Lead Custodian

Job Description

Job Description

Independence Preparatory Academy is a new, academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful K-8 school in Fairfield, AL. We are on a mission to equip all students with the academic tenacity and strength of character necessary to choose their destiny and create a fulfilling life. We develop empowered learners through agency, purpose, and tenacity .

In August 2025, Independence Preparatory Academy opened its doors to 60 students in kindergarten through second grade. We will continue to grow until we reach a total capacity of 485 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We are actively building a team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and character development, all students can excel in high school, college, and life.

To achieve our mission, Independence Preparatory Academy operates in a clean, safe, and orderly environment that reflects our commitment to excellence and pride in all we do. Every instructional minute matters—and our Lead Custodian plays a vital role in protecting that time.

We seek a Lead Custodian to join our founding operations team. This individual reports to the Dean of School Operations and is responsible for maintaining the building's cleanliness, safety, and organization, as well as providing day-to-day leadership for custodial operations.

The Lead Custodian sets the standard for excellence in how our building looks, feels, and functions. They ensure that all spaces are consistently ready for learning and that custodial systems run smoothly and efficiently.

At Independence Preparatory Academy , every team member—inside or outside the classroom—plays a vital role in helping scholars SOAR. Our custodial team members are more than maintenance staff; they are caretakers of the environment that makes learning possible.

iPrep teammates are lifelong learners who take pride in excellence, teamwork, and service. We challenge the status quo and solve problems together, always united by our belief in the infinite potential of every child.

Our ideal Custodian believes in our scholars, our community, and the power of a clean, safe, and inspiring space. They demonstrate the following mindsets:

Adaptability:

• Willingness to learn, grow, and adjust to meet the needs of the school day.
• Openness to feedback and continuous improvement.
• Flexibility to support special events, shifting priorities, and a dynamic school environment.

Teamwork and Service:

• Collaborates with teachers, staff, and families to maintain a welcoming, well-kept environment.
• Takes pride in ensuring every classroom and hallway reflects excellence and care.
• Understands that a clean school supports both scholar achievement and staff morale.

Commitment to Excellence:

• Holds high standards for quality, safety, and professionalism.
• Takes ownership of their work, seeing cleanliness as an act of pride and service.
• Upholds iPrep’s values of Service, Optimism, Agency, Resilience, and Pride in every task.

Our Custodians help scholars see what pride in one’s work truly looks like—and in doing so, they help build the culture of excellence that defines Independence Preparatory Academy .

Compensation & Hiring Details:

We are hiring for an immediate start date. This is an hourly position at $16.00 per hour and does not include benefits.

Compensation is based on a flat hourly rate and is not negotiable. Custodians are paid for all hours worked in accordance with their scheduled shifts.

Requirements

The foundation of academic excellence begins with a clean, safe learning environment. At Independence Preparatory Academy , our custodial team plays a critical role in ensuring that scholars and teachers can focus entirely on learning—free from distractions, hazards, or disorder.

As Lead Custodian , you will help deliver the operational excellence that powers iPrep ’s mission. You will take pride in maintaining a spotless, organized, and welcoming campus that reflects our values of Service, Optimism, Agency, Resilience, and Pride . Your attention to detail and commitment to high standards of cleanliness will help scholars feel valued, families feel welcome, and staff feel supported every single day.

By keeping our classrooms ready, our hallways shining, and our facilities running smoothly, you help protect every instructional minute—and ensure that our school remains a place where excellence takes root.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

• Maintain the cleanliness of classrooms, offices, restrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and common spaces
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and disinfect surfaces daily
• Empty trash and ensure proper waste disposal
• Refill soap, paper towels, and sanitizer dispensers

Lead Custodial Operations

• Set daily priorities and ensure all custodial responsibilities are completed
• Support and guide other custodial staff (if applicable)
• Model high standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and professionalism
• Communicate daily needs, issues, and updates to the Dean of School Operations

Building Readiness & Quality Control

• Conduct daily walkthroughs to ensure spaces are ready for instruction
• Identify and address cleanliness or maintenance issues proactively
• Ensure all areas reflect iPrep’s standard of excellence

Basic Maintenance & Issue Reporting

• Perform minor maintenance tasks as needed
• Report major repairs, safety concerns, or facility issues promptly
• Support tracking of facilities' needs and follow-up

Inventory & Supply Management

• Monitor and restock cleaning supplies and materials
• Communicate supply needs in advance to avoid shortages

Event & End-of-Day Responsibilities

• Support set-up and breakdown for events, meetings, and school activities
• Ensure building is secured daily (doors locked, lights off, spaces reset)

Required Qualifications

• Experience as a custodian, janitor, or similar role (school preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and lead by example
• Strong attention to detail and pride in high-quality work
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks
• Must pass a background check in compliance with Alabama state law

Benefits

What we offer:

• A chance to be part of community development and work alongside the community to SOAR
• Being a part of a new, innovative, unprecedented school model
• Unique model experiences - ex: Eagle Quests, Choice Day
• Mastery-Based Grading
• Coaching toward student agency, purpose, and tenacity
• World-class peers - we are looking for exemplary staff committed to pushing their practice, collaborating with peers, and being aligned with our mission and vision
• Deep care about your personal and professional growth:
• A clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Competitive compensation