Substitute Custodian 2026-2027

Southeast Polk Community School District; Annandale (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Substitute Custodian to perform custodial work in various school buildings. The role includes sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning classrooms and restrooms, and securing the building.

The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma or equivalent, possess basic mathematical skills, and be able to communicate effectively. A strong commitment to maintaining sanitation and safety standards is essential. Flexible working hours based on need.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a school custodian department or related experience is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of building conditions and chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Perform custodial work in assigned buildings.
• Cleans and preserves designated spaces according to health standards.
• Responsible for sweeping, mopping, and emptying garbage.

Skills

Basic mathematical skills

Ability to read, write, and interpret rules

Ability to communicate orally and in writing

Ability to prioritize and organize work

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Knowledge of basic floor maintenance techniques

First aid certificate

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cleaning chemicals

Vacuum cleaners

Floor scrubbers

Job description

• Position Type: Substitute Custodian
• Date Posted: 6/2/2026
• Location: Building and Grounds

Job Description

Job Title

Substitute Custodian

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication) for determining weight, volume, and distance.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret rules, reports, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate information orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and accomplish assigned work.
• Ability to work independently and/or as a team to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Ability to recognize problems, determine causes, and take appropriate action for resolution.
• Ability to take direction and respond to requests courteously and helpfully.
• Basic knowledge of building conditions and chemicals that could be hazardous.
• Knowledge of safely using, posting notices, and disposing of chemicals.
• Ability to perceive identification numbers marked on material; read and understand numbers and volumes; transcribe numbers.
• Knowledge of basic floor maintenance techniques, including carpet, tile, and terrazzo.
• Preferred knowledge of wall and window surface maintenance.
• Experience in a school custodian department or related experience.
• First aid certificate.
• Knowledge of fire and safety codes.

Reports To

Director of Buildings and Grounds, with work direction/input provided by the Building Administrator.

Job Goal

This position is responsible for performing custodial work in assigned buildings. Responsibilities may include sweeping and mopping floors; emptying garbage; cleaning classrooms, restrooms, and hallways; and securing the building. The professional responsibilities listed below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the department.

Performance Responsibilities

• Cleans and preserves designated spaces, equipment, etc., in assigned buildings so that health standards are met.
• Clean rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and/or draperies using vacuum cleaners and/or shampooers.
• Sweep, scrub, wax, and/or polish floors, using brooms, mops, and/or powered scrubbers.
• Dust and polish furniture and equipment.
• Wash windows, walls, ceilings, and woodwork, waxing and polishing as necessary.
• Empty wastebaskets and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas.
• Move and arrange furniture as required.
• Remove debris from driveways, garages, bus loading areas, and entrances to buildings.
• Set and take down lunch tables.
• Set up chairs for special events.
• Move cafeteria tables within the building for special events.
• Raise and lower flag at beginning and end of day when applicable.
• Fill in for other shift custodial absences as required by Administration.
• Make recommendations to improve service and ensure more efficient operation.
• Examine building and report the needs for repairs of failed equipment.
• Request repair work as discovered and report needs immediately for maintenance.
• Keep equipment and work area clean and neat.
• Perform minor adjustments and repairs as needed.
• Follow the chain of command as required.
• Restock disposable items and provide inventory usage and data.
• Request supplies and equipment to complete required cleaning.
• Assist visiting public utilizing the facilities with directions within the building and in obtaining and setting up equipment.
• Report to work each day neat and clean.
• Work in all types of weather conditions.
• Must be able to get along with a great variety of people.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Manage one's own time efficiently and the time of others.
• Attend in-service training and school meetings as directed.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, loyalty, cooperation, teamwork, attendance and safety.
• Sort clothing and other articles, load washing machines, and fold dried items.
• Maintain good public relations with students, parents, faculty and community.

Physical Demands

• Certification of good health signed by a licensed physician.
• Work with interruptions frequently during a shift.
• Walk/stand constantly.
• Lift up to 50 pounds to waist level occasionally.
• Carry 40 pounds up 13 steps up to 50 times per month.
• Carry 25 pounds at waist level for a distance of 100 feet occasionally.
• Use 10 pounds-force to fold, then push cafeteria tables up to 50 feet occasionally.
• Climb 8 steps of a portable ladder occasionally.
• Climb 12 steps of a fixed ladder and set foot on roof occasionally.
• Push 50 pounds-force to relocate portable items inside bleachers occasionally.
• Operate a buffer/scrubber for up to 1 hour at a time occasionally.
• Operate wet/dry mops for up to 30 minutes at a time frequently.
• Perform circular motion tasks with hands for upward of 10 minutes, such as washing/dusting white boards, blackboard, windows, furniture, etc.
• Operate a single-stage snow thrower or shovel snow for up to 1 hour at a time during winter months.
• Operate a vacuum machine for up to 1½ hours at a time frequently.
• Squat for up to 2 minutes at a time frequently.
• Bend over for up to 3 minutes at a time occasionally.
• Lifting staging sections requiring 55 pounds-force with hands placed at 48 inches above floor occasionally.
• Pushing wrestling mat sections onto portable carts with 75 pounds-force occasionally.
• Pushing folding chair portable cart requiring 70 pounds-force, then lifting folding chairs weighing 5 pounds from two-tier portable cart to floor occasionally.
• Pushing/pulling bleacher sections requiring 25 pounds/force with hands placed at 6 inches above floor occasionally.
• Using hand tools requiring a grip force of up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Using cleaning chemicals with recognized inhalation and absorption hazards occasionally.
• Working in extreme temperatures, humid and dusty environments occasionally.

Clothing

• Safety glasses, rubber-toed shoes/boots, no open-toed shoes or sandals, street clothes.
• Rubber gloves, boots, face shield, aprons, ear protection, and respirators provided based on job duties.

Terms of Employment

Employment based on need. Hours as assigned by Supervisor.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.

Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Joseph M. Horton, Deputy Superintendent, Equal Opportunity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515)‑967‑4294, [e-mail]. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA 50319‑0201, (515) 281‑4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.