Facilities & Custodial Field Lead

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A large educational institution is seeking a Facilities & Custodial Field Lead to oversee custodial operations. This role involves supervising staff, performing inspections, and ensuring compliance with standards. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of Facilities Management experience, with strong leadership abilities and excellent organizational skills. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, with an associate degree preferred. Effective use of software and the ability to travel are essential aspects of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of professional Facilities Management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead assigned custodial staff.
• Monitor custodians’ use of custodial operations software.
• Conduct regular building inspections and report repairs.
• Ensure tasks follow established procedures and safety requirements.
• Plan and perform school visits to inspect facility cleaning.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge of building operations

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Ability to travel to multiple locations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree

Tools

CMMS

CrowdComfort

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Posting Date

Aug 12, 2025, 5:45:07 PM

Primary Location

Central-42 West Madison Street (City Wide Facility Ops & Maint)

CPS Non-Union Job Grade: S06

Estimated Annual Salary Range

58,000.00 - 76,000.00

Position Type: Non-Union Position

Overtime Status

Exempt

Overview

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 people. CPS aims to ensure access to a world-class learning experience and has committed to three core goals: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity, with six embedded values: student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Department of Facilities and Capital Operations manages day-to-day operations of CPS schools, modular buildings, annexes, and administrative offices, ensuring facilities are clean, safe, heated and cooled, and dry.

Job Summary

Reporting to a Facilities Management Lead, the Facilities & Custodial Field Lead ensures effective execution of the custodial program, supervising custodial staff and performing quality assurance and facility management duties. This role conducts regular inspections, identifies maintenance needs for CPS-owned facilities (including schools, stadiums, pools, and athletics centers) within assigned school zones, and reviews work by CPS-approved vendors for quality and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead assigned custodial staff; provide training and guidance
• Evaluate, develop, and optimize staff schedules and manage timecards
• Ensure tasks follow established procedures and safety/regulatory requirements
• Monitor custodians’ use of custodial operations software (e.g., CrowdComfort) and use data to ensure spaces are cleaned
• Complete employee performance evaluations per applicable agreements
• Plan and perform school visits to inspect facility cleaning/maintenance by CPS-approved vendors; visit assigned schools weekly
• Conduct regular building inspections and report repairs or maintenance needs with recommendations
• Document quality inspections with evidence (records, photos, videos) as appropriate
• Maintain familiarity with facility custodial duties, APPA 2 standards, pest control, safety, preventive maintenance, and relevant trades
• Enter and track deficiencies into CMMS; collaborate with Facilities to resolve issues
• Coordinate with other departments to minimize disruption during projects
• Assist staffing group with roving custodians and substitution software usage
• Perform periodic inventory, order supplies, and request necessary equipment
• Report broken equipment and track repairs in the work order system
• Participate in internal and external audits related to custodial and engineering operations
• Maintain Board and private custodian assignments in CPS database
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education Required:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional Facilities Management experience required
• Custodial experience in a related industry strongly preferred
• Lead or supervisory experience strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple priorities
• Working knowledge of building operations
• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and regulatory requirements
• Autonomy, good judgment, and decision-making
• Ability to execute validation protocols and adhere to quality standards
• Understanding of analytical and quality reporting methods
• Knowledge of CMMS and asset management systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Familiarity with SPC methods
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; communicate with stakeholders
• Ability to work around hazardous chemicals and allergenic antigens
• Ability to travel to multiple locations
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and determine action steps

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, employees must:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency: live within the City of Chicago within six months of hire and maintain residency throughout employment. Residency does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; Illinois residency is required for all CPS employees.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19: Unless exempted, be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and provide proof within 30 days of hire. Up-to-date means two weeks past all primary doses and boosters.

Health & Wellness and Financial Security sections summarize CPS benefits and are described in the original posting.

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