Custodial - Head Custodian - Middle School

Pay

PSE Salary Schedule Level 10 – $30.77 per hour.

Schedule

8 hours per day, 260 days per year.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, safety, and security of an assigned secondary school facility.
• Clean specific areas and oversee cleaning of the school, including vacuuming, dusting, mopping, sweeping, bathroom cleaning, trash removal, bulb replacement, refilling soap and paper supplies, graffiti removal, and other custodial services.
• Open the facility, turn on lights and equipment, manage mailboxes and flags, and operate the alarm system according to procedures.
• Set up and take down equipment and furniture for events, assemblies, food service, and public use; move equipment and furniture as needed.
• Assist teachers, students, and administrators in locating needed equipment.
• Provide emergency cleaning and respond to facility emergencies on an off‑hours contact list.
• Conduct fire and earthquake drills, accompany fire marshal inspections, and prepare related reports; inspect emergency lighting and batteries.
• Provide direction, training, and supervision to night‑shift staff (three or more custodians); resolve or report personnel conflicts and keep custodial time records.
• Perform minor repairs such as painting, plastering, stain and gum removal, fixing chair feet and table legs, replacing acoustic tile, clearing drains and toilets, fixing leaks, and cleaning/replacing heat pump and univent filters.
• Execute major summer cleaning, including floor finishes, furniture, equipment, painting, and repairs to prepare the building for the new school year.
• Determine cleaning areas and assignments, assign overtime, process variance and vacation slips, and monitor time cards.
• Set up and clean the lunchroom for breakfast and lunch; may monitor student behavior.
• Maintain custodial budget and order supplies; keep records of work orders, inspections, and building usage; schedule and coordinate building usage as needed.
• Maintain and distribute building keys; may maintain and repair student lockers.
• Prepare signage and update reader boards.
• Operate heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning systems; maintain boilers, pumps, and compressors as required.
• Operate hydraulic lifts, ladders, scaffolding, blowers, floor polishers, power tools, and other equipment; move supplies and materials as needed.
• Sign for and receive deliveries.
• Serve on school committees and councils related to safety and security; supervise student helpers and train them in custodial tasks.
• Assist with grounds maintenance, including sweeping walkways, litter removal, ice/snow clearing, and minor weeding.
• Model appropriate, cooperative behavior and protect confidential information in line with district ethical guidelines.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience as a custodian, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity; experience in a school facility is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to distinguish cleaning chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Skill in operating a variety of cleaning equipment and tools.
• Ability to provide lead direction to others.
• Knowledge of routine repairs and maintenance, including painting, carpentry, plumbing, and general upkeep.
• Ability to move and position furniture and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety and security procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the public.
• Effective oral communication skills.

Licenses / Special Requirements

• Fingerprinting and background check (no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor).
• Completion of training and adherence to the district infection control plan.
• Passage of a pre‑placement physical and testing (cost covered by the district).

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Assistant Director or Manager of Facilities; receives guidance from the school administrator and provides guidance to facility custodial staff.

Mental Demands

Frequent interruptions; must handle a wide range of student, staff, and public behaviors; must shift focus quickly to respond to varying needs.

Physical Demands

• Standing for prolonged periods.
• Moving heavy objects (often > 50 lb).
• Operating power equipment such as buffers and scrubbers.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, noise, and occasional outdoor work in inclement weather.
• Potential exposure to ordinary diseases carried by students and to bodily fluids.
• On‑call availability for off‑hours emergencies.
• Occasional interaction with distraught or difficult individuals.