READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

READING, MASSACHUSETTS

Position:                    Custodian

Department:              Facilities

Reports to:                Director of Facilities              

FLSA Classification:  Non-Exempt  

Approved by:            Thomas Milaschewski, Ed D                                  

Revision Date:           July 2021

SUMMARY:  Keeps the district’s buildings in such a state of operating excellence that they present no problems or interruptions to the educational program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Cleans and preserves designated spaces, equipment etc. in the building.
• Assists visiting public utilizing the facilities with directions within building and in obtaining and setting up needed equipment.
• Opens building and performs building check. Make sure entrances are secure. (day shift)
• Maintains building and grounds security in the building each school day.
• Puts away milk and bread deliveries, as needed.
• Dry-mops and vacuums classrooms and offices in assigned area. Wet-mops same, as needed.
• Cleans and disinfects lavatories in assigned area.
• Re-stocks all paper towel, toilet paper and soap dispensers. Provides lead custodian with inventory usage and data.

• Cleans glass and dust in assigned area. Cleans, disinfects and polishes water fountains, as needed.
• Walks outside of building to pick up trash and sweep outside entrances, as needed.
• Sets-up cafeteria for lunches (day shift).
• Empties trash and sweeps cafeteria between lunches (day shift).
• Washes cafeteria and kitchen floors, as scheduled
• Empties trash in assigned area.
• Closes building and performs building check. Makes sure entrances are secure. (night shift)
• Removes snow at entrance ways and walkways. Spreads ice-melt and/or sand as needed to allow safe entrance and egress of students, staff and visitors to the building.
• During school and summer vacations, performs heavy cleaning of buildings, as directed by the Director of Facilities.
• Safely operates Town and School vehicles to travel between buildings. Observes legal and defensive driving practices while operating a Town or School vehicle.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES: Exercises no supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to read and comprehend documents such as memos, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with town and school personnel, vendors, suppliers, contractors, and others.
• Ability to express ideas clearly in written and oral communication.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

LIENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Class D Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Tasks require the ability to exert strenuous effort in work requiring moderate to heavy physical activity. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move about and is continuously required to stand. The employee must spend most of his/her 8-hour shift on his/her feet. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk while performing the duties of this job. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp tools. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Emptying trash can involve lifting bags weighing up to 40–50 lbs. Handling of other heavy items up to 70 lbs. such as paper boxes, etc. may be required; although the use of wheeled carts and assistance is encouraged whenever possible. Cleaning the cafeteria sometimes involves folding and unfolding the cafeteria tables. Snow and ice removal involves use of a snow blower and/or shovel; as well as handling 50 lb. bags of ice-melt. Dry-mopping and wet-mopping is repetitious work. Use of a six to twelve foot ladder may be required for tasks like changing light bulbs or hanging pictures. Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination and the ability to distinguish color. The employee must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to communicate effectively other staff members in order to exchange accurate information.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The noise level in this environment is quiet to loud depending on the activity and the particular part of the day and location. The employee interacts with other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people. While performing the duties of this job, tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures; outdoor weather conditions; work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and noise/vibration. While the majority of the work day is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors to perform duties related to snow and ice removal as necessary.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.