Part-time Custodian

Position Summary

The Custodian plays an important role in creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone who enters Southside Community Kitchen. This position is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the kitchen, dining areas, restrooms, and shared spaces while supporting daily meal operations. The Custodian also assists with transporting meals between service locations and helps ensure the facility and equipment remain in excellent working condition.

The ideal candidate takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, works well independently, and understands that a well-maintained facility is essential to providing guests with a dignified and welcoming dining experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Facility Readiness & Maintenance

• Ensure the kitchen, dining room, restrooms, and common areas are clean, sanitary, organized, and ready for meal service.
• Maintain consistent custodial routines that support a safe and welcoming environment.
• Monitor and restock restroom, cleaning, and hospitality supplies.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, including the oven, range, dishwasher, preparation areas, and other food service equipment.
• Verify that equipment is properly powered down and functioning correctly after use.
• Coordinate the setup and breakdown of tables and chairs in collaboration with other building users.
• Ensure trash, recycling, and compost are collected, sorted, and disposed of according to established procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, including weekly servicing of the solid waste separator.
• Secure the facility by locking doors, setting alarms, and completing end-of-day building checks when appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to improve facility cleanliness, organization, safety, and equipment maintenance.
• Report maintenance needs, repairs, or equipment concerns promptly to the Executive Director.

Meal Transportation & Operational Support

• Transport prepared meals from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing to Galilee Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Return pots, pans, food carriers, and other kitchen supplies following meal service.
• Assist staff with operational needs that support efficient meal service.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Southside Community Kitchen's mission of providing nutritious meals with dignity to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Experience in custodial services, hospitality, facility maintenance, or community service preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers Monday and Wednesday from 11 to 2PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11AM to1PM.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.
• ServSafe Certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification within 30 days of employment desired.

Desired Skills & Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A warm, welcoming, and service-oriented attitude.
• Pride in maintaining clean, organized, and safe spaces.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Initiative to identify and solve problems before they become issues.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced community environment.
• Respect for shared spaces and the diverse community served by Southside Community Kitchen.
• Dependability, integrity, and a collaborative team mindset.

Physical Requirements

This position requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying supplies throughout the shift. The employee must be able to safely lift up to 40 pounds and operate custodial and kitchen equipment safely.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Southside Community Kitchen is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by law.

This version frames the position as more than a cleaning role—it emphasizes hospitality, operational support, and stewardship of the space, aligning it with Southside Community Kitchen's mission and values.

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15