Environmental Services

Reports To: Environmental Services Supervisor

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Wage: $10.33 - $17.41/hr

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Keep the facility clean and safe. Work both inside the building and outside of it doing tasks that make the facility look nice and operate smoothly. Thorough cleaning of rooms, hallways and the cafeteria is easier when students and staff aren’t present, so custodians may have evening and early morning duties. They also may be called in occasionally to perform special assignments such as shoveling snow before activities start or setting up for events. Because they stand and move regularly, physical fitness and stamina are good things for custodians to possess. An inviting environment promotes educational attainment, and custodians play a vital role in creating one.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cleaning

Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing windows, scrubbing tables and desktops, emptying trash cans, sanitizing washrooms . . . custodians do whatever tasks are needed to keep the facility looking good and functioning properly. Besides aesthetics, their efforts contribute to keeping pests away and reducing the spread of germs.

• Service, clean, or supply restrooms.

• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.

• Gather debris and empty trash.

• Select equipment, materials, or supplies for cleaning or maintenance activities.

• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.

• Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.

• Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.

• Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.

• Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.

• Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.

• Clean and polish furniture and fixtures.

• Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.

• Clean equipment or supplies.

• Clean furniture or fixtures.

• Confer with coworkers to coordinate maintenance or cleaning activities.

• Clean building walls.

• Prepare chemicals for work application.

Maintenance

When a light bulb needs to be changed, a window unstuck, a soap dispenser filled, a ceiling tile replaced or a coat of paint added, custodians take the lead. Depending on their level of knowledge, they also may perform services on pipes, heaters, air conditioners and wiring. When third party repair people are called in, custodians may guide them to the proper place or explain the problem.

• Notify supervisor concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.

• Make adjustments or minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing, or electrical systems.

• Maintain equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

Safety

Custodians keep a lookout for potential problems, such as cracked sidewalks or faulty chairs. They abide by institutional and governmental guidelines regarding procedures and safety measures, such as keeping cleaning products away from children. Custodians also are part of the administration’s eyes and ears and can play a large part in spotting tensions among students and curbing vandalism. If they are the first to arrive in the morning or the last to leave at night, custodians may be in charge of unlocking and locking doors.

• Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.

• Monitor building premises to ensure occupant or visitor safety.

• Treat facilities to eliminate pests.

• Make sure chemicals you use are labeled and you have a Material Safety Data Sheet in a binder for each product. If you put chemicals into a different container, label the new container.

• Do not mix chemicals unless instructed to by the manufacturer. Never mix bleach and ammonia.

• Close all containers, especially spray bottles when not in use.

• Identify job hazards and work towards solutions.

• Clean up spills immediately & use warning signs to keep people away from wet floors.

• Use a ladder or footstool on a stable dry surface to reach objects.

• Make sure shelves and storage racks are stable and secured.

• Wear shoes with non-skid soles.

• Keep electrical equipment away from water.

• Repair any locks or alarms that are not working properly.

Assisting staff

Staff may ask custodians to perform tasks such as moving furniture, fixing broken equipment, unloading deliveries and handling an unexpected spill.

• Move heavy furniture, equipment, or supplies, either manually or with hand trucks.

• Set up, arrange, or remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, or scaffolding to prepare facilities for events, such as banquets or meetings.

• Drive vehicles to or from sites.

• Decorate indoor or outdoor spaces.

Relationships

• Internal: Maintain close, daily contact with Club staff (professional and volunteer), Club members, and supervisor to receive/provide information, discuss issues, and advise/counsel.

• External: Maintain contact as needed with external contractors and vendors.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time.

• Must be able to squat or bend.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry up to 10 pounds for short periods of time.

• Must be able to participate in physical activities throughout the facility, on the property and/or on field trips.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this position. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.