Synagogue Custodian

Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey; Tenafly (NJ); On-site; USD 55,104,000 - 59,512,320; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave 2 weeks / 10 days

6 weeks new parent leave

8 sick days annually

Medical insurance if elected

Job summary

Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafly, NJ seeks a dedicated Custodian to maintain cleanliness of the building and grounds, support event setups, and monitor mechanical and safety systems. This full‑time, at‑will position reports to the Director of Facilities and requires occasional evenings and weekend work, including major Jewish holidays.

Compensation includes $20 per hour, with benefits such as vacation, new parent leave, sick days, and optional medical insurance.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required for site access and driving duties.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as part of cleaning tasks.
• Effective communication and teamwork with staff and volunteers.
• High school diploma or GED with two years of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the building is clean, hygienic, and welcoming; report issues to the Director of Facilities.
• Maintain cleanliness in all areas, including restrooms, offices, and gathering spaces.
• Empty trash/recycling and manage waste separation.
• Clean and disinfect restrooms and fixtures; monitor supplies and restocking needs.
• Clean furniture, floors, walls, and glass surfaces; perform polishing and dusting as needed.
• Provide event support; assist with setup and teardown of tables, chairs, and dance floor.
• Assist with setup tasks on the Set-Up Form; coordinate with facilities staff on event details.
• Maintain synagogue property through snow removal, landscaping, and basic handywork.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Lift 50 lbs

Effective communication

Read and follow directions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of relevant experience

Job description

Temple Sinai of Bergen County is a thriving Reform congregation located in Tenafly, NJ, only seven miles from Manhattan. Our diverse membership comes from all across Bergen County. We welcome individuals and families from all backgrounds who seek an invigorating Jewish experience.

Position Summary

Synagogue Custodian position is an at‑will, full‑time, non‑FLSA exempt position reporting to the Director of Facilities. Overall the position is responsible for the cleanliness of the building and grounds, including cleaning, sanitizing, and building maintenance. The custodial staff member will also monitor the mechanical, thermostat, and safety systems of the building and assist with event and service setups.

Work Hours

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with occasional evenings and weekends. This position is required to work on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the building is clean, hygienic, and welcoming; note issues with the building and equipment malfunctions to the Director of Facilities.
• Maintain cleanliness in common areas, entryways, hallways, offices, conference rooms, stairwells, gathering spaces, bathrooms, kitchen, building exterior, sacred spaces, and outdoor spaces.
• Empty trash and recycling receptacles inside buildings and place them in bins or dumpsters.
• Clean and disinfect restrooms, including toilets, urinals, sinks, and fixtures; report restocking needs to the Director of Facilities.
• Clean and polish furniture; dry mop, wet mop, and vacuum floors; dust and spot clean walls and doors; clean and disinfect drinking fountains; clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces including doors and door windows.
• Clean ECC (Pre‑school) and religious school classrooms with special attention to chemical use in spaces with small children.
• Provide special cleaning attention to clergy offices, sacred spaces, kitchen, and lobby area.
• In the event of building damage, clean up water and debris with wet pick‑up vacuums and assist in moving equipment to accomplish the cleaning task.
• Provide event support, cleaning spaces before and after; assist with setting up and breaking down folding tables, chairs, and dance floor for events; coordinate with facilities staff for event details.
• Complete work coordinated by the Director of Facilities on the Set‑Up Form related to set‑ups, cleaning, disinfecting, exterior grounds, etc.
• Maintain the synagogue property through snow removal, general landscaping, basic handywork, and furniture building.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities.

Required Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Effective communication skills; ability to read and understand written directions, safety signage, and other documents; able to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and two years of relevant experience.

Working Conditions

Remaining stationary for extended periods; traversing the Temple’s 25,000 sq ft; ascending and descending stairs; utilizing ladders and other tools needed in cleaning procedures; wearing personal protective equipment as required by specific assignment.

Compensation & Benefits

• $20 per hour.
• 2 weeks / 10 days vacation.
• 6 weeks new parent leave (birth or adoption) fully paid; 8 sick days annually.
• Medical insurance if elected.

If interested, please submit a resume to Jocelyn Inglis, Executive Director, at [e-mail].