Custodian, Entry Level Candidate Pool

DESCRIPTION 

This job consists of routine work to maintain the cleanliness of an assigned facility and grounds. An employee in this class, under the supervision of an administrator or manager, receives general direction and leadership from a day or night custodial supervisor. This employee performs cleaning and maintenance functions on the day or evening shift. Work is evaluated through observation while work is in progress and by inspection of completed assignments.   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.   

• (1) year experience as a custodian in a school system or building maintenance is desired by not required. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Performs building inspections to ensure building security. 

• Cleans buildings by sweeping, dusting, mopping, scrubbing, sealing, buffing, washing rooms, vacuuming, washing surfaces, etc. 

• Performs ground maintenance by mowing, watering, sweeping and weeding. 

• Moves and stores furniture and equipment. 

• Removes snow and ice. 

• Requires extensive walking, stooping, pushing, carrying, climbing, bending and lifting. 

• Must be available for emergency calls. 

• Performs general building maintenance including cleaning rooms, cleaning windows, scrubbing clean furniture, filling dispensers, moving furniture, washing chalkboards and cleaning trays, assisting in the cafeteria, replacing light bulbs and neon tubes, removing gum, cleaning drinking fountains, cleaning trash cans, making minor repairs, checking and cleaning equipment, opening and securing building. 

• Conducts routine floor maintenance to include picking up trash from floors, removing gum, vacuuming sweeping, drying and wet mopping, scrubbing, waxing and buffing. 

• Performs outdoor maintenance including picking up lawn debris, shoveling snow, cutting lawns, cleaning sidewalks, operating grass-cutting equipment. 

• Operates cleaning equipment to include vacuum cleaner, scrubber, buffer, wet and dry mops, brooms. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Employee Safety 

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. 

• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

• Working knowledge of cleaning materials and equipment. 

• Knowledge of the English language so as to understand operating instructions for cleaning equipment and materials and safety and accident prevention. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally. 

• Ability to operate cleaning and grass-cutting machines. 

• Ability to willingly attend and participate in training sessions. 

• Ability to learn and practice acceptable cleaning methods. 

• Ability to willingly acquire skills in the operation of cleaning and grass-cutting machines used in the assigned facility and to be a self-starter. 

• Interact positively with students, administrators, co-workers, parents and community. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to hear the normally spoken word at 25 feet. 

• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions. 

• Ability to climb ladders and stairs. 

• Ability to pick up and carry 65 pounds. 

• Ability to stand for prolonged period of time. 

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. 

Working Hours 

• The duty day for a full-time position is 8.5 hours per day including a thirty-minute unpaid duty-free lunch. 

• This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement.  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  
 
SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process. 

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

Compensation 

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The position is salary Grade II on the Custodial Salary Scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.   

Retirement