Custodial Floater

Position overview

The Custodial Floater plays a key custodial leadership role in a school setting. When the Building Manager or Assistant Building Manager is away, this person steps in to carry out their duties as outlined in those roles. The position combines hands-on cleaning work with oversight, coordination, and support for school leaders and staff.

The main purpose of the job is to keep the school building and grounds clean, safe, and operating efficiently. Daily inspections of the building and surrounding areas are part of the role. The incumbent also needs strong familiarity with the work order system, energy management program, building systems, HVAC equipment, and utility operations, and must be ready to direct urgent corrective action during emergencies.

Reporting and leadership

This role reports to the Building Manager and Assistant Building Manager. It also involves offering technical direction to subordinate and semi-skilled staff, and assigning work when needed under management supervision.

Key duties

• Step into the responsibilities of the Building Manager or Assistant Building Manager when either is absent.
• Assign tasks to staff as directed by management and check that work has been completed properly.
• Inspect the building and grounds regularly for cleanliness, maintenance needs, and safety concerns.
• Maintain security by checking doors, windows, and occupancy, and reporting anything unusual.
• Support the supervisor with employee record maintenance.
• Respond to emergencies, notify supervisors, ensure backup support, and coordinate corrective action.
• Oversee and coordinate custodial work for the school buildings and grounds.
• Help arrange maintenance services and building repairs.
• Create and submit work orders as needed.
• Operate hand tools and power equipment safely and effectively.
• Support building safety for occupants and staff by enforcing policies and watching for safety or liability issues.
• Carry out everyday custodial tasks such as floor care, trash removal, restroom cleaning, cafeteria cleaning, and pool maintenance.
• Replace light fixtures and HVAC filters when needed.
• Handle grounds work such as snow removal, courtyard upkeep, graffiti removal, pool maintenance, and grass cutting.
• Follow opening and closing procedures to help secure the building.
• Take initiative, work calmly under pressure, and follow through on commitments.
• Maintain a professional appearance and positive image.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and experience

A high school diploma is preferred, though equivalent progressive experience may be accepted in place of formal education. The background should include custodial maintenance experience and general knowledge of heating, boilers, air conditioning, electrical systems, and plumbing.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to learn and use a work order system and energy management programs.
• Working knowledge of building structures, HVAC systems, ancillary equipment, and utility systems.
• Basic understanding of boilers, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, grounds upkeep, and minor equipment repairs.
• Ability to read and apply policies, procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local fire, safety, environmental, and sanitation rules.
• Strong reading comprehension for manuals, operating instructions, and procedures.
• Ability to follow instructions carefully and complete work accurately and on schedule.
• Professional communication and tact when dealing with others.
• Ability to prepare clear written reports, correspondence, and numerical data.
• Math skills covering whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Good judgment for setting priorities, delegating work, and deciding on assignments based on available staff.
• Problem-solving ability, including collecting information, analyzing options, and choosing workable solutions.
• Ability to use equipment and materials correctly.
• Experience or ability to supervise and train staff.
• Physical capacity for light-to-medium work in changing environmental conditions.
• Ability to build teamwork, adapt to changing demands, and handle delays or unexpected situations.
• Training in green cleaning methods and related custodial equipment.
• Knowledge of how to dilute and safely use cleaning chemicals.

Physical requirements and working conditions

Physical requirements and working conditions are referenced in the attached job description.

Terms of employment and salary

Employment terms and pay are governed by Local 287 of Council 4. The hourly wage for this position is $26.00.

Employment depends on successful completion of a background check, a pre-employment physical exam, a pre-employment drug screening under the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy, and a 90-day probationary period. Under the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of New Haven requires pre-employment drug testing, including marijuana screening.