Head Custodian

Oakton College; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 62,956,320 - 66,124,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule after 30 days

Job summary

Oakton College in Des Plaines, IL is seeking an experienced Custodian Supervisor to join the housekeeping team. Under supervision, you will supervise custodial staff, assist with shift planning, and oversee routine and project tasks.

The role requires custodial experience, two years of supervisory work preferred, and strong knowledge of cleaning methods and equipment. Evening/night hours may apply with potential for growth and stable employment.

Qualifications

• High School education or equivalent.
• Two to three years of custodial work experience.
• Two years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of custodial equipment and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of floor care and carpet cleaning methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supervision of custodial staff and project tasks.
• Operate custodial equipment such as vacuums, scrubbers, buffers.
• Perform cleaning tasks across assigned areas and ensure safety.
• Provide training and feedback to custodians on duties.
• Respond to maintenance and emergency custodial requests as needed.
• Support shift planning and coverage during absences.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Custodial knowledge

Equipment operation

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Vacuum cleaner

Extractor

Buffer

Scrubber

Floor machines

Job description

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.

Location: Des Plaines, IL Category: Staff Job Type: Full Time Staff Posted On: Tue Jul 14 2026 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.

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.

Job 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:

• 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.

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.

Additional Information:

HOURS:

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

SALARY:

The hourly salary of this position is $22.68 which equates to $ 45,698 annualized based on Oakton's summer hours schedule.

Based on the needs of the college and with Administrator approval, some positions at the college may have a hybrid schedule option available after 30 working days.

For information regarding employment eligibility, please visit our employment at Oakton web page.

Equal Opportunity Employer