Head Custodian

About the Role

Under direct supervision of the Director of Facilities, Business Manager, and School Principal, this position is responsible for daily custodial operations, maintaining a sanitary and safe facility for students, employees, and the public. The role involves minimizing property damage, loss, and liability exposure, ensuring timely completion of assignments, and overseeing assigned custodians.

Responsibilities

• Cleans assigned school facilities (e.g., classrooms, offices, gym, restrooms, grounds) to maintain a sanitary and safe work environment.
• Delivers various items and materials (e.g., supplies, mail, packages, furniture) to ensure adequate supplies for appropriate parties.
• Informs students, site personnel, and supervisors regarding activities, safety, and facility maintenance.
• Inspects school facilities to ensure safe operations, cleanliness, and identification of necessary repairs.
• Leads, directs, and assists in organizing written work schedules and performance inspections of custodial employees.
• Maintains an active custodial substitute list for scheduling substitutes, including floating custodian assignments.
• Maintains a preventative maintenance schedule for HVAC equipment, including quarterly air filter changes, fan motors, and belts.
• Oversees minor maintenance work performed by custodial staff.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and develops requisitions for school and cleaning supplies with building custodians.
• Meets with principals and custodians to provide reports on building needs and conditions.
• Responds to immediate safety and operational concerns (e.g., facility damage, alarms) to resolve issues and maintain a functioning educational environment.
• Evaluates custodians' areas using evaluation reports provided by the Manager of Support Services.
• Checks buildings and grounds to ensure proper cleaning and safety of shrubs, lawns, and flower beds.
• Arranges furniture and equipment for meetings, classroom activities, and events.
• Maintains records relating to employees' time, performance, and overtime.
• Works with school district employees, service companies, and contractors to maintain and improve the work environment.
• Develops work orders with school principals or designees.
• Solicits price proposals from vendors for supplies and equipment and assists with proposals from outside contractors.
• Instructs custodial employees on responding to system failures and location shut-off procedures for water, fire sprinklers, gas, and electric.
• Trains assigned personnel to develop professional trade and safety awareness skills.
• Attends in-service training (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, cleaning solvents, floor care, first aid) to stay updated on procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure a clean and safe work environment.

Equipment Used

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

Safety Requirements

• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations for the use of tools and power equipment.
• Wears appropriate safety gear, including masks.
• Complies with the school district's chemical hygiene program and follows MSDS sheets.

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel between schools or between schools and the Central Office is required.

Schedule

Must work a standard schedule and overtime as needed.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• 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.
• Basic arithmetic skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Ability to read labels on containers and materials used in the course of work.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to process paperwork accurately according to standardized procedures.
• Knowledge of how to use equipment and train others in its use.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, solvents, contaminated trash, grasses, pollens, etc.

Qualifications

• High School or Vocational School Diploma or equivalent education to perform the duties of the position.
• Previous successful experience in building management/maintenance or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Valid [State] Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt