- Maintain facilities in clean, safe, and orderly condition to support full operational use at all times
- Ensure a sanitary and pleasant environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests
- Promote continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices
- Support the organization's mission by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and facility care
- Provide reliable custodial services that enable uninterrupted building operations and activities
- Respond promptly to facility maintenance needs and cleaning emergencies
Objectives
Responsibilities
- Perform general custodial duties including dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping floors
- Clean and sanitize restrooms and restock paper and soap supplies
- Empty trash receptacles and dispose of waste in compactors and dumpsters
- Use power equipment to buff and restore floors and shampoo carpets
- Clean windows, mirrors, partitions, walls, and furniture
- Mix cleaning solutions and chemicals according to instructions
- Perform routine maintenance on custodial equipment and supplies
- Lock and unlock doors, ensuring building security
- Report maintenance needs, concerns, and supply requirements to appropriate staff
- Set up tables and chairs for various functions and events as required
- Assist with snow removal activities and other emergency situations
- Replace light bulbs, ceiling tiles, and perform minor maintenance tasks
- Manage inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment
- Assist in on-the-job training of new custodial staff
- Maintain grounds and exterior areas of the building
Required Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions
- Knowledge of safe work practices and ability to follow safety procedures
- Ability to operate vacuums, floor buffers, and other custodial equipment
- Ability to safely use cleaning equipment, supplies, and chemical cleaners
- Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects up to 50 pounds
- Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb ladders for extended periods
- Ability to wear and use a backpack vacuum for extended periods
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong attention to detail and conscientiousness
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, visitors, and supervisors
- Ability to read labels, safety data sheets, and instructions
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- One year or more of prior custodial or janitorial experience
- Experience in a school, church, medical facility, or institutional setting
- High school courses in shop or general trades knowledge
- Basic math skills for measuring and mixing cleaning solutions
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification
- Experience with power washers, carpet cleaning machines, and specialized equipment
- Knowledge of standard cleaning methods and procedures
- Ability to perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks
- Flexibility in availability to accommodate varied schedules and events
- Strong customer service skills and professional demeanor
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What Does a Custodian Do?
A custodian cleans, maintains, and secures facilities to ensure safe, sanitary, and functional environments for occupants. This role involves performing routine custodial tasks like mopping floors, sanitizing restrooms, vacuuming carpets, emptying trash, and using specialized equipment such as floor buffers and carpet cleaners to maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the building.
Organizations need custodians to maintain operational facilities that support their core mission, whether it's education, healthcare, worship, or business. Custodians create welcoming, healthy environments by preventing the spread of illness through proper sanitation, ensuring safety by removing hazards, and preserving the condition of buildings and equipment through regular maintenance.
A successful custodian needs a combination of physical stamina, technical knowledge, and attention to detail. They must understand how to safely handle cleaning chemicals, operate various types of equipment, follow safety protocols, and work independently while maintaining high quality standards across all assigned areas.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Custodian?
The responsibilities of a custodian are to maintain clean, safe, and orderly facilities through daily cleaning, sanitation, and basic maintenance activities. They perform essential tasks that keep buildings functional and presentable for all occupants and visitors.
Custodian duties include performing general housekeeping such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming all floor surfaces, as well as cleaning and sanitizing restrooms while restocking necessary supplies. They empty trash receptacles throughout the facility, clean windows and mirrors, buff and restore floors using power equipment, and shampoo carpets to maintain appearance. Additional responsibilities include mixing cleaning solutions properly, maintaining custodial equipment, setting up rooms for events, assisting with snow removal, performing minor repairs like changing light bulbs, and reporting maintenance concerns to supervisors.
Understanding these comprehensive custodian responsibilities helps organizations develop relevant interview questions that assess candidates' knowledge of cleaning procedures, safety protocols, equipment operation, and their ability to maintain facilities independently while delivering consistent quality.
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