Custodian

Augustana University is seeking applications for a full-time, year-round custodian position on the swing shift (2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). While previous experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement for this role.
 

The primary purpose of a custodian is to maintain the Augustana facilities and equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the supervisor, to assure that a successful custodial program is maintained at all times. Every effort has been made to make the job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related to, or is a logical assignment to the position.

Technical Skills:

• Maintain all tools in good working order. 
• Receive and follow instructions from the assigned building supervisor. 
• Have a general knowledge of general maintenance to complete minor tasks (repair of cleaning equipment, change light bulbs, shower curtain replacement, plumbing, etc.) 
• Possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing custodial practices. 
• Ability to determine appropriate timing for grounds maintenance intervention around the assigned building(s). 

Interpersonal Skills: 

• Displays a teachable attitude. Willing to learn, apply and perform new skills. 
• Has communication skills. Interacts well with fellow employees, building occupants, students and the public. Appreciates the knowledge and experience of other employees. 
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Accepts training to improve workmanship at Augustana University.
• Quick to grasp new things.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in the English language.
• Accepts training to improve workmanship at Augustana University. 
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, to follow instructions, and to accept constructive criticism.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, students, family members, visitors, government agencies/ personnel and the general public.
• Must be willing to work harmoniously with other personnel as well as be willing to handle students based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.

Working Conditions:

• Required to wear Custodial uniform.
• Works in all areas of facility.
• Interactions with students, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to unfriendly and emotionally upset students, family members, etc.
• Works beyond normal working hours, in other positions temporarily, when necessary, and will be on-call for emergency maintenance/Custodian situations.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Works on weekends and holidays, as necessary.
• Flexibility to be reassigned for necessary coverage purposes. May be required to work in cramped spaces and in adverse weather conditions.
• Custodian Department has several different shifts as Augustana University is a 24/7 campus. Shifts are days, nights, and weekends.
• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones, printers and light traffic).
• Interact with faculty, staff, students, and public on a consistent basis.
• Operate at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
• Office atmosphere working conditions (i.e., indoor spaces with artificial lighting).

Physical Requirements:

• Work at floor level up to heights of ceiling level.
• Requires the ability to lift and carry custodial supplies and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Prolonged walking or standing and frequent bending, stooping, and reaching on a daily basis.
• Requires a full range of physical motion in order to operate manual and electrically-powered cleaning equipment and machines to include snow shovels.
• Requires the ability to access facilities and areas that may only be accessible by climbing ladders or stairs, bending, reaching on top of partitions, cabinets, bookcases and ledges, moving furniture, supplies, equipment, or office machines.
• Must be able to move throughout assigned areas, as work is performed indoors and out-of-doors. 
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Work Hazards:

• All chemicals, compounds, solvents, etc. shall be handled per O.S.H.A.’s guidelines.
• The scope of the job requires exposure to and use of chemical compounds for cleaning, regulated waste, recyclables, and potentially bio-hazardous waste which may be hazardous and/or cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, application and use are not properly followed.
• May be required to work in dusty environments upon occasion as needed or directed.
• Work with computers, phones, printers, printer cartridges, and fax machines and general maintenance of this equipment.
• Movement of objects from place to place when necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess, as minimum, a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Must work well with staff, faculty, students, and supervisors. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

Desired Qualifications:

• No previous experience required but prior background in related fields helpful, with proven history.
• A knowledge of cleaning procedures, equipment, and cleaning supplies helpful.

Coordination/Coaching:

