Head Custodian

The Hotchkiss School
11 Interlaken Road
Lakeville, CT 06039, USA

The Head Custodian supervises a team of approximately 20 individuals. A key member of the Facilities Department, the Head Custodian serves as the primary point of contact for custodial and cleaning-related operations and event setup support across campus. Reporting to the Director of Facilities, the Head Custodian manages staff, schedules, service delivery, and partners with campus stakeholders to support academic, residential, and event needs in a year-round boarding school environment.

The Head Custodian ensures a high‑performance cleaning culture, moving beyond basic aesthetics.

The Head Custodian is generally scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with some weeknight, weekend, holiday, and after‑hours support required. Availability on‑call when necessary is required, and the position is considered essential staff. As campus program needs evolve, the schedule and responsibilities may be modified to include weekend coverage to support Mars Athletic Center and other year‑round operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Head Custodian provides leadership for Environmental Services operations and ensures that cleaning, setup, room turnover, and related Facilities services are completed in a timely, safe, sustainable, and service‑oriented manner.

Operations & Service Delivery

• Manage cleaning services across dorms, academic buildings, offices, and shared spaces.
• Ensure standards for cleanliness, safety, and building care are consistently met.
• Coordinate routine, seasonal, and project‑based cleaning.
• Oversee work orders, inspections, and quality control processes.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate environment services staff across shifts.
• Support hiring and onboarding talented cleaning professionals.
• Establish clear, measurable performance goals and feedback for consistent service delivery.
• Foster a productive and respectful team culture.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with safety and OSHA standards.

Sustainability

• Implement green cleaning practices and environmentally responsible procedures.
• Train staff on proper chemical use, waste reduction, and sustainable cleaning methods.
• Oversee service vendors (e.g., waste, pest control, carpet cleaning).
• Monitor vendor performance and coordinate with Facilities leadership on contract management.

Residential & Campus Support

• Coordinate faculty housing turnover schedule and residential cleaning needs.
• Support Residential Life with health and cleanliness-related protocols as needed.

Events, Moves & Programs

• Oversee setups for events, moves, and campus programs, including summer operations.
• Ensure spaces are clean, reset, and ready for use.

Administrative Support

• Assist with purchase scheduling, budgeting, inventory, and supply management.
• Track service levels and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Maintain effective communication with campus partners and vendors.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• High School diploma preferred or GED; additional training or experience in custodial/janitorial facilities, housekeeping, environmental services, or campus operations preferred.
• Experience managing teams, with a preference for leading custodial/janitorial, housekeeping, environmental services, or facilities operations.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, including scheduling, training, constructive performance feedback, and team communication.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cleaning techniques, equipment, and safety standards and ability to train others on these skills.
• Experience overseeing vendors, contractors, or service contracts preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions in English and to work independently within established procedures and policies.
• Bilingual English and Spanish is preferred.
• Ability to interact in a pleasant, professional manner with students, faculty, staff, residents, vendors, and contractors.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support Facilities Operations on a 24/7 residential campus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM THE

ESSENTIAL…