What Does a School Custodian Do?

The School Custodian plays an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and operational functionality of educational facilities. Tasked with a broad spectrum of responsibilities, this position ensures that students, staff, and visitors enjoy a hygienic, well-kept environment conducive to learning and working. By managing routine cleaning, performing minor repairs, and addressing immediate maintenance needs, the School Custodian supports the overall well-being and productivity of the school community. Their efforts not only contribute to the physical appearance of the school but also uphold health standards, thereby directly impacting the quality of the educational experience.

School Custodian Job Duties

• Clean classrooms, hallways, and common areas, ensuring floors are swept, mopped, or vacuumed, and surfaces are dusted.
• Sanitize restrooms daily, including cleaning toilets, urinals, sinks, and mirrors, and replenishing soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
• Empty trash and recycling bins throughout the school, ensuring proper separation of waste and recyclables.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs, fixing leaky faucets, and unclogging drains.
• Ensure the safety of school grounds by removing snow, ice, and debris from walkways and entrances.
• Set up, rearrange, and tear down furniture and equipment for special events, meetings, and classroom reconfigurations.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, requesting purchases when necessary.
• Inspect playground equipment and outdoor structures for damage or safety hazards, reporting any issues to administration for further action.

School Custodian Salary & Outlook

Factors influencing a school custodian’s salary include years of experience, the size and type of the educational institution (public vs. private, elementary vs. high school), specific duties (e.g., maintenance, groundskeeping), shift hours (day vs. night), and whether the position is part of a union.

• Median Annual Salary: $28,875 ($13.88/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $45,000 ($21.63/hour)

The employment of school custodians is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by the continuous need for maintaining cleanliness and safety in schools, which is essential for creating a conducive learning environment. Additionally, the expansion of educational facilities and the replacement of retiring staff contribute to steady demand for school custodians.

School Custodian Job Requirements

Education: A School Custodian typically holds a High School Diploma, with a focus on basic education. While specific classes or majors are not mandatory, courses in maintenance, basic repair, and safety can be beneficial. The role emphasizes the importance of understanding general cleaning procedures, the operation of maintenance equipment, and adherence to health standards. A strong foundation in subjects that promote problem-solving and physical dexterity supports the diverse responsibilities of maintaining a safe and clean educational environment.

Experience: School custodians often start with minimal to no prior experience, with many transitioning into the role after gaining some hands-on experience in similar environments. On-the-job training is a significant aspect of the role, where custodians learn specific cleaning and maintenance techniques, safety protocols, and the use of various cleaning agents and machinery. Training programs may also cover emergency response procedures and basic repair tasks. The role values adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, with a focus on maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming school environment.

Certifications & Licenses: Typically, no specific certifications or licenses are required for the job of a school custodian. However, some employers may prefer or require candidates to have a valid driver’s license for tasks that involve operating a vehicle. Additionally, certifications in areas such as OSHA Hazard Communication or Bloodborne Pathogens may be beneficial but are not universally required.

School Custodian Skills

Hazardous Material Handling: School custodians are responsible for the safe management and disposal of chemicals and cleaning agents to prevent risks to students, staff, or the environment. They must correctly identify hazardous materials, adhere to proper storage protocols, and use appropriate personal protective equipment during cleanup operations.

Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspections and timely repairs of cleaning equipment, from floor polishers to vacuum cleaners, are tasks school custodians undertake to ensure functionality and safety. Their meticulous attention to detail prolongs the machinery’s life and maintains a clean, welcoming environment.

Sanitation Protocols: Implementing and adhering to strict cleaning and disinfection practices are critical for custodians to ensure all areas, particularly high-touch surfaces, are sanitized. This effort helps prevent the spread of germs and maintains a healthy environment, involving the proper use of cleaning chemicals and efficient organization of cleaning schedules.

Floor Care Techniques: Custodians use various methods to maintain and restore floors, including daily sweeping, mopping, operating floor buffers, and applying sealants. These techniques keep educational environments clean, hygienic, and conducive to learning while extending the flooring materials’ lifespan.

Space Organization: Custodians arrange furniture and equipment to maximize cleanliness and accessibility, ensuring learning spaces meet the needs of students and teachers. Their ability to anticipate the school community’s needs, from rearranging desks for social distancing to setting up for events, maintains a safe and welcoming environment.

Emergency Response: In unexpected situations like spills or broken glass, custodians quickly assess and address the issue to prevent accidents and ensure safety. They also contribute to larger emergency responses by executing evacuation or lockdown procedures effectively, maintaining clear pathways, and providing first aid until professional help arrives.

School Custodian Work Environment

A school custodian operates within the bustling environment of educational institutions, from elementary schools to high schools. Their workspace encompasses the entire school premises, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and outdoor areas. Equipped with a variety of cleaning tools and maintenance equipment, they ensure the school remains a clean and safe environment for students and staff.

Typically, their work hours align with the school’s operational hours, though some tasks may require attention before or after school, and occasionally on weekends for special events. The dress code is practical, favoring comfort and safety, including non-slip shoes and sometimes uniforms provided by the school.

The role involves a significant amount of physical activity, moving from one location to another, bending, and lifting. Interaction with others varies, from working independently in quiet corridors to engaging with students and staff in more bustling areas. Despite the physical demands, the position offers a stable routine and the satisfaction of contributing to a conducive learning environment.

Advancement Prospects

School custodians can advance to supervisory roles, such as head custodian or facilities manager, overseeing a team and managing the maintenance budget. Gaining experience and demonstrating leadership skills are crucial steps toward these positions.

Another path includes transitioning into a district-wide role, where one might coordinate operations across multiple schools, focusing on efficiency and standardization of practices.

For those interested in the technical aspects, specializing in areas like HVAC, electrical, or plumbing through on-the-job experience can lead to roles that focus on specific maintenance tasks, offering higher pay and responsibility.

Understanding the unique needs of educational facilities and showing initiative in improving processes and adopting new technologies can also set a custodian apart for advancement opportunities.