Lead Custodian @ Highland Hills Elementary School

The Hermiston School District is seeking applicants for the Lead Custodian position at Highland Hills Elementary School. This position works under the specific supervision of the principal. This position is responsible for the appearance and routine maintenance of the physical plant and grounds to assign and maintain the building(s) in a condition of operating excellence so that full educational use may be made at all times. This position will work with the facilities supervisor, who is responsible for providing general direction and assigning duties to the custodial staff assigned to the building. May have exposure to blood, body fluids, or other infectious materials.

Required Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of modern cleaning methods and cleaning materials and equipment use and care.
• Reasonable knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tasks, and materials used to maintain school buildings and grounds safely, clean, and efficiently.
• Reasonable knowledge of the procedures and techniques for making routine electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs.
• Ability to read and write at the 10th-grade level.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Physical strength to perform tasks of a custodial worker, including the ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with students, fellow employees, and the general public.
• Demonstrated high moral standards and character necessary for working around children.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Responsibilities    

• Responsible for both the inside and outside condition and appearance of the facility and performing routine maintenance as required.
• Confers with the Facilities Supervisor or designee and communicates with the building principal regarding the care and cleaning of facilities.
• Perform custodial duties and assist custodians in doing their work correctly.
• Submit work orders and requisitions for custodial supplies and equipment; maintain basic records as required.
• Inspect buildings regularly for sanitary and safety hazards, vandalism, and fires; prepare reports and notify Facilities Supervisor or designee of irregularities.
• Train custodial staff on proper procedures to ensure that buildings are properly secured.
• Direct and participate in the complete cleaning and routine maintenance of buildings during vacation.
• Observe and be aware of items needing attention throughout the building. Report to the Facilities Supervisor and/or designee immediately if they cannot be completed at the point and time of discovery.

About the District:

The Hermiston School District is the largest district in eastern Oregon, exceeding 5,300 students in grades kindergarten through 12, with the mission of serving the needs of all students with rigorous and engaging program choices, mutual, respect, and high expectations. The school district includes a 9-12 senior high school, two 6-8 middle schools, and six K-5 elementary schools for students and families.

The school district receives strong support from the Hermiston community. In 2019 voters approved an $82.7 million building project, which included replacement of Rocky Heights Elementary (opened fall 2022); construction of an additional elementary school, Loma Vista (opened fall 2022), and a multi-classroom annex of the high school (opened fall 2023); along with various district-wide renovations. Voters also approved a $69.9 million bond in 2008.

The district employs over 630 full time staff that includes approximately 390 teachers and over 260 classified, support, and supervisory personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the city of Hermiston. A nationally recognized community that embraces its diversity, the district serves some 28,000 residents, where half of the population is Hispanic.

The school district prides itself on the academic achievement of its students, successful athletic programs, nationally recognized club and activity organizations, and its exhaustive list of academic and elective opportunities available to students. The district’s partnership with community organizations is central to its continued success, highlighted by support groups who have provided nearly a half a million dollars to assist students and programs through such venues as the Hermiston Sports Booster Club, Hermiston Education Foundation, Band Boosters, FFA Alumni, and the community sponsorship of the student homebuilding program, to name a few.

About the Community:

The city of Hermiston is a vibrant and growing community of almost 20,000 residents located at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest, situated near the intersection of I-84 and I-82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and 30 minutes from the Tri-Cities in Washington. Hermiston and the entire Umatilla County area have excellent potential for growth in commercial, industrial, agricultural, as well as residential development. Hermiston boasts over 100 acres for community use, volleyball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, children's play areas, barbeque and picnic areas and more. Located within 10 minutes of downtown Hermiston, both Umatilla and Echo have challenging golf courses. The Columbia River offers tournament level fishing, as well as many water sports including swimming, wind surfing, and boating. Other fishing waters include the Umatilla River, Cold Springs Reservoir and many ponds. Hat Rock State Park is nearby, and the Blue Mountains are within an hour drive, affording a wide variety of fishing, hunting, and camping activities. In the winter, the mountains are home to excellent snow skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, and sledding.

Salary & Benefits

The Custodian will work 8.0 hours per day.  The normal contract year for this position is 259 days (July-June), including eight paid holidays.  An excellent benefits package includes a generous allowance for purchasing family insurance coverage (medical, RX, dental, vision) and a district-paid retirement through the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). 

Hourly Range: The 2026-2027 hourly rate will depend on the working agreement and previous experience.

Application Procedures and Timeline:

It is strongly recommended that you submit your application materials as soon as possible.  Applications will only be accepted through TalentEd Recruit & Hire.

The applicant must complete/supply the following items through SchoolSpring:

• Application form

• Cover Letter/letter of interest, recommended but optional

• Current Resume, recommended but optional

• Reference letters, recommended but optional

Salary : $18 - $25