Substitute Custodian 2026-2027

Southeast Polk Community School District; Pleasant Hill (IA); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is looking for a Substitute Custodian in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. The role involves a variety of custodial tasks including cleaning classrooms, restrooms, and hallways to ensure that health standards are met.

The ideal candidate should possess a high school diploma, have basic mathematical and communication skills, and be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Physical demands include lifting and moving equipment, and a commitment to regular attendance is essential.

Qualifications

• Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have basic mathematical skills suitable for cleaning tasks.
• Must be capable of effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform custodial work including sweeping, mopping, and cleaning classrooms.
• Empty garbage and transport waste for disposal.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in all assigned areas.

Skills

Basic mathematical skills

Reading and writing

Communication skills

Organization and prioritization

Ability to work independently

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of building maintenance techniques

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Title

Substitute Custodian

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication) to determine weight, volume, and distance.
• Reading, writing, and interpreting rules, reports, and procedure manuals as required.
• Ability to communicate information both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and accomplish assigned work.
• Ability to work independently and/or as part of a team to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Problem‑solving skills to recognize causes and take appropriate action for resolution.
• Ability to take direction and respond to requests courteously and helpfully.
• Basic knowledge of building conditions and hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of how to safely use, post notice, and dispose of chemicals.
• Ability to read and transcribe identification numbers and volumes on materials.
• Knowledge of basic floor‑maintenance techniques (carpet, tile, terrazzo).
• Preferable knowledge of wall and window surface maintenance.

Desired

• 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 Building Administrator.

Job Goal

This position is responsible for performing custodial work in assigned buildings. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, emptying garbage, cleaning classrooms, restrooms, and hallways, and securing the building. The responsibilities listed below represent key areas; specific requirements may vary.

Performance Responsibilities

• Cleans and preserves designated spaces and equipment in assigned buildings so health standards are met.
• Clean rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and 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 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 the beginning and end of the day when applicable.
• Fill in for other shift custodial absences as required by Administration.
• Makes recommendations to improve service and ensure more efficient operation.
• Examines the building and reports the needs for repairs of failed equipment.
• Requests repair work as discovered and reports 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.
• Get along with a great variety of people.
• Maintain 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.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions during a shift.
• Capability to walk/stand constantly.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds to waist level.
• Occasional carrying 40 pounds up 13 steps up to 50 times per month.
• Occasional carrying 25 pounds at waist level for 100 feet.
• Use of about 10 pounds‑force to fold, then push cafeteria tables up to 50 feet.
• Occasional climbing 8 steps of a portable ladder.
• Occasional climbing 12 steps of a fixed ladder and stepping onto a roof.
• Occasional pushing 50 pounds‑force to relocate portable items inside bleachers.
• Occasional operating a buffer/scrubber for up to 1 hour at a time.
• Frequent use of wet/dry mops for up to 30 minutes at a time.
• Perform circular motion tasks with hands for up to 10 minutes (washing/dusting white boards, black board, windows, furniture).
• During winter months, operate a single‑stage snow thrower or shovel snow for up to 1 hour at a time.
• Frequent operation of a vacuum machine for up to 1½ hours at a time.
• Frequent squatting for up to 2 minutes at a time.
• Occasional bending over for up to 3 minutes at a time.
• Occasional lifting staging sections requiring 55 pounds‑force with hands 48 inches above floor.
• Occasional pushing wrestling mat sections onto portable carts with 75 pounds‑force.
• Occasional pushing folding chair portable cart requiring 70 pounds‑force, then lifting folding chairs weighing 5 pounds from a two‑tier portable cart to floor.
• Occasional pushing/pulling bleacher sections requiring 25 pounds‑force with hands 6 inches above floor.
• Occasional hand tools requiring a grip force up to 15 pounds.
• Occasional use of cleaning chemicals with recognized inhalation and absorption hazards.
• Occasional work in extreme temperatures, humid and dusty environments.

Note

The physical demands described above represent real‑life tasks an employee may need to perform as part of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While the frequency may be low, the above stated physical demands may be required during the course of a daily work shift. Tasks that have physical demands that exceed the above stated limits should only be performed with sufficient manpower or material handling equipment.

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.

Disclaimer

The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.

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.