Custodian - Oregon Zoo

This job posting is open continuously until filled. We will review the first batch of candidates on 11/12 and will review additional applications on a 2 week cadence.

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 play a critical role in maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming facilities for guests, and staff.

Custodians at the Oregon Zoo are part of a self-directed team and 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 garbage trucks, mini-dump trucks, dumpsters, and other zoo vehicles.
• Operate custodial, maintenance, and grounds equipment, including forklifts, tractors, personnel lifts, pressure washers, industrial fans, ladders, painting equipment, hand tools, radios, and computers.
• Perform light maintenance duties such as replacing light bulbs, removing graffiti, restocking restroom supplies, unclogging sinks and toilets, moving furniture, preparing rooms for meetings, 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 while working 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 to include open and close buildings, check and lock doors and windows, and assist 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
• Demonstrated 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

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly…