Custodial
Operations Department
Job Description

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

Job Summary:

To contribute to the effective operation of the Property Services Section of the Operations Department of the HRSB by maintaining a clean, sanitary and attractive appearance of school buildings and facilities. This is accomplished by performing cleaning and maintenance duties in a professional, efficient, proactive and safe manner within the policies and procedures of the Department and Board.

Competencies Required:

1. the ability to work and communicate effectively within a team environment;

2. 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;

3. organization and writing skills of the nature required to effectively communicate with the Board and outside contractors;

4. the understanding of (and ability to carry out) approved policies and procedures developed by the Operations Department and the Board;

5. the desire and ability to engage in continuing education and skills upgrading;

6. to understand and promote confidentiality as the norm;

7. the ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross cultural understanding and human rights;

8. the ability to perform minor maintenance tasks;

9. the knowledge of and ability to perform practices and procedures required to maintain a building.

Qualifications:

1. Grade 12 High School Diploma or academic equivalent through educational programs such as a General Equivalency 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. Able to work all shifts;

6. Previous janitorial experience an asset.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Perform a broad range of cleaning and minor maintenance services for the Property Services Section of the Operations Department;

2. Cleans, dusts, vacuums, and washes ceilings, floors, walls, furniture, bathrooms, rooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, corridors, windows, doors, stairways, gym seats, and any other associated equipment and fixtures;

3. Sweeps, mops, vacuums, strips, all floor surfaces;

4. Collects garbage from classroom, offices, washrooms, dietary areas, playground, meeting rooms, windows, doors, stairwells, school ground litter etc. and transports to proper location;

5. Separates, moves, and disposes correctly of all types of garbage, waste, debris, compostables, and recycling material;

6. Replenishes disposable supplies such as toilet tissue, soap, paper towels, etc.;

7. Uses equipment and supplies properly in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures. Cleans, maintains, and stores equipment after use;

8. Reports problems to supervisor and principal if required. Reports to supervisor when available for other duties during shift; 

9. Assists in or assumes work duties and tasks normally designated to other Operations staff members or shifts such as moving furniture, replacing lights, security monitoring, painting touch up, graffiti removal, when required; 

10. Maintains current knowledge of all school, department and HRSB policies and procedures including occupational health, safety, personnel, attendance, work routines WHMIS, collective agreement, fire and disaster plans;

11. Ensure proper alarm procedures are followed when entering or leaving facility;

12. Perform snow and ice control duties as appropriate;

13. 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, hammers, screwdrivers, 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 must be maintained;

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.