Head Custodian (First Shift)

Salem School District; Salem (NH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem School District is seeking a custodian supervisor to oversee daily cleaning operations, coordinate coverage for events, and ensure the security of district properties. The role requires directing the custodial team within assigned buildings and working with the Building Principal or Director of Maintenance & Custodial.

Your duties include maintaining supplies, training staff on safe cleaning techniques, and performing minor maintenance as needed in a school environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of custodial experience in commercial buildings
• Ability to read and understand signs, labels, and work schedules
• Ability to operate floor care machines safely
• Ability to communicate with staff and visitors
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds regularly

Responsibilities

• Oversee day to day custodial cleaning operations and coordinate schedules for events
• Maintain inventory and order supplies as needed
• Check and secure doors, windows and building/grounds security
• Train staff on cleaning techniques and safety procedures
• Perform minor building maintenance tasks as needed
• Keep records of work and communicate with Director of Maintenance

Skills

Read and understand labels

Communication

Work independently

Teamwork

Chromebook

Tools

Floor care machines

Cleaning equipment

Chromebook

Job description

Definition

Oversee day to day custodial cleaning operations, coordinating coverage and schedules for events, general maintenance duties and secure Salem School District property, building and related areas; to perform routine custodial work and other duties as assigned.

Position Characteristics

Duties assigned are the more routine security and cleaning tasks subject to inspection during performance or upon completion. This position directs work for custodial team within assigned building and coordinates with Building Principal and/or Director of Maintenance & Custodial.

Examples Of Duties

• Track and inventory supplies related to chemicals, paper and other cleaning duties.
• Maintain inventory of equipment and provide minor maintenance as needed.
• Check and secure doors, windows, utility equipment and property of the Salem School District.
• Ensure coverage for a daily building check and all custodial schedules.
• Train staff on proper cleaning techniques and safety for equipment.
• Inspect premises against damage by fire, theft and illegal entry.
• Keep building and premise, including sidewalks, driveways and play areas neat and clean at all times.
• Shovel, plows, and/or sands/de-ice walks, driveways, parking areas and steps as appropriate.
• Sweep, vacuum, mop, dust, shampoo, steam clean, strip, wax, polish and buff floors, carpets, and furniture, etc.
• Perform cleaning tasks such as washing windows, emptying waste baskets.
• Dust and polish woodwork, fixtures, furniture, and equipment.
• Move furniture, cabinets and other equipment.
• May scrub, strip, wax, and buff floors.
• May perform some of the less technical building maintenance tasks.
• Change light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
• Clean and sanitizes offices, classrooms, restrooms and replenishes supplies; cleans spills; cleans drinking fountains, mirrors, tables, desks, walls, fixtures, blinds, shades, light fixtures, etc.
• Perform minor semi-skilled interior building maintenance and repairs such as painting, floor covering, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical, and other unskilled and semi-skilled trades work.
• Inspects and maintains assigned custodial equipment and small tools for proper operating condition.
• Keep records of work completed as needed and updates Director of Maintenance as needed.
• Maintain current skills and knowledge in the proper and safe techniques of custodial maintenance.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge and skills listed. Typically, the equivalent to two (2) years of recent full-time custodial experience in commercial buildings and /or facilities that demonstrates possession of the following knowledge and ability requirements.

Knowledge Of

• Methods, chemicals, disinfectants, and equipment used in cleaning and caring of floors, walls, fixtures and furniture.
• Equipment, materials and supplies used in building maintenance.
• Equipment and supplies used to do minor repairs.
• First aid and applicable safety precautions.

Ability To

• Read and understand signs, labels and work schedules.
• Write and enter information on records.
• Operate floor care machines and other tools and equipment properly, safely, and efficiently.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, staff and visitors.
• Work independently as well as in a team atmosphere and to complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Operate computer such as a Chromebook for email and ordering supplies.

Background Check

Candidates will need to successfully pass a background investigation to include fingerprint and criminal history evaluation.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and working described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. Duties require frequent lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds and occasionally lifting and /or moving more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic cleaning chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet during indoor night shift operations. Employees are required to work alone at night and on weekends. Must be available to work night, weekend and holiday shifts. On night, weekend or holiday shifts as assigned, may be required to work alone. On such assignments, within established policies and procedures, incumbents of this position are expected to work with considerable initiative and independent judgment in identifying and taking corrective action on the more routine problems. Emergency complex problems occurring during such assignments are referred to appropriate higher level building maintenance staff. Employees will need to travel to alternate work locations.

Hours

6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

2026-2027 Salary

Starting at $23.73/hour or more depending on experience.