Substitute - Custodian

Sunnyvale School District; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in the United States is seeking custodians to maintain cleanliness in schools. Responsibilities include performing custodial tasks, training new staff, and ensuring safety across facilities. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and experience in custodial work. This position offers flexible shifts and an opportunity to work in a supportive school environment.

Qualifications

• Possess a high school diploma and/or one year of school custodial experience.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• Valid driver’s license and fingerprint clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform custodial activities to maintain cleanliness.
• Communicate with administrators regarding facility maintenance.
• Train new custodians as assigned.
• Respond to emergencies and report maintenance needs and safety hazards.
• Train and provide work direction to substitute custodians as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Cleaning techniques

Teamwork

Direction following

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Job description

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform custodial activities during either a day shift, mid-day shift, or night shift at an assigned school site or team to maintain buildings, office space, and adjacent grounds areas in a clean, orderly, and secure condition.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Custodians focus on maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff. Candidates should be prepared to work within a dynamic school schedule, often requiring flexibility and the ability to prioritize tasks around ongoing activities.

Perform custodial activities using assigned tools, supplies/chemicals, and equipment at assigned school site; sweep, scrub, blow, mop, wax, buff, and polish floors; vacuum rugs and carpets in classrooms, offices, multi‑purpose rooms, and other work areas; spot clean and shampoo carpets.

Clean classrooms, cafeterias, lounges, offices, and other facilities as assigned; empty waste receptacles; spot mop spills and remove gum, graffiti, and debris.

Clean and disinfect drinking fountains and restroom facilities including sinks, toilets, and urinals; fill dispensers with towels, soap, toilet paper, and other items; clean mirrors, tile, and windows; unclog drains and toilets as necessary.

Communicate with District and site administrators related to the care, cleaning, and maintenance of a school facility; prioritize and participate in scheduling assignments.

Maintain an inventory of custodial supplies and equipment and maintain related records; requisition and store supplies, materials, and equipment as necessary; evaluate and test new products.

Clean lunch areas following lunch and recess periods; empty trash cans and clean tables and surrounding area. Comply with city trash and recycling programs and regulations.

Clean whiteboards, trays, and erasers; empty pencil sharpeners; wash windows and walls.

Move and arrange furniture, supplies, and equipment in preparing classrooms and multi‑purpose rooms for special events, track changes or meetings; adjust and assemble, or move furniture for staff as requested.

Replace light bulbs and lighting tubes; dust and polish furniture and woodwork and make minor, non‑technical repairs as needed; prepare work orders for major repairs.

Lock and unlock doors and gates as appropriate; maintain security of assigned areas according to the established guidelines; raise and lower school flags.

Assure safety of hazards at assigned site; report vandalism, safety, sanitary, and fire hazards to appropriate authority; report need for maintenance repairs to appropriate authority.

Pick up paper, trash, and debris around school grounds and in buildings; sweep and clean walkways and entrances; empty and clean waste receptacles.

Operate cleaning equipment such as vacuums, buffers, scrubbers, blowers, power washers, and other cleaning equipment as assigned.

Respond to emergency cleanups such as spills; maintain records of observed maintenance and repair needs and safety issues.

Assist in participation of fire drills.

Train and provide work direction to new and substitute custodians as assigned. Perform periodic safety inspections as directed.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with governmental laws and regulations, as well as District policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Knowledge

Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in custodial work.

Modern cleaning methods including basic methods of cleaning floors, blackboards, carpets, furniture walls, and fixtures.

Requirements of maintaining District buildings in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.

Principles and practices of training and providing work direction to others.

Safe practices and work methods related to custodial activities.

Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies.

Proper lifting techniques.

Basic record‑keeping techniques.

Inventory methods and control.

Proper use of alarm systems.

Abilities

Perform custodial activities at assigned school site or facility to maintain buildings and adjacent grounds areas in a clean, orderly, and secure condition.

Communicate with District and site administrators related to the care, cleaning, and maintenance of a school facility.

Train and provide work direction to others.

Use cleaning materials, equipment, and methods according to pre‑determined standards.

Maintain tools and equipment signed in clean working order.

Perform minor non‑technical repairs.

Observe and report need for maintenance and repair.

Understand and follow verbal and written directions.

Meet schedules and timelines.

Communicate effectively with others.

Inspect and assure the security of facilities during assigned shift.

Maintain inventory records.

Observe health and safety regulations.

Use a two‑way radio for school communications.

Work cooperatively with others.

Education and Experience

Possess a high school diploma and/or one year of school custodial experience.

Required Licenses & Certificates

A valid driver’s license.

Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Working Conditions

Campus‑wide environment and community setting.

Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.

Regular exposure to fumes, dust, and odors.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

Physical Requirements

Heavy physical labor.

Sitting/standing/walking for extended periods.

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving heavy objects.

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.

Kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.

Climbing ladders or steps.

Seeing to perform custodial work. Visual acuity to perform custodial.

Auditory ability to exchange information.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Working around and with machinery with moving parts.

Working at heights.

Potential for contact with blood and other body fluids.

Terms of Employment

Salary and terms of employment are described in the Agreement between the Sunnyvale School District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA).

Evaluation

The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Agreement between the Sunnyvale School District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA).

Postings current as of 2/19/2026 10:29:59 PM CST.