Head Custodian (First Shift)

About the Role

Oversee day-to-day custodial cleaning operations, coordinating coverage and schedules for events, general maintenance duties, and securing Salem School District property and buildings. This position directs the custodial team within an assigned building and coordinates with the Building Principal and/or Director of Maintenance & Custodial.

Responsibilities

• Track and inventory supplies related to chemicals, paper, and other cleaning duties.
• Maintain inventory of equipment and provide minor maintenance as needed.
• Check and secure doors, windows, utility equipment, and property of the Salem School District.
• Ensure coverage for daily building checks and all custodial schedules.
• Train staff on proper cleaning techniques and safety for equipment.
• Inspect premises for damage by fire, theft, and illegal entry.
• Keep buildings and premises, including sidewalks, driveways, and play areas, neat and clean at all times.
• Shovel, plow, and/or sand/de-ice walks, driveways, parking areas, and steps as appropriate.
• Sweep, vacuum, mop, dust, shampoo, steam clean, strip, wax, polish, and buff floors, carpets, and furniture.
• Perform cleaning tasks such as washing windows and emptying waste baskets.
• Dust and polish woodwork, fixtures, furniture, and equipment.
• Move furniture, cabinets, and other equipment.
• Scrub, strip, wax, and buff floors as needed.
• Perform some of the less technical building maintenance tasks, including changing light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
• Clean and sanitize offices, classrooms, restrooms, and replenish supplies; clean spills; clean drinking fountains, mirrors, tables, desks, walls, fixtures, blinds, shades, and light fixtures.
• Perform minor semi-skilled interior building maintenance and repairs such as painting, floor covering, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical, and other unskilled and semi-skilled trades work.
• Inspect and maintain assigned custodial equipment and small tools for proper operating condition.
• Keep records of work completed and update the Director of Maintenance as needed.
• Maintain current skills and knowledge in proper and safe techniques of custodial maintenance.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge and skills listed. Typically, the equivalent to two (2) years of recent full-time custodial experience in commercial buildings and/or facilities.

• Knowledge of methods, chemicals, disinfectants, and equipment used in cleaning and caring for floors, walls, fixtures, and furniture.
• Knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in building maintenance.
• Knowledge of equipment and supplies used to do minor repairs.
• Knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
• Ability to read and understand signs, labels, and work schedules.
• Ability to write and enter information on records.
• Ability to operate floor care machines and other tools and equipment properly, safely, and efficiently.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, staff, and visitors.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team atmosphere and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to operate a computer such as a Chromebook for email and ordering supplies.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to reach with hands and arms; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or moving more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic cleaning chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet during indoor night shift operations.
• Required to work alone at night and on weekends.
• Must be available to work night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• May be required to work alone on night, weekend, or holiday shifts, exercising considerable initiative and independent judgment.
• Travel to alternate work locations may be required.

Schedule

6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the 2026-2027 school year.

Pay

Starting at $23.73/hour or more depending on experience.

Candidates will need to successfully pass a background investigation to include fingerprint and criminal history evaluation.