Custodian - Oregon Zoo

Overview

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo Guest Services division is looking for a Custodian to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities for guests and staff. This role performs hands-on custodial, grounds, and light maintenance work across a large, high-traffic public venue with both indoor and outdoor environments.

Custodians at the Oregon Zoo are part of a self-directed team, regularly interact with the public, assist with guest service needs, and support daily operations, special events, and emergency situations. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys physical activity, and values contributing to a positive guest experience at one of Oregon’s most visited attractions.

• Perform general custodial services across zoo grounds, buildings, exhibits, offices, and public spaces during AM and PM shifts.
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance by sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and polishing floors; cleaning carpets; dusting and polishing furniture; washing windows, woodwork, restrooms, and fixtures.
• Collect and transport trash and recyclable materials from public areas, animal holding areas, and offices using zoo vehicles.
• Operate custodial, maintenance, and grounds equipment, including forklifts, tractors, ladders, pressure washers, and related tools.
• Perform light maintenance duties such as replacing light bulbs, removing graffiti, restocking restroom supplies, unclogging sinks and toilets, moving furniture, and assisting with event setup.
• Conduct deep cleaning activities including floor stripping and recoating, pressure washing, touch-up painting, cleaning under waste containers, and transferring recycled materials to holding areas.
• Assist visitors by answering questions, providing directions, and supporting situations involving lost children, minor first aid, or security concerns.
• Follow safety, animal care, and customer service guidelines during zoo operations and public hours.
• Maintain cleaning equipment and supplies, including ordering materials and ensuring tools are in safe working condition.
• Respond during emergency situations and perform other duties as assigned, including opening/closing buildings, checking and locking doors/windows, and assisting with snow removal as required.

• Experience performing custodial work in large public facilities with indoor and outdoor environments
• Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment such as garbage trucks, forklifts, lifts, and pressure washers
• Strong customer service and communication skills with a professional and courteous demeanor
• Commitment to workplace safety and following established procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision
• Willingness to assist the public, coworkers, and other departments as needed
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to contribute to a positive and respectful team environment

Metro strives to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all work. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop, and retain highly skilled individuals across all departments who reflect the diversity of our community.

To qualify

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• High School or GED AND
• Two years of experience in custodial, customer service work, and problem solving indicating an ability to perform duties as part of a self-directed work team and with minimal supervision OR
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties

Working conditions

• Continuously stand/walk for extended periods
• Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds
• Frequen…