Custodian - Full Time

Do you take pride in creating clean, inviting spaces that leave a lasting impression? The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Custodian to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and guest experience in one of the region’s most cherished destinations. Be a part of a mission-driven team committed to conservation and education!

Position Status: Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt; Full-Time

Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday, 11:00 am - 7:30 pm
Work schedules may vary based on operational and event needs. When events are not scheduled, some flexibility in start and end times may be available.

Compensation: $19.80, up to $20.80/hr

 
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Facilities & Horticulture, the Female Custodian ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Sweeps, mops, scrubs, and vacuums floors of buildings, using cleaning solutions, tools and equipment
• Cleans or polishes walls, ceilings, windows, plant equipment and building fixtures, scrapers, brooms, and a variety of hand and power tools
• Cleans and disinfects drinking fountains and restroom facilities including sinks, toilets, and urinals; fills dispensers with towels, soap, toilet paper, and other items; cleans mirrors, tile, and windows; unclogs drains and toilets
• Picks up paper and other debris from zoo grounds, walkways, and areas adjacent to zoo facilities; sweeps concrete surfaces adjacent to zoo buildings
• Gathers and empties trash
• Notifies management personnel concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems
• Dusts furniture, walls, machines, and equipment
• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Attends monthly all-employee meetings when scheduled

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED preferred, or any combination of education, training, and/or experience equivalent to two years of experience performing custodial duties
• Prior paid janitorial experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of janitorial methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in modern custodial and general maintenance work
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures
• Proper lifting techniques
• Maintain tools and equipment in clean working order
• Observes health and safety regulations
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Ability to follow oral and written directions
• Ability to read signs and safety labels
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
• Ability to exercise safe work habits
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
• Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop
• Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climbing stairs, manipulating tools (ability to reach and grasp), and standing/walking for long periods of time
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, forklift, and two-way radio
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• The ability to reach overhead, above the shoulder horizontally
• The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
• The ability to bend, climb, stretch, twist, kneel, crouch, stoop, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs
• The ability to quickly move the hand, hand together with an arm, or two hands to reach, grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects

Tools Used:

• Two-way radio
• Mop and broom
• Duster
• Janitorial cart
• Other janitorial equipment and tools as required

BENEFITS & PERKS: 

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round! 
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described.  Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.  No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

 

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time.  The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

 
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.