Substitute Custodian

Substitute Custodian

An ESS substitute custodian plays an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of school facilities, ensuring every school day runs smoothly and students can focus on learning. In addition to regular building maintenance functions, the school custodian provides direct support to classroom teachers in set up and maintenance of furniture and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance duties before, during, and after school hours
• Clean all areas of school buildings according to district standards, including floors, windows, furniture, and restrooms
• Deliver supplies and materials to appropriate areas of the building
• Complete grounds keeping duties

Job Skills and Knowledge

• The position of custodian is responsible for the general, overall cleaning and minor maintenance of all areas as assigned so as to maintain a safe and sanitary facility for children and staff.
• This District uses green materials to clean the building. Custodians will be trained on the use and proper handling of these materials.
• In addition, the individual shall:
• Perform duties as assigned or directed by the Facilities Manager.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills with a professional and courteous attitude toward students, staff and the general public at all times.
• Able to be flexible and address unexpected custodial requests at a moment's notice.
• Learn and accomplish tasks with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrate the initiative to do routine cleaning and minor repairs with fine attention to detail.

Working Environment

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 5% sitting, 70% walking, and 25% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and in a generally hazard free environment.

For a complete job description of a substitute custodian, click here .

Qualifications

• The position of Custodian requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, the successful candidate will have sufficient technology skills to effectively communicate, which includes the ability to read and write reports. Competency in minor building and equipment repairs and the ability to use cleaning supplies and equipment in a safe and efficient manner is required. Experience as a custodian in a school setting is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

(Minimum requirements; may be adjusted at the discretion of the Facilities Manager)

• Classrooms
• Daily: Vacuum, clean sinks and toilets, check pencil sharpeners, clean tile areas, empty trash, scan for breakage, etc.
• Weekly: Dust counters, windowsills, radiators, heating pipes, etc.
• Move and clean furniture, supplies, and equipment as directed.
• Hallways
• Daily: Sweep and mop all hallways.
• Restore and buff hallways a minimum of twice per week.
• Cafeteria
• Daily: Prepare area for lunch.
• Remove trash at the end of each lunch period.
• Respond to spills during lunch.
• Remove all trash after lunch.
• Sweep and mop entire area.
• Fold and move tables as required.
• Kitchen
• Daily: Remove all trash and mop floors.
• Recycle all appropriate materials.
• Offices
• Daily: Vacuum, remove trash, clean sinks and toilets.
• Weekly: Dust counters and windowsills.
• Restrooms
• Daily: Thoroughly clean and sanitize sinks, toilets, and floors.
• Refill all paper dispensers.
• Light Fixtures
• Dust and check all fixtures on a regular basis.
• Perform routine maintenance, including bulb or tube replacement.
• Storage Areas
• Maintain clean, dust-free storage areas.
• Keep cleaning agents covered and properly labeled.
• Keep areas locked where possible.
• Supply Closets
• Maintain supplies neatly and orderly on shelves.
• Keep closets clean and organized for inventory control and safety.
• Floors and Carpets
• Mop floors daily and restore as directed.
• Vacuum carpets daily.
• Shampoo carpets during vacations and upon request.
• Windows and Doors
• Inspect daily and perform minor maintenance.
• Wash as needed.
• Entry Areas
• Keep clean and free from hazards.
• School Closings
• Report to work during weather-related closures as directed for snow removal.
• Use of Facilities
• Assist during scheduled recreation department activities.
• Clean and secure the building after events.
• Overtime may be required.
• Summer Schedule
• Summer hours and cleaning schedules assigned by the Facilities Manager.
• Environmental Duties
• Clear sidewalks and entryways of snow and ice.
• Spread ice control materials, shovel, snow blow, assist with plowing.
• Sand and salt areas as required.
• Perform grounds care as directed.
• Tools and Equipment
• Maintain secure storage for tools and equipment.
• Keep equipment in proper working order.
• Clean, oil, and maintain power equipment after each use.
• Minor Maintenance
• Perform minor building and equipment repairs.
• Replace lights, exit lights, and similar items.
• Preventative Maintenance
• Assist outside maintenance or contracted personnel as directed.
• Report repairs needed beyond assigned skill level.

For frequently asked questions, click here .

Privacy Information

When you apply for a position with ESS, we collect personal information such as:

• Contact details (name, email, phone, address)
• Application materials (resume, work history, education, references)
• Information you choose to provide during the hiring process (interviews, assessments, background checks, as permitted by law)

We use this information to:

• Evaluate your candidacy and qualifications
• Conduct interviews and background checks
• Manage our recruitment and hiring processes
• Comply with applicable legal obligations

We do not sell or share applicant personal information. We retain it as long as necessary for recruitment, compliance, and potential future opportunities.

You may have rights under U.S. state privacy laws, including to request access, correction, deletion, or limitation of your personal information.

For details about our practices and your rights, please review our full Privacy Notices below.

Click here if you reside in all other U.S. states: Privacy Policy

About ESS

As leaders in the education staffing space since 2000, ESS specializes in placing qualified staff in daily, long-term, and permanent K-12 school district positions including substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school support staff. Over the last 23 years, we have innovated education staffing to provide dynamic solutions to school districts and professional opportunities to passionate educators. Our team serves over 5 million students with a pool of 92,000 substitute and permanent employees throughout 34 states. Internally, the ESS team is comprised of 650 individuals with a passion for education working together to ensure our 900 partner districts experience valuable education every day.

We provide our employees with the ability to work in school districts across the country in addition to benefits, comprehensive training, flexible work schedules, and professional development.

ESS Diversity Statement

ESS continuously works to create an environment where all its employees - regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, age or abilities - can work to the fullest of their potential in a fair and welcoming space. Believing that a diverse company is more innovative and successful, we have embraced diversity to ensure that we are empowered to make sure that “Every day counts” for our employees, the students, and the schools we serve nationwide.

ESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.