Head Custodian

Oakton College; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is looking for custodial staff to support the housekeeping department in Des Plaines, IL. The role involves performing routine and non-routine custodial tasks, supervising staff, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. Candidates should have a high school diploma and substantial experience in custodial work.

Qualifications

• High School education or equivalent required.
• Experience in custodial work (2-3 years) required.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supervision of custodial staff.
• Perform general custodial tasks and operate equipment.
• Train and provide feedback to custodians.

Skills

Supervisory Skills

Knowledge of Custodial Equipment

Knowledge of Cleaning Processes

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Custodial Equipment

Job description

Category:: Staff
Subscribe::
Department:: Facilities
Locations:: Des Plaines, IL
Posted:: Mar 27, 2025
Closes:: Jun 30, 2025 - 11:59 PM EDT
Type:: Full Time Staff
Position ID:: 186795

About Oakton College :

Educate. Empower. Transform

At Oakton College, we know education changes lives - and that starts with the people who make it happen. For more than 50 years, we've built a welcoming and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds and experiences thrive.

We're looking for passionate educators, professionals and leaders to join our team. Whether in the classroom, student support, or behind the scenes, your talents and expertise will make a difference and shape the future.

We provide dynamic learning environments that empower students and employees alike with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie and a Health Careers Education Center in Evanston.

As a proud institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oakton is more than a college - it's a place where innovation, equity and lifelong learning drive everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and student-centered culture.

Explore career opportunities at Oakton College.

Job Description:

Basic Function and Responsibility:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform routine and non-routine custodial tasks. Assist supervisor in the planning of the housekeeping shift operation.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in supervision of custodial staff.
• Work with project tasks as directed by supervisor such as carpet cleaning using variety of methods, scrub/strip and seal/ recoat floors, power wash/sanitize restrooms and buff floors.
• Perform general custodial tasks in a specific work area including trash removal, vacuuming, cleaning white/chalk boards, dry/wet mopping, cleaning mirrors, furniture, tiles, walls and windows, dusting vertical and horizontal surfaces.
• Operate custodial equipment such as vacuum, extractor, buffer, scrubber, floor machines, rider/extractor, and sanitizer.
• Act as a working group leader on certain projects, such as moving and setup of furniture or equipment.
• Assume responsibility for housekeeping shift operations in the absence of the supervisor.
• Perform inspection of completed work assignments and provide feedback to the employee and the Housekeeping Supervisor.
• Provide training and retraining to custodians on routine work assignments and the use of equipment and supplies as directed by supervisor.
• Report safety, sanitary and fire hazards to appropriate supervisor and manager; report need for maintenance repairs; respond to emergency custodial requests as needed.
• Perform snow removal and perform special work assignments or clean ups as directed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Qualifications and Working Conditions:

• High School education or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is required.
• Two to three years of experience in custodial work is required.
• Two years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge and ability to use custodial equipment /tools properly and safely.
• Knowledge of floor care and cleaning processes for a variety of surfaces is required.
• Knowledge of carpet cleaning methods and techniques such as extraction, bonneting, shampooing, encapsulation is required.

Physical Working Conditions:

Position will require employees to have:

• The ability to stand, walk and move for extended periods of time (Often - 75% - 100%).
• The ability to detect dirt, dust, stains and marks. (Often 75% to 100%).
• The ability to bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull, and reach in all directions (Often - 75% - 100%).
• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. (Often 75% - 100%).
• The ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time. (Often 75% - 100%).
• The ability to set up and operate mechanical cleaning equipment. (often 75% to 100%).
• The ability to work at heights and the ability to ascend/descend ladders. (Occasional - 50% - 75%).
  
• Some shifts will require the use of radio communication. Employees on these shifts, using these devices, will be required to have the ability to exchange information clearly.
• Job duties may be performed in hot, dusty, dirty environments. Employees may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and outside weather.

Additional Information:

Supervision Received:

General supervision is received from the Manager of Housekeeping.

Functional supervision is received from the Housekeeping Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised:

Functional supervision may exercise over custodians as needed.

HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:30 pm - 7:00 am

SALARY: $44,912

Preemployment Physical required

Oakton College is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we seek a broad spectrum of candidates, including minorities, veterans, women and people with disabilities. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Oakton is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, and reprisal or any other protected status. Further, Oakton does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational, employment, or extracurricular activity.

Out-of-State Employment Defined:

Oakton College's primary location of operation is in the state of Illinois. An "out-of-state employee" is defined as an employee of Oakton College whose primary work location is outside of the state of Illinois. State taxes, employment tax, and worker's compensation provisions vary from state to state and require payroll compliance with these various rules.

Allowable States for Out-of-State Employment:

All employees must maintain their primary residence in Illinois, Indiana, or a reciprocal state with Illinois. Reciprocal states include Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Illinois has tax agreements with these reciprocal states. Employees may have their primary residence in Indiana since Indiana is adjacent to Illinois.

Application Instructions:

For further details, visit our website at www.oakton.edu and select the Employment link to view Employment Opportunities.

Please be sure to have a current resume, cover letter, and list of, at least, three (3) professional references with contact information prepared to submit with your application.

Oakton College conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law and in accordance with the Illinois Department of Human Rights Conviction Record Protection Act of March 2021.

Posted positions may be removed from the Oakton website without notice when it is determined that no additional applicants are required.

Oakton College does not utilize E-Verify for employment eligibility verification.