Lead Custodial Worker

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A major public education institution in Chicago seeks a Lead Custodial Worker responsible for extensive cleaning and custodian management within schools. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of custodial work experience. This role involves maintaining the cleanliness of classrooms and facilities while managing a custodial team. Additionally, candidates should possess knowledge of basic building cleaning methods and equipment operation, along with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year of custodial work experience.
• Knowledge of basic methods of building cleaning and landscape maintenance.
• Ability to clearly communicate work accomplishments to supervisor.
• Moderate skill in using power-driven tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform extensive cleaning and custodial duties in schools.
• Manage assigned custodial team and report performance.
• Maintain cleanliness of classrooms, offices, and common areas.
• Sets up tables and chairs for events and meetings as needed.
• Reports supply usage and requests materials in a timely manner.

Skills

Cleaning basics

Communication

Power tools

Work ethic

Teaching others

Grounds maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Power-driven equipment

Hand tools

Job description

Posting Date

Aug 6, 2025, 5:28:17 PM

Primary Location

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

22.23

Position Type: Union Position

Overtime Status

Non-exempt

Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.

Job Description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world‑class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student‑centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Lead Custodial Worker performs extensive cleaning and professional custodial duties in the maintenance of the interior and exterior of Chicago Public Schools’ buildings and facilities, and performs related duties as required. In addition, the Lead manages the school's assigned custodial team, and reports on performance to the Principal or assigned supervisor if delegated by the Principal.

Responsibilities

• Cleans, sweeps, mops, and scrubs floors inside and outside of classrooms, offices, stairways, corridors, and lobbies; strips, re‑waxes, and buffs floors using heavy‑duty electric scrubbers and polishers;
• Vacuum and shampoo all carpeted areas with vacuum equipment;
• Cleans and disinfects lavatory areas including sinks, showers, urinals and toilets using appropriate disinfectants and chemical solutions;
• Refills toilet paper, hand soap and paper towel dispensers in lavatories;
• Cleans, dusts, and polishes all types of surfaces and furniture, classrooms, offices, and all other areas of the school building, including damp wipes surfaces of chalkboards;
• Empties waste baskets and other refuse containers to dispose of trash;
• Lifts and moves furniture, office equipment and draperies; places boxes and equipment in storage areas; cleans the interior and street level exteriors of windows;
• Shovels snow and spreads salt either manually or with snow blower equipment; operates power equipment or hand tools to cut and trim lawns and shrubbery; waters and fertilizes lawns, stores hoses in proper manner;
• Cleans and stores equipment and supplies after each use;
• Removes litter and debris from building doors and property grounds;
• Opens and operates refuse compactor; raises and lowers flags at appropriate times;
• Removes graffiti markings from walls and other surfaces;
• Sets up tables and chairs in auditorium or hall or other meeting rooms;
• Confirms that other assigned custodians are meeting job requirements through their assigned schedules and responsible areas.
• Reports on supply usage at intervals determined by Principal or Department of Asset Management, and identifies and requests in a timely manner from appropriate school personnel the necessary custodial supplies for all custodial staff members to properly perform their duties.
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Principal or principal's Delegate.

Qualifications

Education Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

Experience Required:

• Minimum of one (1) year of custodial work experience, ability and willingness to perform the work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Some knowledge of the basic methods of building cleaning and housekeeping and basic grounds and landscape maintenance
• Knowledge of the proper operations of power‑driven equipment and hand tools.
• Ability to clearly communicate work accomplishments to Principal or assigned supervisor if delegated by Principal
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to teach others essential function skills
• Moderate skill in using power‑driven tools and equipment

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID‑19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up‑to‑date on COVID‑19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up‑to‑date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.