Job Summary:
Perform the custodial functions of making minor repairs and keeping building neat and clean.
Essential Job Functions:
• Makes minor repairs to equipment and reports major problems to the school principal and coordinator of custodial services
• Performs minor repair tasks as requested by the school principal or teachers
• Performs routine cleaning tasks in the school offices, classrooms, hallways, and restrooms on a daily basis
• Performs yearly maintenance tasks such as stripping, sanding, sealing, waxing, and buffing gymnasium floor
• Conducts inspection of the school building to ensure all areas of the building are clean
• Inspects heating, lighting, and ventilation system and fire safety systems to ensure they are working properly to provide a safe environment for students and staff
• Assures adequate janitorial supplies and equipment are available to maintain the cleanliness of the building
• Works during events scheduled outside of regular school hours, if such is requested by the principal, head custodian, or designee
• Reports personal absences in time for supervisor to secure substitute
• Reports to work during emergencies to perform duties such as shoveling snow and spreading sand on sidewalks
• Performs other duties as assigned by the principal, head custodian, or designee
The Custodian Must Demonstrate Knowledge of:
• Methods used in maintaining a clean school building.
• Terminology, procedures, and routines in building cleaning practices
• Fire alarm and security systems operated in the building
2
• How to make minor building and equipment repairs
The Custodian Must Demonstrate the Ability to:
• Perform tasks in accordance with acceptable cleaning practices
• Prioritize routine cleaning chores and minor repair tasks
• Consult supervisor on all matters not considered routine
• Communicate effectively with students and staff
• Solve problems independently or with minimal supervision
• Demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times
• Read and write information regarding cleaning and building maintenance
• Work well with others
The Custodian Must Demonstrate Competency In the Use of:
• Vacuum cleaner
• Maintenance tools and equipment
• Floor polisher
• Sander
• Carpet cleaner
• Lawn mower
• Gloves, eye protection, and other safety equipment as assigned and as required to be used under specified conditions
• Appropriate uniform as designated by the district
Safety of Others:
The Custodian has responsibility for identifying and removing hazards that affect visitors, staff and students of the building.
Working Conditions:
Job is usually performed inside heated, well-lighted building; however, work is also performed outdoors such as sweeping walkways, mowing lawn, and shoveling snow. Working with machines can be noisy and some tasks, such as cleaning restrooms can be dirty and unpleasant.
Physical Working Conditions:
1. Standing: Custodians are required to stand approximately 75 to 85% of the work shift on a variety of surfaces including low pile carpet, tile, linoleum flooring and concrete. Periods of continual standing are for no more than 3.5 hours at a
3
time and would be at the custodian’s discretion. While standing, custodians perform a variety of cleaning and maintenance duties. Standing is performed intermittently with sitting and walking.
2. Walking: Custodians are required to walk approximately 55 to 75% of the workday over the surfaces listed above. Walking would typically be for distances of 5 to 50 feet at one time. On occasions, custodians may walk distances of up to 400 yards at one time from one end of the school to another. Periods of continual walking are typically performed no more than 30 minutes at one time and are at the custodian’s discretion. Walking is performed while cleaning, dust mopping, vacuuming and collecting/disposing of garbage. Walking is performed intermittently with standing and sitting.
3. Sitting: Custodians are able to sit approximately 10 to 15% of the work shift while on breaks. The break room is equipped with a straight-backed, padded chair. Custodians can sit almost anywhere to take an occasional 5-minute break as time allows. As long as the scheduled work is performed during the shift, short breaks are not commonly discouraged.
4. Lifting: The lifting requirements of the Custodian are typically between 1 and 50 pounds. Most all cleaning supplies and paper products weigh less than 5 pounds when broken down. These items are lifted frequently throughout the work shift while cleaning. Heavier item, such as tables, and maintenance equipment can weigh up to 50 pounds and are lifted on a rare basis. Assistance is usually available to each custodian in the event that a weight is deemed excessive to lift. Lifting is performed primarily from floor to shoulder level. Rarely is overhead lifting required.
5. Carrying: The carrying requirements of the Custodian are minimal. Numerous mechanical devices, such as dollies and wheeled carts aid in reducing excessive everyday carrying. Typical cleaning supplies are carried frequently during the day throughout the school and classroom for distances of between 1 and 50 feet at a time. These supplies weigh less than 5 pounds. Heavier items can be transported via mechanical devices, such as a four-wheeled cart. The typical carrying requirements of this position do not exceed 50 pounds.
6. Pushing/Pulling: Custodians are required to push and pull the above-mentioned mechanical devices, dust mops, wet mops, brooms and vacuum cleaners across smooth surfaces on a regular.
7. Climbing: Custodians are required to climb occasionally a 6 to 8 foot stepladder to change light bulbs.
8. Balancing: No significant amount of balancing is required of this position.
9. Stooping (Bending at Waist): No significant amount of stooping is required of this position.
10. Kneeling: No significant amount of kneeling is required of this position.
Physical Working Conditions - continued:
11. Crouching (Bending at Knees and Waist): Custodians are required to crouch when dusting and cleaning surfaces at or below knee level. Crouching is also
4
performed when emptying garbage cans. In these respects, crouching can be expected to be performed on an occasional basis from 5 to 30 times per hour.
12. Crawling: No significant amount of crawling is required of this position.
13. Twisting/Turning: No significant amount of twisting or turning is required of this position. Custodians can pivot, utilizing both lower appendages in order to turn while standing or walking.
14. Reaching: Custodians are required to reach out in front of them on a frequent basis while cleaning. In this respect, reaching is performed from approximately 30 to 60 times per hour. Reaching is primarily performed between knee and shoulder level. Rarely is overhead reaching is required to secure items stored above head level. Overhead reaching can be performed unilaterally with either upper appendage. Overhead reaching is performed approximately zero to 10 times per hour. Reaching below the knee can be eliminated by crouching.
15. Handling/Dexterity: Fine manipulation is not a requirement of this position. A moderate gross grasp is a requirement to push carts, mops and the floor buffer.
16. Hazards: While repairing equipment, maintenance workers must be careful to avoid cutting themselves on sharp edges. They also work at unprotected heights and are exposed to high voltage. Proper eye, ear and hand protection is provided. This job addresses functions where numerous problems can be encountered. The work involves the evaluation of an issue or issues and requires selecting a course of action from several alternatives. Decisions regarding what needs to be done include the assessment of unusual circumstances, variations in approach, and interpretation of data. Some of the problems encourtered can be life threatening. Decisions made by the bus driver affect's the reputation and standing of the school district with the community.
Experience: (number of years required)
• No experience is required
Education Required: (degree required - high school through graduate degree)
• High school diploma or GED certificate
Special Vocational Requirements: (Voc. Ed., OJT, Licenses, Work Experience)
Note: Work experience, vocational training, on the job training, may be substituted in place of experience and education qualifications as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.
5
Special Requirements:
• The Custodian is required to attend safety training seminars
• Valid Virginia’s driver’s license is required within 90 days of employment
• Receive safety training throughout the school year