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Join us at the Zoo! We are seeking an experienced janitorial custodian to join our overnight team! This is an on-call position with variable hours. A minimum of one year of commercial cleaning experience, including knowledge of chemicals and compounds is required.

At Reid Park Zoo, we don’t cut corners – we clean them! The custodian’s role is vital for health, safety, and creating a positive atmosphere for all employees and Zoo guests. The ideal candidate has a professional attitude and demeanor, is dependable, reliable, a team player, is productive under minimal supervision, takes pride in their work, pays attention to detail, and does thorough, quality work that meets the high standards of the Zoo.

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.

No phone calls or visits, please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Pay Range: $17.65 per hour (flat rate)

Benefits: This position is not benefits-eligible, except for paid sick leave. All staff are eligible for a family zoo membership, employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

Overview: Custodians are vital in making the zoo healthy and safe for our staff and valuable guests. Custodians assist the Grounds Department to maintain zoo grounds and buildings, keeping them clean, sanitized and attractive by performing in depth, and general cleaning duties and assisting with security. This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced environment of a growing organization.

Reports To: Grounds Supervisor

General Duties

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service, internally and externally, as a component of all job duties
• Follow Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to foster and maintain constructive, positive, professional relationships at all levels
• Ensure sanitation and hygiene standards are met in all restroom facilities to CDC standards
• Manage waste disposal and recycling programs
• Perform customary custodial cleaning duties, e.g., dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, etc.
• Perform routine maintenance to custodial equipment and supplies; this may include changing light bulbs, adjusting furniture or other similar activities
• Carry out security patrols and gate checks ensuring they are secure and locked
• Responsible to unlock and relock doors and ensure that alarms are activated after cleaning areas
• Must be able to mix chemicals precisely for all cleaning purposes
• Ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promote continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices
• Assist, as directed by the Grounds Supervisor, in on-the-job training of new staff on routine practices
• Report needs and concerns to appropriate staff which may include submitting or recommending work orders and checking supply levels
• May help with setup and tear down of zoo events
• De-litter zoo grounds and around buildings; removes trash, leaf litter and brush
• Perform high quality custodial work throughout buildings including rest rooms, break rooms, offices etc.
• Safely operate powered equipment and safely use chemicals / cleaning products
• Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety
• Completes all trainings as required; including but not limited to job specific training, safety, blood borne pathogens, active shooter, DEAI, radio protocol, CPR & First Aid etc.
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent, OR equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• A minimum of one year of janitorial or custodial cleaning experience in a commercial or facilities environment
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• Complete all training as required
• Participate in emergency drills as required
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Must be able to work assigned schedule regularly and consistently

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift to 50 pounds occasionally
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Additional years’ experience
• Experience working in an AZA-accredited zoo facility or other park or public attraction environment strongly preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish or ASL)

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.