Custodian Technician, Central Kitchen - Custodial Services (2026-27)

Ref. PCN9539

The District and AFSCME are working together to create promotional opportunities for existing staff, therefore this job posting is available for seven (7) days for internal candidates based on our collective bargaining agreement.

BASIC FUNCTION: Under direction from the assigned supervisor the Head Custodian, Central Kitchen position is to maintain the clean and sanitary condition of the district’s food manufacturing facility consistent with the California Retail Food Code (CRFC), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures and current version of the U.S. Public Health Service “Food Code”; to clean and sanitize administrative work areas, educational areas, facilities and grounds; maintains offices, buildings, warehouse, storerooms and plant facilities in a clean and orderly condition. Performs heavy and light cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing floors, washing walls and windows of facilities; and removing debris, trash and litter from facility grounds and sidewalks. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but are intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs); Perform assigned duties consistent with food safety and sanitation standards and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures. 
• Ensure compliance with all OUSD, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State of California Departments of Education and Health, Child Nutrition program, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) procedures, policies and standards. 
• Unlock and lock facility gates, doors, raise and lower flags and banners. 
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area. 
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. 
• Operate motorized and manual cleaning equipment as required. 
• Empty garbage, recycling and composting receptacles; separate and prepare cardboard and other items for recycling and composting; place and replace liners in garbage, recycling and composting receptacles; clean garbage, recycling and composting receptacles and replace as needed. 
• Keep production areas clean of water during production and use squeegee frequently to remove standing water. Participate in periodic deep-cleaning of the central kitchen including clearing and cleaning of grease traps. Sweep, mop, dust, and vacuum lobby, offices, common areas, conference and break rooms.
• Clean interior surface areas, including the warehouse and storerooms interior high touch surface areas. Clean and maintain all restroom facilities, including sinks, urinals, toilets, walls, mirrors and floors. Order supplies and keep restrooms and other facilities stocked and replenished with essentials. Continually inspect for and dispose of all debris; maintain grounds, entryways and walkways. Provides the cleaning upkeep of drinking fountains. 
• Provide cleaning of the facility and the adjacent administrative work areas, educational areas; clean, sweep, vacuum, high and low dusting, clean windows, window sills, glass door panels etc. 
• Move equipment and furniture as necessary. 
• Minor repair of custodial cleaning equipment 
• Perform work within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with OUSD policies and quality standards. 
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and OUSD staff; act in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and OUSD information. Perform other related duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and/or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position. 

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment, including personal sanitation and hygiene regulations. 
• Custodial cleaning standards associated with cleaning a Central Kitchen Food Manufacturing Facility and other District offices spaces, classrooms and facilities. 
• Proper cleaning methods, materials and chemicals and disinfectants agents used to safely clean, sanitize and disinfect a Central Kitchen Food Manufacturing Facility. 
• Health regulations and safe corrective and preventive measures to improve facility plant sanitation. Cleaning methods, procedures and techniques for food preparation, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Federal, state and local codes and regulations governing food safety and sanitation standards. Safe working methods, procedures and lifting techniques. 
• Maintain facilities security of fire safety, and fire extinguishers. 
• Management of civic center procedures and processes for facilities use. 
• Record keeping and records management and effectively managing a supply budget. 
• Principles and practices of effective customer service. 
• Diversity, sensitivity and competence with regard to issues of race, learning or other ability, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, socio-economic group, sexuality or other orientations or cultural markers. 
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation. 

ABILITIES TO: 

• Follow all food safety, health and quality system requirements.
• Support the manufacturing and operational team in ensuring sanitation practices and processes are followed consistently throughout the facilities. 
• Effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work. 
• Identify improvement opportunities and partners with the management team to execute plans. Read and understand chemical labels. 
• Operate a variety of custodial equipment including a floor stripper, buffer, carpet shampooer, vacuum cleaner, and other small power and hand tools. 
• Complete minor repairs within the scope of custodial duties, as necessary. 
• Prioritize multiple tasks and demands and work with frequent interruptions. 
• Follow verbal and written instructions and procedures. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and clients. 
• Clean elevated spaces (using a ladder of up to 12 feet) and/or use a lift to clean elevated areas.
• Perform minor building repair needs (i.e. replacement of dispensers, minor pest abatement. Promote and enforce safe work practices, and report unsafe work environments and practices.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 

PREREQUISITES: 

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent. 
• Two (2) years working as a custodian performing related cleaning duties 
• Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable. 
• Food handling card within 6 months of hire. 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS: 

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

ENVIRONMENT: 

Kitchen, food service and diverse environments; indoor/outdoor environments; exposure to heat and cold environments; fast-paced work; constant interruptions 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 50 pounds, occasionally 50 pounds; bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties; seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone. 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: 

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.

Salary : $50,618 - $61,551