Custodian, Entry Level Candidate Pool

Job Posting

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us, join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students.

About the Application Process

Before you begin, please read the position description below carefully and review our application instructions. Be sure your application reflects experience and education to meet any minimum qualifications listed on the job description. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. More details about application requirements are found below.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely. Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

Description

This job consists of routine work to maintain the cleanliness of assigned facilities and grounds. An employee in this class performs cleaning and maintenance functions under the supervision of an administrator or manager. Work is evaluated through inspection of completed tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year experience as a custodian in a school system or building maintenance is desired by not required.

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Performs specific cleaning tasks to ensure building and grounds are clean.

• Moves and stores furniture and equipment.

• Removes snow and ice.

• Must be available for emergency calls.

• Performs general building maintenance including cleaning rooms, cleaning windows, scrubbing floors, washing chalk boards, and cleaning trays, as well as assisting in the cafeteria.

• Conducts routine floor maintenance including picking up trash from floors, removing gum, vacuuming, sweeping, drying, and wet mopping.

• Performs outdoor maintenance including picking up lawn debris, shoveling snow, cutting lawns, cleaning sidewalks, operating grass-cutting equipment.

• Operates cleaning equipment to include vacuum cleaner, scrubber, buffer, wet and dry mops, brooms.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Employee Safety

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of cleaning materials and equipment. Knowledge of the English language so as to understand operating in structures for cleaning equipment and materials and safety and ty and accident prevention.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.

• Ability to operate cleaning and grass-cutting machines.

• Ability to willingly attend training sessions.

• Ability to learn and practice acceptable cleaning methods.

• Ability to interact positively with students, administrators, co-workers, and the public.

Additional Requirements

Ability to hear the normal spoken word at 25 feet. Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Ability to climb ladders and stairs. Ability to pick up and carry 65 pounds. Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Working Hours

• The duty day for a full-time position is 8.5 hours per day including a thirty-minute unpaid duty-free lunch. This position is designated as an "emergency employee" under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement.

Application Requirements

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Selection Criteria

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

Employment Information

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 2 on the Custodial Salary Scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee's annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact recruitmentinquiries@hcpss.org. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.