Maintenance Worker

The Night Ministry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Night Ministry is seeking a hands-on custodian to maintain Open Door Shelter/West Town facilities, ensuring a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment for staff and guests.

You will perform cleaning, basic maintenance, and assist with systems upkeep, including minor carpentry and preventive tasks. This full-time role supports a mission-driven team serving a diverse community in Chicago.

Qualifications

• Must have the ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Capable of performing necessary physical duties, including the movement of heavy objects.
• Able to use hand and power tools comfortably.
• Clear DCFS background check and health clearance.
• Familiarity with compliance audit preparation
• Maintain a clean driving record; show evidence of insurability.
• Minimum G.E.D. or high school diploma.
• Excellent attendance; reliable.
• Superior interpersonal skills; must be comfortable working with an extremely diverse population and staff.
• Available to work occasional overtime.
• Spanish language skills are helpful.
• Able to read blueprints/profiles.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the facility in a clean, sanitary, and orderly condition.
• Cleans and sanitizes bathrooms and kitchens.
• Cleans offices, hallways, meeting rooms, etc.
• Follows effective pest control practices. Removes trash. Replenish bathroom supplies.
• Regular floor cleaning, including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, stripping, and waxing.
• Occasional window and wall cleaning.
• Cleans and organizes storage areas, maintenance closets, or systems rooms.

Skills

Follow instructions

Physical stamina

Reading blueprints

First Aid/CPR

Interpersonal skills

Spanish helpful

Education

GED or high school diploma

Tools

Hand and power tools

Blueprint reading

Job description

Description

The Night Ministry is powered by people who care deeply, about our mission, about our community, and about one another. We serve individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion and consistency, and we know that strong teams are what make that possible. No matter the department, every role plays an essential part in advancing our mission and strengthening our impact. We value curiosity, accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to equity. If you’re someone who thrives in a purpose-driven environment and wants your work to contribute to lasting change, you may find a home here.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, perform basic maintenance and custodial tasks for Open Door Shelter/West Town.

General Purpose

Maintain building, and operating systems and keep vehicles in working order; perform custodial duties, keeping building and grounds neat and clean.

Position Responsibilities

Cleaning and Sanitation

• Maintains the facility in a clean, sanitary, and orderly condition.
• Cleans and sanitizes bathrooms and kitchens.
• Cleans offices, hallways, meeting rooms, etc.
• Follows effective pest control practices. Removes trash. Replenish bathroom supplies.
• Regular floor cleaning, including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, stripping, and waxing.
• Occasional window and wall cleaning.
• Cleans and organizes storage areas, maintenance closets, or systems rooms (furnace or phone rooms, etc.)

General Maintenance and Repairs

• Paints, and performs minor carpentry. Installs lighting regularly. This may include carpentry, electrical, and plumbing work.
• Minor upkeep of vehicles. This may include monitoring oil levels, checking air filters, tire pressure, interior cleaning, etc.
• General outdoor work as required, such as shoveling snow, mowing, minor gardening, and litter removal (except when there is a service contract).
• Minor equipment maintenance and repair.
• Minor roof maintenance, including cleaning drains of built-up debris

Systems Upkeep

• Establishes and implements maintenance schedules for major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Creates preventative maintenance schedules.
• Notify management concerning the need for major repairs or additions to buildings, operating systems, or vehicles.
• Processes all repairs for systems.
• Makes recommendations that could result in operating cost reduction, more efficiency, and better use of resources and supplies.
• Liaison between Maintenance Supervisor building inspectors, and vendors.
• Keeping vents clean of dust and debris
• Periodic check of fire alarm batteries

Other

• At regular intervals, inspect the entire premises for major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems including the sump pump.
• Periodic check of boilers for correct temperatures.
• Wash and clean chutes leading to the compactor, including cleaning the exterior body of the unit, and unit buttons.
• Occasionally drive the 15-passenger van to pick up supplies, make a delivery, or for routine vehicle maintenance.
• Monitor use of Daily Vehicle Daily Use Log, recording findings in monthly vehicle check log.
• Adheres to established agency policies and procedures, including safety rules and safe working practices.
• Grease trap maintenance, twice a year in conjunction with contract maintenance schedule
• Responsible for planning and completing my work within scheduled deadlines.
• Participates in staff development training and workshops, staff meetings, program events, and celebrations on/off-site, as required.
• On-call in case of emergencies.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have the ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Capable of performing necessary physical duties, including the movement of heavy objects.
• Able to use hand and power tools comfortably.
• Clear DCFS background check and health clearance.
• Familiarity with compliance audit preparation
• Maintain a clean driving record; show evidence of insurability.
• Minimum G.E.D. or high school diploma.
• Excellent attendance; reliable.
• Superior interpersonal skills; must be comfortable working with an extremely diverse population and staff.
• Available to work occasional overtime.
• Spanish language skills are helpful.
• Able to read blueprints/profiles.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Reporting To This Position

No direct reports.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, & Reasonable Accommodation

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The Night Ministry is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job or to participate in the application or hiring process, please contact the People & Culture team.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; climb stairs; crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally drive an automobile; and lift and/or move 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary at the different locations required in this job. This role may require additional hours, sometimes weekends, during certain busy seasons.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Night Ministry is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an employment contract. Employment with The Night Ministry is at will and may be terminated by the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice.