Custodian

Job Description

Job Description

The Custodian is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, safe, and welcoming environment across campus buildings, outdoor grounds, restrooms, and common areas. This position supports a service site that provides services to individuals experiencing homelessness and requires professionalism, attention to safety, and the ability to work independently while interacting respectfully with staff, clients, and visitors. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities  

Cleaning & Sanitation  

• Clean and sanitize restrooms, showers, handwashing stations, and other high-traffic areas. 

• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and disinfect floors and surfaces. 

• Empty trash and recycling, replace liners, and maintain waste disposal areas. 

• Clean windows, mirrors, walls, and fixtures as needed. 

• Restock supplies (toilet paper, soap, paper towels, cleaning materials). 

Campus Support  

• Maintain cleanliness of common areas, offices, meeting rooms, and client-facing spaces. 

• Support cleaning during/after events, meal service times, or high-volume periods. 

• Identify and report facility issues (plumbing leaks, broken fixtures, safety hazards). 

• Set up or break down tables/chairs as needed for operations. 

Safety & Compliance  

• Follow safe cleaning practices and proper use/storage of chemicals in accordance with SDS requirements. 

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required (e.g., gloves, masks, eye protection). 

• Follow infection control and sanitation protocols, including procedures for cleaning areas impacted by bodily fluids. 

• Maintain a safe work environment by reporting hazards, spills, and unsafe conditions promptly. 

Documentation & Communication  

• Maintain cleaning logs/checklists as assigned. 

• Communicate supply needs and facility concerns to supervisor timely. 

Other Duties  

• Perform other duties as assigned to support campus operations and maintain a safe and clean environment. 

Exposure Notice: This position may involve exposure to bodily fluids, including blood or other potentially infectious materials. The employee will be required to follow infection control protocols and Cal OSHA safety requirements, including the use of PPE and participation in applicable training related to bloodborne pathogens. 

Physical & Mental Requirements  

Mobility: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and lift, carry, push, pull, or move cleaning equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds while maintaining sufficient manual dexterity and mobility to safely navigate all areas of the facility, including indoor and outdoor campus spaces. 

Environmental: Exposure to cleaning chemicals, odors, dust, and debris. Work performed indoors and outdoors, including exposure to varying weather conditions. Potential exposure to biohazards including bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens; employee must follow PPE and safety protocols. 

Hearing/Talking: Frequent verbal communication with supervisors, staff, clients, and visitors; ability to hear alarms and safety warnings; and frequent radio/phone use as needed. 

Visual: Sufficient visual acuity to read labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and safety signage; identify cleanliness standards and sanitation needs; recognize spills, hazards, and unsafe conditions; and safely operate and inspect cleaning tools and equipment. 

Emotional/Psychological: Ability to work independently, manage time and repetitive tasks effectively, follow safety protocols consistently, remain calm and professional in busy or high-traffic environments, and maintain respectful, cooperative interactions with diverse individuals, including program participants, while adapting to schedule or task changes as needed. 

What You Bring:  

• High school diploma or GED preferred; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Minimum one (1) year of janitorial, custodial, or facilities cleaning experience preferred (experience in high-traffic or service environments a plus). 

• Working knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitation methods, including safe handling, storage, and use of cleaning chemicals and supplies. 

• Ability to read and follow written instructions, including labels, safety signage, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). 

• Understanding of workplace safety practices, including infection control procedures, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and willingness to complete required Cal/OSHA trainings (including bloodborne pathogens, as applicable). 

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision. 

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining cleanliness, safety, and sanitation standards. 

• Ability to interact respectfully and professionally with staff, program participants, and visitors in a mission-driven environment. 

• Physical ability to perform essential job functions, including prolonged standing/walking, bending/stooping/kneeling, climbing stairs, and lifting/moving supplies and equipment up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

SMCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects all individuals. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.