Museum Custodian​/Laborer

job description

museum custodian/laborer — part‑time regular

starting hourly rate: $15.91

Final date to receive applications: wednesday, february 11, 2026, no later than 5 pm mtd

this position involves maintaining the cleanliness of the belen harvey house museum branch library and the surrounding grounds. Duties include mopping and vacuuming floors, sanitizing restroom facilities, and collecting trash to ensure the building’s occupants have a clean space, as well as washing dishes and sanitizing the kitchen facilities for the whistle stop cafe. The museum custodian/laborer is also responsible for supporting high quality food preparation at the whistle stop cafe.

The museum custodian/laborer reports to the museum manager and, as needed, to the library director to ensure consistency of oversight of all operations. Activities are performed with self‑motivation and initiative within the policies established by the belen public library and the city of belen, to provide stellar customer service.

ensure that the museum is maintained with high standards for safety, cleanliness and appearance. Monitor all areas for safety and for needed repairs. Monitor cleaning and kitchen supplies. Keep the museum manager aware of any issues that have been resolved and those that still need further action. Ensure that city of belen procurement and safety policies are followed at all times.

Provide behind‑the‑scenes support for programs that take place in the museum.

• following the policies and procedures as set forth by the city of belen. Attend all necessary training and classes
• maintaining compliance with commercial food safety standards through sanitizing the kitchen, supporting sanitary food preparation, and washing dishes, pans, and other items in the kitchen
• maintaining clean tables and eating areas in compliance with food safety standards
• cleaning and sanitizing the restrooms
• cleaning wood, linoleum, tile and other floors
• emptying trash cans
• changing air filters and cleaning vents
• dusting all surfaces
• waxing floors and shampooing rugs and carpets
• washing windows
• maintaining a thorough inventory of cleaning and maintenance supplies
• using kitchen equipment, commercial vacuums, floor buffers and carpet cleaners
• collecting and taking out trash and recycling
• moving furniture, displays, and artifacts for exhibition and event preparation and take‑down
• lifting over 50 pounds and moving up to 200 pounds when needed
• assisting with special projects
• assuring compliance with fire, safety and cleanliness standards
• ensuring the museum is safe, clean, and orderly

the duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

candidate must have:

• ability to stand and walk for long periods
• ability to lift and move over 50 pounds
• knowledge of different cleaning products and tools
• time‑management and multitasking abilities
• physical strength and stamina
• organization skills
• good verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• ability to work with minimal supervision
• a valid new mexico driver’s license
• successfully completed drug testing
• spanish/english bilingual skills (preferred)

the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

while performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to ascend and descend stairs, walk, sit, talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to push, pull, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

Position requires frequent bending, reaching and lifting.

the employee must be able to lift over 50 pounds and move up to 200 pounds. Specific vision…