Public Works Foreman - Custodial Maintenance

City of Garden Grove; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Garden Grove is seeking a Public Works Foreman for Custodial Maintenance. This role leads field crews, directs work assignments, and ensures compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include training crew members, handling work orders, and supporting supervisor presence during absences. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and 3 years journey-level experience, with at least 1 year in a lead capacity.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and directing field crews; ability to assess work situations and make decisions.
• Thorough knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA) and safe work practices.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crews in designated work assignments.
• Provide input on evaluations and disciplinary actions when appropriate.
• Train personnel in equipment operation and maintenance methods.

Skills

Leadership experience

Safety knowledge

Oral and written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

3 years journeyman level experience with lead capacity

Tools

Equipment operation

Job description

PUBLIC WORKS FOREMAN - CUSTODIAL MAINTENANCE

Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Monday, October 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Under general supervision of a Public Works Supervisor, the Public Works Foreman directs the skilled work of one or more field crews of the Public Works Department. The Public Works Foreman leads field crews in specific work assignments, along with filling-in for the supervisor during absences, and trains personnel in the use of equipment and methods of maintenance.

The ideal candidate possesses experience leading and directing the work of a field crew, developing working relationships, assessing work situations to resolve problems and make appropriate decisions; is thoroughly knowledgeable in safety law and OSHA regulations; and can clearly communicate orally and in writing.

There is currently one (1) full-time Custodial Maintenance vacancy in the Building Maintenance section of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list from this recruitment will be used to fill this, and future vacancies, so apply now!

• Lead field crews in specific work assignments;
• Implement goals, objectives, and performance standards for designated work section;
• Handle work orders by directing, assigning, supervising, overseeing, inspecting, evaluating and performing the work of assigned crew;
• Participate in the selection of new employees;
• Fill-in for supervisor during absence;
• Train personnel in use of equipment and methods of maintenance;
• Provide input on evaluations;
• Recommend and assist with follow-through of disciplinary actions when appropriate;
• Interpret and enforce safety provisions in accordance with City procedures, County, State, Federal, OSHA and related guidelines and regulations;
• Operate a variety of light, medium and heavy construction and maintenance equipment and vehicles;
• Operate a two-way radio;
• Clean and maintain mechanical equipment, basic tools used on the job;
• Perform minor maintenance on assigned equipment;
• Respond to special requests and emergency calls during regular and off-hours as needed;
• Order supplies and equipment;
• Gather data and compile records, make field computations, and investigate and troubleshoot related problems;
• Inspect contractual work to insure compliance;
• Read and interpret blue prints, maps and GIS-related information;
• Attend work related trainings and conferences;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited high school, successful completion of the G.E.D. (General Educational Development) exam, or equivalent and t hree (3) years of journey level work experience performing duties directly related to a specific work section that is being applied for including at least one (1) year at the Senior Maintenance Worker level or in a lead capacity is required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

All aspects of procedures, policies and practices related to assigned section; supervisory practices; local, state, federal and OSHA ordinances and regulations regarding the activities of assigned section; applicable safety requirements and procedures; calculations for and ordering of materials and supplies used in assigned section; inspection and testing procedures; operation of equipment used in assigned operation; system operation and maintenance; the use of personal computers; and effective customer service techniques and principles.

ABILITY TO:

Supervise one or more maintenance, inspection, construction and/or contractor crews and ensure the scheduled work is done; make efficient use of all equipment and personnel; conduct training of employees and provide safety training for all staff on a regular basis; represent the City and communicate effectively with co-workers, the public, contractors, equipment manufacturers and utilities representatives in a courteous, effective and professional manner; understand, carry out and give verbal and written instructions; interpret and follow technical instructions and specifications involving equipment and controls; operate assigned equipment with skill and safety; perform heavy manual labor as needed; read maps, blueprints and GIS information; perform arithmetical calculations; operate personal and handheld computers to complete logs, paperwork, reports and other related documents; follow safe working practices and safety procedures to maintain safe working conditions; ensure proper maintenance of equipment and tools; and complete courses and testing to maintain required certifications; and commit to providing quality customer service.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Custodial Maintenance Assignment

To qualify for this work section, an individual must possess journey-level custodial/janitorial maintenance experience, including floor care (stripping, waxing and finishing), carpet and upholstery cleaning, and experience working with industrial cleaning equipment and chemicals. Additional experience requirements include coordination of bid processes.

• Must possess a valid California class C driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Certification through the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) program, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certification in floor care and/or carpet cleaning, Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Cleaning and Disinfection certification, or OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) training is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification walk, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, distinguish colors and shades, see long distances, see small details, drive a vehicle, work on a personal computer, use a telephone, stand, sit, lift and carry over 25 lbs., climb, stoop, bend, lean, reach above and below shoulder level, use fingers, legs and hands repetitively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work both outside and inside, around moving vehicles/machinery, and around loud noise. Incumbents may work alone or in crews, and may have direct contact with the public. Protective equipment for eyes, ears, head, hands and feet is required depending on the assignment. Work occurs in all types of weather at any time of day or night, and may on occasion present hazardous conditions.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may consist of:

• Written Exam - tentatively scheduled in-person for October 22, 2026
• Oral Panel Interview – tentatively scheduled for November 10, 2026

Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail] at least one week prior to any test dates.

Regardless of the notification preference selected, CANDIDATES WILL ONLY RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL. Candidates should be diligent in checking their email, including spam, as all notices regarding their status in the recruitment will be emailed.

If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information accessible to those in this position, the candidate selected must successfully pass a LiveScan, thorough reference check, background investigation conducted by the Garden Grove Police Department, and pre-employment medical exam prior to appointment.

NEPOTISM POLICY

The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.