma, at least three years in cleaning and maintenance, and the ability to work independently while ensuring safety and quality. Reliable transportation and a valid license are also expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least three years in cleaning, sanitation, janitorial, or building maintenance.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize classrooms, restrooms, offices, and shared spaces.
• Keep restrooms clean, welcoming, and stocked.
• Follow a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule.
• Use and store cleaning products safely per childcare standards.
• Receive, sort, and prepare trash for pickup or disposal.
• Perform minor repairs within your ability.
• Submit facility repair needs via the work-order system.
• Maintain clear entrances, walkways, and grounds free of hazards.
• Respond to weather-related needs and apply ice melt when needed.
• Monitor supplies and request replacements as needed.
• Participate in weekly facility walkthroughs with leadership.
• Assist with other duties to support a safe program.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Written & verbal communication

Basic math

Computer basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Location 908 Liberty St,Durham, NC, 27701,United States
• Base Pay $18.00 - $18.00 / Hour
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree High school

Description

Do you take pride in creating clean, safe, and welcoming spaces? We are looking for a dependable and detail-oriented Environmental Health Specialist to help maintain facilities where children, families, staff, and visitors can feel comfortable and cared for.

This is a full-time position with benefits beginning on Day 1.

What You Will Do

In this role, you will:

• Clean and sanitize classrooms, restrooms, offices, and shared spaces by sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and wiping surfaces.
• Keep restrooms clean, welcoming, and fully stocked.
• Follow a regular cleaning and building-maintenance schedule.
• Use and store cleaning products safely and according to applicable childcare health, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Remove trash, recyclables, and other materials and prepare them for scheduled pickup or special disposal.
• Perform minor repairs that are within your experience and abilities.
• Submit facility repair needs through the ChildPlus work-order system.
• Keep building entrances, exits, walkways, and exterior grounds free of trash, debris, and safety hazards.
• Respond to weather-related needs, including applying ice melt during winter weather.
• Monitor cleaning supplies and equipment and request replacements when needed.
• Join the Center Director for weekly facility walkthroughs to identify maintenance or repair needs in classrooms, restrooms, kitchens, offices, playgrounds, and storage areas.
• Work closely with the FCR Project Manager and provide timely updates on work orders.
• Assist with other duties as needed to support a safe and successful program.

Requirements

What You Will Bring

We are looking for someone who has:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least three years of experience in cleaning, sanitation, janitorial work, building maintenance, or minor building repairs.
• The ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to recognize maintenance and safety concerns.
• The ability to safely operate basic cleaning equipment.
• The ability to lift at least 25 pounds.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and basic math skills.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing, Excel, internet use, recordkeeping, and report preparation.
• The ability to work respectfully and effectively with children, families, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, OSHA standards, and applicable childcare, sanitation, and building-maintenance requirements.
• A valid driver’s license, at least one year of driving experience, and a driving record that meets our insurance requirements.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Summary

What You Can Expect From Us

We will:

• Welcome you as an important member of a team committed to serving children and families.
• Provide clear expectations and ongoing communication about facility and program needs.
• Work with you to prioritize maintenance requests and address safety concerns.
• Support you in maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming environments.

The selected candidate must successfully complete required reference and criminal background checks. A pre-employment drug screening may also be required.

Before the first day of working with children, the employee must provide documentation of a satisfactory TB test or chest X-ray and a signed medical statement dated within the previous 12 months. The employee must also meet all applicable federal, state, and local health requirements.

If you are dependable, safety-minded, and passionate about creating spaces where children and families can thrive, we encourage you to apply.