Custodian, Entry Level Candidate Pool

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The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024
-2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

This job consists of routine work to maintain the cleanliness of an assigned facility and grounds. An employee in this class, under the supervision of an administrator or manager, receives general direction and leadership from a day or night custodian supervisor. This employee performs cleaning and maintenance functions on the day or evening shift. Work is evaluated through observation while work is in progress and by inspection of completed assignments.

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• (1) year experience as a custodian in a school system or building maintenance is desired by not required.

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Performs buildinginspectionstoensure buildingsecurity.
• Cleansbuildings bysweeping, dusting,mopping, scrubbing, sealing, buffing,washingrooms,vacuuming,washingsurfaces,etc.
• Performsgroundmaintenance bymowing,watering,sweeping and weeding.
• Moves andstoresfurnitureand equipment.
• Removes snow andice.
• Requires extensive walking, stooping, pushing, carrying, climbing,bendingandlifting.
• Mustbe available for emergency calls.
• Performs generalbuildingmaintenance including cleaning rooms,cleaningwindows, scrubbingcleanfurniture,fillingdispensers,moving furniture,washingchalkboardsandcleaningtrays,assistinginthecafeteria,replacinglightbulbs and neon tubes,removinggum, cleaningdrinkingfountains, cleaning trash cans,makingminorrepairs,checking and cleaning equipment, openingandsecuringbuilding.
• Conducts routine floormaintenanceto includepickingup trashfromfloors,removinggum,vacuuming sweeping, dryingand wet mopping, scrubbing,waxingand buffing.
• Performs outdoormaintenanceincludingpickingup lawndebris,shovelingsnow, cuttinglawns,cleaningsidewalks, operatinggrass-cutting equipment.
• Operatescleaningequipmentto includevacuumcleaner, scrubber, buffer, wetanddrymops, brooms.
• Performotherdutiesasassigned.

• Theemployeeis responsible forthe use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize thefrequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible forusing safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Workingknowledgeofcleaningmaterialsand equipment.
• Knowledgeofthe Englishlanguagesoastounderstand operatinginstructionsforcleaningequipmentandmaterialsand safetyand accidentprevention.
• Abilitytocommunicateeffectivelyinwritingand orally.
• Abilitytooperatecleaningandgrass-cuttingmachines.
• Abilitytowillinglyattendandparticipateintrainingsessions.
• Abilitytolearn and practice acceptablecleaningmethods.
• Abilitytowillinglyacquireskillsintheoperationofcleaningandgrass-cuttingmachinesusedinthe assignedfacilityandtobe aself-starter.
• Interactpositivelywithstudents, administrators,co-workers,parentsandcommunity.

• Abilitytohearthenormallyspoken wordat
  25feet.
• Abilitytoworkoutdoorsunderadverseweatherconditions.
• Abilitytoclimb ladders and stairs.
• Abilitytopickup andcarry
  65 pounds.
• Abilitytostand forprolongedperiodoftime.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

• The duty day for a full-time position is 8.5hours per dayincludingathirty-minute unpaid duty-freelunch.
• This position isdesignatedas an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement.

Applicants who meet the minimum