Custodian

Job Overview

This position is open continuously until filled. The role is a variable‑hour custodial position at the Oregon Zoo. Variable‑hour employees may not work more than 1,040 hours per year.

• Perform general custodial duties around zoo grounds.
• Assist visitors with questions or issues such as lost children, minor first aid or security issues.
• Sweep, mop, strip, recoat and polish floors; clean carpets; dust and polish furniture; wash windows, woodwork, restrooms and fixtures; pick up trash around the zoo; perform other custodial tasks as required.
• Maintain cleanliness of zoo grounds and buildings.
• Collect trash and recyclable materials from public areas, animal holding areas and offices; transport materials using garbage truck, mini‑dump or other zoo vehicles.
• Perform maintenance duties such as replacing light bulbs, removing graffiti, replacing restroom supplies, unclogging sinks and toilets, painting, moving office furniture, cleaning drain cleanouts and preparing rooms for meetings.
• Responsible for clean‑up of biological contaminants as trained and needed.
• Perform deep‑cleaning duties such as stripping and recoating floors, touch‑up painting, pressure washing specific areas and equipment, moving and cleaning under all garbage cans, and transferring recycled items to holding areas.
• Operate garbage trucks, mini‑dump trucks, dumpsters, personnel lift baskets, tractors, forklifts, pressure washers, industrial fans, ladders, painting equipment, cleaning equipment, hand tools and other equipment as required, and operate computers, radios and other office equipment.
• Maintain cleaning equipment.
• Clean exhibit and service areas using pressure washer equipment.
• Assist with snow removal as required.
• Drive forklifts, garbage trucks, mini‑dumps, personnel lifts, golf carts, trucks and other equipment as needed.

• Experience performing custodial duties in a large, public venue with indoor and outdoor facilities.
• Ability to safely operate the required equipment.
• Excellent customer service skills; willing to assist the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner.
• Demonstrated ability to follow safe work habits and contribute to the safety of the work group.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.
• Push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather; work independently and as part of a team.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Walk, stand and work on concrete surfaces for extended periods of time; work irregular hours, including holidays, evenings and weekends.

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least two years of custodial and customer service experience; or any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Forklift certification.
• First‑Aid/CPR certification.
• Bloodborne pathogen training.

Variable hours with a range of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. Schedules vary based on operational needs, weather and events, including school breaks, holidays, summer and the Zoo Lights season. This position is expected to conclude at the end of September, with the possibility of extension based on zoo event needs.

Duties may be performed under various conditions, including exposure to contaminated areas, enclosed spaces, at heights, indoor and outdoor locations with inclement weather, and other adverse conditions. The role is physically demanding with frequent standing and lifting of 50 pounds on a regular basis, occasionally up to 80+ pounds. Work pressure and workflow disturbances are expected. May need to work outside the typical schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law. If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions.

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of three years.