Custodian job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Custodian?
A custodian is an individual or organization responsible for the care, maintenance, and security of a property, facility, or valuable assets. In the context of physical spaces, custodians handle cleaning, organizing, and ensuring a safe environment, often working in schools, offices, or public buildings.
In financial or legal contexts, a custodian manages and safeguards financial assets, such as securities, or acts as a guardian for someone who is unable to manage their own affairs, like a minor or an incapacitated individual. The role involves ensuring proper upkeep, compliance, and protection based on the specific responsibilities assigned.
When interviewing people, look for candidates who are responsible and have good time management skills. If you’re having trouble figuring out where to post your job description, here are some job posting sites.
The top Custodian skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are currently looking for someone who is a hardworking and responsible Custodian to keep our building clean and functional. In this position, you will be responsible for keeping all surfaces clean and operational. Your tasks will include sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming, as well as cleaning windows and other surfaces when needed. Working individually should not pose a problem for you, and performing basic repairs and maintenance is something you enjoy doing.
To be a successful custodian, you should demonstrate great time management skills and be able to keep track of inventory. A good custodian ensures the building is clean and well-maintained. Our ideal candidate is someone with previous experience, who is trustworthy and upstanding.
Duties and responsibilities
- Clean and sanitize restrooms, offices, and common areas, ensuring a hygienic and safe environment.
- Sweep, mop, vacuum, and polish floors, and remove trash and recyclables promptly.
- Restock supplies, including soap, paper products, and cleaning materials, as needed.
- Perform basic maintenance tasks, such as changing lightbulbs or reporting repair needs.
- Inspect and secure facilities, locking doors and windows, and reporting any security concerns.
- Operate and maintain cleaning equipment, ensuring they are in good working condition.
- Respond promptly to spills, emergencies, or urgent cleaning requests.
- Adhere to health, safety, and environmental regulations while using cleaning products and tools.
- Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and request restocking as required.
- Support event setup and teardown by arranging furniture and equipment as directed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
- Proven experience as a custodian, janitor, or in a similar role.
- Knowledge of cleaning techniques, equipment, and chemical usage.
- Ability to lift and carry heavy objects and perform physical tasks for extended periods.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with safety protocols and handling hazardous materials.
- Excellent time management and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends.
- Basic maintenance or repair skills (preferred).
- Reliable transportation to and from the job site.
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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
The educational requirements for a custodian are typically minimal, with most positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. Some employers may not require formal education but prefer candidates with basic literacy and numeracy skills to read instructions, labels, and safety guidelines.
Additional training or certifications in workplace safety, handling hazardous materials, or operating specialized cleaning equipment can be beneficial but are often provided on the job. Advanced roles or positions in specialized settings, like hospitals or laboratories, may require more specific training or certifications.
Sample interview questions for a Custodian.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What motivates you to pursue a career as a custodian?
- How do you handle repetitive tasks while maintaining high standards?
- Can you share an experience where you went above and beyond in your role?
- How do you ensure compliance with workplace health and safety regulations?
- Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker, and how did you resolve it?
- What do you value most in a workplace environment?
- How do you prioritize your tasks when given multiple responsibilities?
- Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage?
- How would you handle a situation where you noticed a safety hazard?
- What steps do you follow to clean and sanitize a high-traffic area?
- Which cleaning equipment are you most experienced with, and how do you maintain it?
- How do you handle cleaning chemicals to ensure safety and effectiveness?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $9 at the 10th percentile to $20 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Groundskeeper
Cleaner
A cleaner is a professional responsible for an assigned area's cleanliness and hygiene.
$30,908 medianFrequently asked questions.
What does a Custodian's role typically involve?
Custodians are responsible for a range of tasks, including cleaning, waste management, and restocking supplies to ensure facilities remain clean and orderly.
What qualifications and skills should Custodian candidates possess?
Candidates should ideally have a high school diploma, physical capability for the job, prior cleaning experience, and attention to detail.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are also beneficial.
How does the work of a Custodian impact safety and health within a facility?
Custodians play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment by preventing the spread of germs through regular cleaning and sanitation practices.
They also help minimize accident risks by keeping spaces organized and addressing maintenance issues promptly.
What attributes distinguish an outstanding Custodian?
Exceptional Custodians exhibit not only proficiency in cleaning tasks but also demonstrate proactive problem-solving abilities, strong teamwork skills, and a positive attitude.
They take pride in their work, communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors, and consistently strive to exceed expectations in their duties.
Other job description templates.
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