Job Description
The Lead School Custodian role is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming school environment. This role includes routine custodial duties and light maintenance tasks to support daily school operations. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and takes pride in helping create a safe and orderly learning environment for students and staff.
Key Responsibilities
Cleaning & Sanitation
• Perform routine cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and disinfecting surfaces in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, offices, and other areas of the school, including lawns, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• Clean and sanitize restrooms (toilets, sinks, mirrors, floors) to maintain a hygienic environment for students, staff, and visitors.
• Respond promptly to emergency cleanup requests, student accidents, and incidents involving bodily fluids or biohazards in accordance with OSHA and universal precautions.
• Participate in deep-cleaning projects during school breaks, including floor waxing, carpet shampooing, high-dusting, and classroom resets.
• Strip, wax, and polish floors as needed; operate floor-scrubbing and carpet-cleaning equipment as required.
• Perform weekly or as-needed pressure washing of high-use exterior areas, sidewalks, walkways, and lunch areas.
• Conduct light groundskeeping (leaf blowing, spot weeding, debris removal) to maintain campus appearance.
Waste Management & Sustainability
• Collect, separate, and dispose of trash, recycling, and compost in alignment with school and city waste-management guidelines.
• Ensure all waste stations (trash, recycling, compost) are properly labeled, well-maintained, and emptied regularly.
• Support school sustainability efforts by ensuring proper sorting and preventing contamination of recycling and compost streams.
• Keep interior and exterior waste areas clean, orderly, and free of overflow.
Facilities Maintenance & Repairs
• Perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing filters, unclogging drains, repairing fixtures, and conducting basic plumbing, electrical, and HVAC troubleshooting to ensure proper functioning of school facilities.
• Complete moderate repairs (e.g., patching walls) and assemble or install furniture and equipment as needed.
• Conduct regular inspections of facilities, equipment, and grounds to identify issues, address safety hazards, and implement timely solutions.
• Respond promptly and professionally to urgent maintenance needs.
• Identify, report, and support response to pest issues following approved pest management procedures.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and supplies to ensure availability and safe operating condition; transport items as needed for maintenance tasks.
• Operate, adjust, and shut down building systems—including HVAC, security systems (alarms, cameras, access controls), sound/PA systems, landscaping and irrigation equipment, and other site systems—ensuring proper settings during daily operations, events, and holiday periods.
Safety & Security
• Use cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and custodial equipment safely and correctly, following manufacturer instructions, school protocols, and required safety training (including PPE and SDS/label requirements).
• Monitor the premises for safety hazards (e.g., spills, debris, obstructed walkways) and address them promptly to prevent accidents or injuries.
• Report any maintenance issues, safety concerns, or security incidents to the appropriate personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, health guidelines, and school safety procedures.
• Perform daily opening and closing routines, including unlocking/locking gates, arming/disarming alarms, adjusting lighting, and preparing spaces for the school day.
• Secure buildings, entrances, and exits at the start and end of shifts.
• Assist with emergency response tasks, such as shutting off utilities, clearing walkways after weather events, and supporting evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures. Participate in emergency drills (earthquake, fire, lockdown) to ensure facility readiness and adherence to safety protocols.
• Follow all school policies and procedures related to cleaning, safety, and security.
Inventory, Supplies & Equipment Management
• Accurately track cleaning supplies and equipment inventory and notify the Operations Manager when supplies need to be replenished or equipment requires maintenance or replacement.
• Deliver, stock, and organize supplies and materials in appropriate areas of the building.
• Request equipment and supplies to maintain inventory and ensure availability of required items.
• Assist the School Operations Manager in coordinating access for vendors or contractors and ensuring work areas are prepared and restored after service visits.
Event & School Support
• Support with additional cleaning and setup assistance during special events, meetings, or activities held at the school, as directed by administrators or event organizers.
• Move and arrange furniture and equipment when preparing multipurpose rooms or classrooms for events or meetings.
• Move, load, and unload heavy furniture, equipment, and supply deliveries using proper lifting techniques and equipment
• Collaborate with school staff and vendors as needed.
Communication, Reporting & Professional Development
• Provide reports to management as required.
• Train and support custodial staff or substitutes as assigned.
• Participate in professional development and regularly scheduled meetings with the school team or cross-site team of custodians as requested.
• Use work order or ticketing systems to log maintenance issues, track progress, and document completed tasks.
• Other duties as assigned to support safe, effective school operations.
Competencies
Technical & Safety Skills
• Proficiency with custodial, maintenance, and repair tools and equipment.
• Working knowledge of basic mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and follow safety protocols, including OSHA standards, SDS requirements, and proper PPE usage.
• Strong attention to detail when performing inspections, documenting work, and identifying safety hazards.
Problem-Solving & Judgment
• Ability to diagnose maintenance issues, evaluate solutions, and prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact.
• Creativity and resourcefulness in resolving unexpected issues or emergencies.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment and reliability.
Communication & Collaboration
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, students, vendors, and supervisors.
• Effectively provide explanations of technical issues in understandable terms.
• Strong active listening skills and professional demeanor when responding to requests.
Customer Service & Adaptability
• Responsiveness to maintenance and custodial needs from staff and school leadership.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, priorities, and environments (indoor/outdoor).
• Resilience in handling physically demanding tasks, urgent issues, or unexpected challenges.
Work Habits & Professionalism
• Consistent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming school environment.