Supervising Custodian - Exempt

County of San Mateo; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Mateo is seeking a Supervising Custodian to lead a team responsible for cleaning and maintenance of County buildings. The ideal candidate will have strong supervisory skills and a background in custodial work within large facilities.

The role emphasizes effective communication, team motivation, and a proactive approach to cleanliness and safety. The position includes a daytime shift from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM PST, with occasional weekend hours.

Qualifications

• Three years of custodial/janitorial experience.
• Possess a valid California Class C driver license.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods, equipment and safety.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct custodial staff.
• Plan, schedule, and assign work.
• Hire staff and recommend selections for management approval.
• Train staff on safety and procedures.
• Evaluate performance and provide discipline as needed.
• Determine schedules and approve leaves.
• Inspect areas and report repairs or hazards.
• Ensure building security for assigned areas.
• Receive and manage delivery of supplies and equipment.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Maintain stock of supplies and equipment.
• Conduct periodic safety meetings.
• Prepare rooms for meetings.
• May assist custodians in performing work.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Planning and scheduling

Safety procedures

Team leadership

Custodial knowledge

Education

Three years custodial/janitorial experience

Job description

Department of Public Works seeks well-qualified candidates for the position of Supervising Custodian.

About The Department

The Department of Public Works plans, designs, constructs, operates and maintains facilities and equipment that are safe and accessible to the clients of County agencies, the general public, and County employees. The Department advises the Board of Supervisors on all public works issues, including rates and charges for services that are fair to both the users and service providers. Public Works has a budget of approximately $300 million and is comprised of over 300 employees in five divisions: Administrative Services, Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services. To learn more about the department visit: https://www.smcgov.org/publicworks.

The Position

In general, the Supervising Custodian is responsible for planning, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating the work of a group of custodians engaged in cleaning and general maintenance of County buildings, offices, institutions, and other facilities.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of recent custodial/janitorial experience in a large institution, including one year in a supervisory role. They should possess extensive technical knowledge of modern custodial equipment and cleaning methods, along with basic computer skills.

This ideal candidate also is an effective communicator who builds trust, motivates a cohesive team, and works alongside them to foster a results-driven attitude. They are a critical thinker who goes beyond routine tasks, maintains a meticulous approach to cleanliness, and ensures a professional environment. They take the initiative to address issues like dirty walls or door handles without being asked and inspire their team to do the same. Strong customer service skills and a warm, friendly demeanor are essential.

The current vacancy requires working a day shift from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM PST. There may be occasional weekend shifts as well.

IMPORTANT: Candidates will be required to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check conducted by the County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office prior to hire. The selected candidate MUST BE cleared to work around detainees in a locked facility.

Examples Of Duties

• Supervise and direct the activities and staff involved in keeping buildings and facilities clean, orderly, sanitary, and safe.
• Plan, schedule, and assign work.
• Participate in the hiring of assigned staff; recommend selection for management approval.
• Train assigned staff on technical and safety related topics; ensure employees comply with safety practices and procedures.
• Evaluate employee performance, counsel employees, and effectively recommend disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• Determine work schedules and authorize leaves, ensuring the effective, efficient, and timely completion of work.
• Inspect assigned areas to review work in progress and report any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions to buildings or grounds for which responsible for.
• Ensure and maintain building security for an assigned area and report suspicious conditions.
• Request, sign for, and receive delivery of materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Maintain adequate stock of supplies and equipment.
• Conduct periodic safety meetings for custodians supervised.
• Direct and assist in the preparation of rooms for meetings.
• May assist custodians in performing work as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

License

• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California class C driver license or its equivalent.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

• A typical way to qualify is three years of experience performing custodial/janitorial work.

Knowledge of

• Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, scheduling, review, evaluation and employee training and discipline
• Cleaning methods, equipment, and supplies
• Proper methods for clean-up and disposal of hazardous waste

Skill/Ability to

• Plan, assign, supervise, inspect and evaluate the work of others.
• Train others in safety and work procedures.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Maintain professional, effective and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Learn and carry out departmental policies and procedures.
• Bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry equipment, materials and supplies used in the course of work.
• Work courteously and effectively with staff, co-workers, customers and the public.
• Make minor repairs and do minor maintenance work.
• Adjust to an immediate change in priorities.