Lead Janitor (Full-Time, Overnight)

Description

Position Summary:

The Lead Janitor serves as the senior custodial team member and shift lead within the Facilities department. This position is responsible for performing advanced custodial duties while providing day-to-day direction and oversight of tasks performed by janitorial staff.

Working under the supervision of the Exhibits & Facilities Assistant Manager, the Lead Janitor helps implement cleaning standards, assigns and monitors tasks, ensures quality control, and supports staff training. In the absence of the Assistant Manager, the Lead Janitor assumes responsibility for overseeing custodial operations, directing the janitorial crew, and ensuring the facility meets established cleanliness, safety, and operational standards.

This role is a working lead position — actively performing custodial tasks while providing operational guidance and accountability for shift performance. The Lead Janitor does not carry formal managerial authority (e.g., hiring, termination, or disciplinary decisions) but plays a critical leadership role in maintaining standards and supporting department efficiency.

Essential Functions & Major Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Supervision

• Serve as the senior on-shift custodial team member and primary point of contact for janitorial staff.
• Assign daily cleaning tasks and ensure completion according to established schedules and standards.
• Monitor quality of work and provide real-time coaching and corrective guidance as needed.
• Lead shift huddles or check-ins to communicate priorities and expectations.
• Direct and oversee the janitorial crew in the absence of the Exhibits & Facilities Assistant Manager, ensuring operational continuity.
• Escalate personnel concerns, performance issues, or operational challenges to the Assistant Manager.
• Assist with onboarding and hands-on training of new custodial team members.
• Provide input to the Assistant Manager regarding supply needs, workflow improvements, and staff performance observations.

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Perform and oversee cleaning and sanitation of exhibit areas, classrooms, restrooms, offices, and public spaces.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, buff, and deep clean floors throughout the museum.
• Empty trash and recycling and transport materials to proper disposal areas.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces, including handrails, doorknobs, tables, exhibit components, and play equipment.
• Clean windows, glass partitions, doors, and mirrors.
• Restock restroom and sanitation supplies.
• Ensure cleaning equipment is properly maintained and stored.
• Monitor custodial inventory and notify supervisor when supplies are low.
• Ensure all work complies with museum cleaning, safety, and sanitation protocols.

Exhibit & Facility Care

• Clean and sanitize interactive exhibits according to museum standards.
• Conduct routine walkthroughs to identify cleanliness gaps, safety concerns, or maintenance needs.
• Report damaged exhibits, facility issues, or hazards promptly.
• Support deep cleaning initiatives and seasonal resets.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks such as replacing light bulbs or addressing small repairs as assigned.

Safety & Security

• Reinforce safe chemical handling and equipment operation procedures.
• Ensure proper use and storage of cleaning supplies.
• Secure the building in accordance with closing procedures when scheduled.
• Serve as overnight lead contact for facility-related concerns.
• Report incidents or building concerns in a timely manner.

Requirements

Position Requirements:

• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to provide direction and constructive feedback.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Ability to follow written procedures and enforce safety standards.
• Comfortable working in a family-focused, child-centered environment.
• Ability to push cleaning carts and operate custodial equipment.
• Comfortable performing repetitive cleaning tasks.
• Ability to move throughout a multi-level facility.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 3+ years of custodial or janitorial experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or train others preferred.
• Experience with commercial janitorial equipment (buffers, scrubbers, extractors, etc.)

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a typical interactive exhibit environment with moderate noise levels.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is regularly required to: 

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time, climb ladders, and stairs. 
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Independent body mobility to access a variety of spaces (high, small, awkward, etc.) with exhibit elements of varying height. 
• Ability to bend, carry, reach to the side, front, and overhead, push pull, walk, stand, twist and squat, grab, squeeze are repetitive motions required of the position. 
• Use hands to feel and manipulate tools and materials and reach with hands and arms. 
• Some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require basic safety precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE.) 

This is a full-time, overnight position, onsite in Everett. The pay is $24 an hour plus an additional $1.00 shift differential premium for working overnight hours. 

Benefits: All full-time employees receive accrued sick time, vacation time, anniversary appreciation day, medical/vision/dental insurance, Life AD&D, FSA, IRA, EAP, free museum membership, discounts, and other museum perks!