Substitute Custodian

Substitute Custodian

The Substitute Custodian performs custodial duties on an as-needed basis to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. This position fills in during the absence of regular custodial staff and may be assigned to various district sites. Responsibilities include general cleaning, sanitizing, and light maintenance tasks, as well as preparing facilities for school activities and events. Performs other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the site. Pay Increase to $22.11 - $27.99/hr is effective July 1, 2026. Any work completed prior to this date will be paid at a rate of $20.11 - $25.99.

The Substitute Custodian:

1. Ensures an attractive, sanitary and safe environment for students, staff and visitors.
2. Performs a variety of special cleaning operations and assisting in preparing facilities for activities and events.
3. Assists with site snow removal for the purpose of ensuring access and safety.
4. Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g., staff meetings, regulatory updates, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform functions.
5. Cleans assigned facilities and/or grounds (e.g. classrooms, offices, gym, restrooms, multipurpose rooms, grounds, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a sanitary, safe and attractive environment.
6. Delivers a variety of items (e.g. supplies, mail, packages, furniture, etc.) for the purpose of distributing materials to the appropriate parties within site.
7. Informs students and other site personnel for the purpose of providing information and direction regarding activities, safety issues and/or proper maintenance of facilities and equipment.
8. Monitors students and staff in and around work areas (e.g. halls, multipurpose rooms, lunchroom, restrooms, grounds, etc.) for the purpose of preventing injuries and ensuring site safety.
9. Attends all requires meetings/trainings regarding first aid and operation updates as required.
10. Performs summer maintenance (e.g. strip/wax floors, moves furniture, etc.) for the purpose of completing and/or facilitating summer construction.
11. Prepares site for daily operations (e.g. opening gates, raising flags, sweeping walkway, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring facilities are operational and hazard free.
12. Replenishes classroom and rest room supplies (e.g. paper towels, soap, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring adequate quantities for daily use.
13. Responds to inquiries from staff, students, parents, and/or visitors for the purpose of providing information, taking appropriate action and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
14. Responds to immediate safety and/or operational concerns (e.g. facility damage, vandalism, alarms, etc.) for the purpose of taking appropriate action or notifying appropriate personnel for resolution.
15. Secures facilities and grounds (e.g. doors, gates, alarms, lights, etc.) for the purpose of minimizing property damage, equipment loss and/or potential liability. Supports other sites as needed.
16. Follows the policies and procedures of the school and the District.
17. Demonstrates a sense of professional responsibility, such as demonstrating ethical behavior; providing accurate data and reports when needed; meeting deadlines; maintaining confidentiality; caring for the equipment and materials; and dressing appropriately and presenting a good role model.
18. Other duties as assigned.

* Denotes essential functions

(The tasks listed under the heading of Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities are examples of the variety and general nature of duties performed by employees in positions allocated to the classification. This specification should not be interpreted to describe all the duties which may be assigned to an employee at this level, nor should persons assigned be expected to necessarily perform all the duties described.)

A successful custodian should demonstrate strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are also important for working cooperatively with colleagues, staff, and building occupants. Basic mechanical and manual skills are necessary for handling cleaning tools and performing light maintenance. Attention to detail is critical to ensure cleanliness and safety standards are consistently met. The ability to follow instructions and adhere to established procedures contributes to a well-maintained and orderly environment.

Custodians should have working knowledge of standard cleaning practices, including the safe use and storage of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and related supplies. Familiarity with the operation and routine maintenance of custodial equipment—such as floor buffers, vacuums, and carpet extractors—is important. An understanding of basic building systems, sanitation requirements, and workplace safety guidelines, including OSHA regulations and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), is also essential. Knowledge of proper waste disposal methods and environmentally responsible cleaning practices is beneficial.

Custodians must be able to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, bending, stooping, and standing or walking for extended periods. They should be capable of working independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team setting. The ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and respond to changing needs throughout the day is important. Custodians must also be able to recognize and respond appropriately to safety hazards and maintenance issues. A dependable, self-motivated attitude and a commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment are essential to success in this role.

The Physical Abilities and Working Conditions listed in this section are representative of but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Working Conditions which may be required for this position. Albany County School District #1 encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment for this position and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Chief Human Resources Officer for further information.

Vision: (which may be corrected) must have close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Hearing: (which may be corrected) to answer telephones and tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech: to be understood in face-to-face communications; to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone.

Body Mobility: use hands and fingers to feel, grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at the wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower the head; occasionally stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Strength: to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 50 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work outdoors and indoors.

Mental Requirements: read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile, and coordinate information and records.

Additional Work Conditions and Physical Abilities: May requires travel to multiple sites.

Evaluation of this position shall be by the Maintenance Supervisor.