Custodian - Night Shift, Frederick Douglass Elementary

Reports to: School Chief Custodian

About the Role

To assist in the maintenance, housekeeping, and supervision of Frederick Douglass Elementary, ensuring operating excellence so the building and areas are fully available for educational use at all times.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the building and supervise staff when the chief custodian is unavailable (days, evenings, weekends, holidays, emergencies), including operation of mechanical equipment, building security, and staff observations/evaluations.
• Follow through on assigned tasks until completion.
• Maintain the building and premises—including sidewalks, driveways, and instructional areas—neat, clean, and operable at all times.
• Stay updated on systems and equipment in the assigned building/area.
• Perform snow removal duties: shoveling, plowing, spreading salt/ice remover, sanding walks, driveways, parking areas, steps, and other areas as needed.
• Be present during emergencies such as ice/snow storms or other inclement weather.
• Check daily to ensure all fire doors are functioning properly during building use.
• Assist in maintaining proper heating and cooling conditions in compliance with energy management standards.
• Sweep assigned classrooms daily and dust furniture.
• Clean corridors after school and during the day as needed.
• Scrub and disinfect washroom floors daily; clean all sanitary fixtures and drinking fountains daily as assigned.
• Wash windows inside and outside at least twice a year as assigned.
• Keep the building and grounds free of rubbish.
• Perform yard-keeping tasks: grass cutting, tree and shrubbery trimming, and other maintenance to keep the school and grounds safe and attractive.
• Maintain all floors in a clean, attractive condition and good state of preservation.
• Clean chalkboards and related trays daily or as needed.
• Make minor repairs as appropriate and report needed repairs to the chief custodian promptly.
• Report any damage to school property immediately to the chief custodian.
• Open and/or close the building each school day, ensuring all doors and windows are secured and lights are turned off (except those left on for safety).
• Maintain an adequate inventory of supplies and equipment; requisition replacements from the chief custodian as needed.
• Conduct ongoing general maintenance, upkeep, and repair.
• Move furniture and/or equipment as required for various activities.
• Comply with local laws and procedures for trash, rubbish, and waste storage and disposal.
• Attend training programs to learn, upgrade, or maintain custodial skills.
• Perform all essential job functions and other duties as assigned by the chief custodian, building administrator, or chief of buildings and grounds.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematics.
• Excellent work history.
• Successful completion of State of Delaware custodial training courses.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Aptitude and competence for assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to physically lift at least 50 pounds.
• Trustworthiness, honesty, and dependability.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and congenial attitude when dealing with students and adults.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Neat and clean personal and professional appearance.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow oral or written work orders and coordinate work with principals and others.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Ability to describe cleaning, maintenance, or repair problems orally or in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Ability to work in poor weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Ability to work above ground using ladders and automatic lifts.
• Ability to perform work according to standard procedures and schedules set by supervisors.

Equipment Used

• Hand tools of the trade and related power equipment, including brooms, mops, floor cleaning and waxing machines, vacuum cleaners, snow blowers, shovels, power mowers, and hand tools.

Safety & Work Environment

• Follows all safety rules, procedures, and regulations for the use of tools and power equipment.
• Wears appropriate safety gear, including masks.
• Complies with school district’s materials safety rules.
• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, solvents, contaminated trash, grasses, pollens, etc.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or snow.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, such as shoveling snow, moving furniture, or operating power equipment.

Travel

Occasional travel between schools or between schools and the district office may be required.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month position (261 days per year, pro-rated based on start date). Night shift.

Benefits

• Eligible for the state share of benefits.
• Pension-eligible position.