• Appropriate coaching/coordination with coworkers and feedback to supervisors as needed.
• Coordination/Coaching received by the Building Supervisor and/or Custodial Manager.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Primarily responsible for the inside and outside physical appearance and cleanliness of academic or residential buildings. (Assignment will be made by Custodial Manager.)
• Maintain Augustana in good repair, ensuring a safe, clean, and orderly environment.
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance on fixtures and equipment. Report any concerns through the CMMS.
• Report all unsafe conditions, defective equipment, etc., to the Custodial Manager.
• Assure and maintain that work areas are clean, free of hazardous conditions and equipment, tools, supplies, etc., are properly cared for and stored before leaving such areas on breaks, end of the workday, etc
• Follow established disaster safety policies, procedures and precautions.
• Must have the ability to minimize waste or supplies, misuse of equipment, etc. Assure that daily cleaning schedules and procedures are followed.
• Pick up and deliver supplies and materials as needed.
• Attend department and staff meetings and in-services as directed.
• In consultation with the Custodian Manager and Assistant Director of Facility Services/CMMS Manager, beautify and maintain the grounds around the assigned building to include planting flowers, weeding, spray pesticides and fertilizers, and general upkeep throughout the growing season, and to include removal of plants and pots after the growing season.
• Monitors trees, hedges and other plants around assigned building to ensure their continued health and maintenance. Report any concerns through the CMMS.
• Assists in preventing accidents resulting from snow- or ice-covered walkways by shoveling or sweeping snow or ice from sidewalks and entrances and spreading salt, sand or chemicals within the assigned area.
• Performs flooring evaluation, cleaning, and finishing procedures on a variety of flooring materials using both standard and specialty chemicals and methods as well as regular, scheduled, and directed floor and stairs maintenance by using manual tools and equipment or operating powered floor machines to sweep, vacuum, and mop floors and stairs, and strip and wax floors according to prescribed guidelines or specific directions.
• Performs regular, scheduled, and directed carpet and upholstery maintenance by using manual tools and equipment or operating powered carpet extractors, shampooers, vacuums, and upholstery tools according to prescribed guidelines or specific directions as well as spot and stain removal on a variety of upholstery or carpeting materials using specialty chemicals and treatment methods.
• Uses knowledge of special cleanup methods involved with flood restoration, odor removal, and biohazard situations to respond to emergency situations that may cause property damage, personal injury or both such as water leaks, flooding, overflowing restroom fixtures, accidents resulting in the appearance of bodily fluids (blood, vomitus, waste, urine), broken window and door glass, by following the procedures prescribed for handling each emergency situation within the capability to respond.
• Uses a knowledge of various construction materials, appropriate cleaning methods, knowledge of general and specialty cleaning chemicals, and the appropriate use of potentially hazardous materials to ensure that lavatories and restrooms are clean and sanitary, following prescribed procedures for sweeping, washing and/or scrubbing the restrooms, using specific chemicals for foaming and/or disinfecting facilities, restocking all appropriate paper products, refilling soap dispensers, replacing sanitary disposal liners, and removing all trash and waste products from lavatories and restrooms.
• Cleans classroom furniture and equipment (if classrooms are part of assigned area) by dry dusting blackboards and erasers and/or washing whiteboards, re-aligning classroom desks and/or tables and chairs, dust-mopping and damp-mopping hard surface floors or vacuuming carpeted floors, and collecting and removing all trash and waste products from the classrooms.
• Washes all interior and lower-level exterior glass, including windows, mirrors, and door glass by using foaming equipment, glass cleaners, squeegees, and paper wipes according to prescribed guidelines or specific directions for use of the cleaners.
• Removes all trash from assigned areas by collecting trash from various trash containers and receptacles, transporting the trash to designated outside trash dumpsters, and emptying the trash into the dumpsters.
• Removes all recyclable materials from assigned areas by collecting the recyclable materials from the various labeled containers, transporting the recyclable materials to designated outside recycling dumpsters, and emptying the recyclable materials into the dumpster.
• Uses cleaning chemicals properly and safely by wearing prescribed protective clothing, masks, and/or rubber gloves and boots, following either written or verbal directions for mixing chemical compounds according to specifications, applying the cleaning chemicals properly on surfaces or items designated for their use, and disposing of residual chemical products as directed or storing and labeling them for future use.
• Performs a measure of building and facilities security by checking assigned areas, buildings, and facilities for safety and security, locking designated office and work areas, and notifying proper Campus Safety when security of the assigned building or facilities is in jeopardy.
• Reports damage to buildings, facilities, furnishings and equipment, as well as emergency conditions beyond the capability to handle by contacting either the Custodial Manager or submit a report to the CMMS immediately upon discovery, and describing the specific conditions.
• Uses knowledge of light bulb types, appropriate replacement, and disposal procedures involved to replace light bulbs in interior building settings using ladders, lifts, or other tools required to complete the task.
• Contributes to the overall success of the assigned department by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• This position is designated as essential and must report to work when requested by the Custodian Manager as scheduled when University offices are closed due to holiday closure or severe weather conditions.
• May be required to serve on committees and special projects.

Other Information:

• All Augustana University Employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety trainings, proactively promote safety at work and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Application Procedure: 

The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the below application materials via our Career Center Portal. If assistance is needed during the application process, please reach out to humanresources@augie.edu

• Letter of interest
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Contact information for at least three references

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.