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Caretaker
Operations Department
Job Description

Position Title: Caretaker
Section: Property Services
Classification: Caretaker – NSUPE
Date: September 10, 2001
Reports to: Building Superintendent – Area Facilitator, Custodial Services

Job Summary:

The Caretaker will effectively maintain and supervise the daily operations of the Property Services Section within the Operations Department of the HRSB for the designated facility. The position is responsible for the overall cleanliness, maintenance and security of the school facility/building and for supervising assigned staff. Duties will be performed in a professional, proactive and quality manner to ensure a clean, safe, sanitary and attractive appearance of the building(s) for its users.

Competencies Required:

  1. the ability to provide leadership and supervision to assigned custodial staff;
  2. the ability to work and communicate effectively within a team environment;
  3. the ability to support and communicate effectively within the site, Operations Department, other Departments of the Halifax Regional School Board, and third parties including students, school staff, parents and outside entities;
  4. organization and writing skills of the nature required to effectively communicate with the Board and outside contractors;
  5. the understanding of (and ability to carry out) approved policies and procedures developed by the Operations Department and the Board;
  6. the desire and ability to engage in continuing education and skills upgrading;
  7. to understand and promote confidentiality as the norm;
  8. the ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of equity, cross cultural understanding and human rights;
  9. the ability to perform minor maintenance tasks;
  10. the knowledge of and ability to perform practices and procedures required in maintaining and operating a building and its associated systems, including Health and Safety procedures and Department of Labour procedures.

Qualifications:

  1. Grade 12 High School Diploma or academic equivalent through educational programs such as a Graduated Equivalent Diploma; 
  2. Physical and mental ability to perform a full range of cleaning and janitorial duties;
  3. Good communication and interpersonal skills with students, staff, and visitors;
  4. Capable of working as member of a team or individually with minimal supervision as needed;
  5. Supervisory ability in building operations and of custodial staff;
  6. Able to work all shifts;
  7. Minimum two years HRSB custodial experience or three years alternate janitorial experience or a combination of both for three years.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible to direct and assist scheduling of custodial staff daily in the performing of custodial and any other duties as required, ensuring school is appropriately staffed when unexpected absences occur;
  2. Responsive to Principal for daily requirements of building occupants. Co-ordinates work requirement with other departments. Responds to all requests for service needs, including telephone and work orders;
  3. Ensures adequate staff coverage for prioritised work assignments according to schedule and work load;
  4. Monitors work performance of staff and provide feedback to staff when environmental procedures and tasks are not being satisfactorily completed and quality standards met;
  5. Assures an adequate inventory of cleaning materials necessary for proper maintenance is maintained and controlled. Orders material from stores and non-inventory items when required following Department’s policies and procedures; 
  6. Responsible for various duties, assignments, operation of building systems and equipment, and cleaning procedures including those normally designated to other staff members but assigned to as required;
  7. Performs and assists with a broad range of cleaning and minor maintenance services. This includes such tasks as snow shovelling, replacing ceiling tiles, unplugging toilets, moving furniture, repairing desk drawers, replacing light bulbs, air filter changes, water tests, replacing soap dispense, belt replacement, painting touch ups, etc.;
  8. Cleans, dusts, vacuums, and washes ceilings, floors, walls, furniture, bathrooms, rooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, corridors, windows, doors, stairways, vents and any other associated equipment and fixtures;
  9. Sweeps, mops, vacuums, and strips all floor surfaces;
  10. Collects garbage from classrooms, offices, washrooms, dietary areas, playgrounds, meeting rooms, grounds litter etc. and transports to proper location;
  11. Separates, moves, and disposes correctly of all types of garbage, waste, debris, compostables, and recycling material;
  12. Replenishes disposable supplies such as toilet tissue, soap, paper towels, etc.;
  13. Uses equipment and supplies properly in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures. Cleans, maintains and stores equipment after use;
  14. Maintains current knowledge of all school, department and HRSB policies including occupational health, safety, personnel, attendance, work routines, WHMIS, collective agreement, fire and disaster plans;
  15. Assists in the orientation of new staff members in accordance with school and department policies and procedures;
  16. Liaisons effectively with contractors, recycling, inspectors, suppliers, and other departments on custodial, janitorial, environmental maintenance and project work;
  17. Keeps appropriate records including work requests, material evaluation, inventory, history records, departmental manuals, maintenance manuals, and work schedules;
  18. Reports problems to supervisor and principal if required. Reports to supervisor when available for other duties during shift;
  19. Performs snow and ice control duties as appropriate; 
  20. Ensures proper alarm procedures are followed when entering or leaving facility;
  21. Performs any other operational duties as required.

Work Environment (Equipment, Demands, Hazards):

  1. Use tools required in performance of duties such as mops, brooms, plungers, burnishers, carts, shovels, screwdrivers, drills, hammers etc.;
  2. Work with varying cleaning liquids, powders, sprays, soaps, gloves, etc.;
  3. Potential to be exposed to chemicals, unclean substances and soiled conditions;
  4. Job requires predominately walking and standing. Normal work time spent indoors with occasional outdoor periods; 
  5. A neat and tidy personal appearance is required;
  6. Occasional periods of high levels of physical exertion are needed. This includes heavy lifting (50+ lb.), walking, bending, pushing large loads, carrying, stooping, reaching, standing on ladders, shovelling, etc.;
  7. May work in small spaces and in areas with mechanical equipment such as boilers and ventilation units;
  8. As per the collective agreement, work evenings, days and weekends as required. Subject to call-backs and overtime.

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