Operations & Custodial Manager

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE: 3.40

Operations & Custodial Manager

Position Summary

The Operations & Custodial Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for keeping daily custodial operations running smoothly and efficiently. Working alongside the Operations Coordinator, this position leads and supports a team of custodial staff within an assigned zone, ensuring cleaning standards are met, tasks are completed efficiently, and facilities remain clean, safe, and well-maintained. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who takes pride in their team’s work, sets clear expectations, holds staff accountable, and leads by example to keep operations on track and the team performing at its best. 

Job Title: Operations & Custodial Manager

Salary Range: Grade 12

Contract: Employment Agreement / 12 months

Reports To: Operations Coordinator

Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:  

• Five (5) years of custodial experience with two years in an educational environment,  preferred
• Experience in supervision of custodial/maintenance staff,  preferred

Education:  

• High school diploma 

Certification/License:  

• Valid Iowa Drivers License
• Pool Operator Certification or willingness to obtain within the first 90 days of employment (paid for by the District)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of custodial practices, cleaning methods, equipment, supplies, and procedures necessary to maintain clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities.
• Ability to lead, direct, and support custodial staff; establish clear expectations; provide feedback; address performance concerns; and promote accountability.
• Ability to coordinate staffing schedules, assign work, manage competing priorities, and adjust assignments to meet district operational needs.
• Ability to communicate expectations clearly, resolve workplace concerns professionally, and maintain positive working relationships with staff, building administrators, and district personnel.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices, proper chemical handling, and applicable custodial procedures, with the ability to reinforce district policies and safety requirements.
• Ability to assess operational needs, address routine building and equipment concerns, identify issues requiring additional support, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to coordinate staff training, reinforce consistent cleaning standards, and support employee development and effective work practices.
• Ability to use basic computer applications and district systems to maintain schedules, training records, equipment inventories, work orders, and other operational documentation.
• Ability to respond to changing priorities, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, and work independently while keeping the Operations Coordinator informed of significant issues.
• Ability to visit district buildings, inspect custodial work and equipment, and respond to operational needs across assigned facilities.

Essential Functions 

Personnel Management & Leadership

• Oversee personnel management functions for assigned custodial staff, including performance evaluations, scheduling, hiring, staffing, and disciplinary actions, in coordination with the Operations Coordinator.
• Communicate expectations clearly and consistently, address personnel concerns, and promote accountability, teamwork, and strong job performance.
• Lead and supervise custodial personnel in accordance with district policies, the master contract, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Staffing, Scheduling & Operational Efficiency

• Adapt to changing situations, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement efficient and innovative approaches to district operations.
• Develop and coordinate staff schedules, work assignments, and coverage plans to ensure efficient use of personnel and consistent custodial services.
• Plan and oversee summer custodial staffing, including shift adjustments, paid time off (PTO) coverage, and temporary building assignments to support construction projects and operational needs.

Staff Training & Cleaning Standards

• Coordinate and monitor custodial staff training to ensure consistent application of district-wide cleaning standards and procedures; maintain accurate, up-to-date training records.
• Collaborate with the Operations Coordinator to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, OSHA requirements, environmentally preferable cleaning and maintenance practices, cleaning plans, and related standards.

Equipment & Inventory Management

• Coordinate with the Operations Coordinator to identify custodial equipment needs and support the procurement of necessary equipment and supplies.
• Work with Head Custodians to oversee preventive maintenance of custodial equipment and ensure maintenance activities are accurately documented in the district’s work order system.
• Monitor custodial equipment inventory and notify the Operations Coordinator when equipment is received, relocated, or removed to ensure inventory records remain accurate and current.

Facilities & Maintenance Coordination

• Provide input and recommendations for construction and renovation projects to support custodial operations, equipment needs, and facility readiness.
• Assess general building maintenance concerns, provide initial troubleshooting guidance, and communicate with the Maintenance Manager when repairs or contractor services are needed. Ensure maintenance concerns and relevant details are accurately documented in the work order system.

After-Hours & Emergency Operations

• Provide after-hours support as needed, including responding to alarms, coordinating building access, opening facilities, and arranging operational coverage when necessary.

Other Functions 

• Collaborate with district administrators, staff, public agencies, community members, and other internal and external partners to implement, coordinate, and maintain district services and programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings, workshops, professional development, and training related to regulatory requirements, interdepartmental needs, and operational improvements; identify issues, develop recommendations, support staff, and represent the District as assigned.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; evaluating employee performance, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Participate in assigned staff development programs, district meetings, and special events to support professional growth and district operations.
• Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to manage responsibilities independently with minimal supervision.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information, sharing it only with authorized individuals and as directed by the Superintendent or designee.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships through clear communication, collaboration, and effective coordination with district personnel and other team members.
• Support the goals and objectives of the District and consistently comply with district policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance to support consistent staffing, effective leadership, and uninterrupted district operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner, follow established safety procedures, and promote a safe working environment for employees and others.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution. 
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support district operations and departmental needs.

Working Environment 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and standing. Work is performed in a variety of environments, including event settings that may involve noise, crowds, and variable temperatures. This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain effective decision-making under pressure.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with District policies and procedures.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.