Custodian

About the Organization

The Salvation Army has supported communities across Canada and Bermuda for over 130 years. Rooted in a global Christian church tradition, the organization serves more than 2 million people each year with essentials such as food, clothing, and shelter, while also helping people facing unemployment, addiction, and family difficulties. Its work is guided by values of hope, service, dignity, and stewardship, and it welcomes people from all backgrounds.

Mission

The Salvation Army’s purpose is to express the love of Jesus Christ, respond to human need, and bring positive change to communities around the world.

Role Summary

The Custodian is responsible for maintaining sanitation, cleanliness, and custodial standards so the facility remains healthy, safe, and comfortable for occupants.

Key Duties

• Carry out routine cleaning tasks such as sanitizing, sweeping, dusting, mopping, washing, vacuuming, polishing, and waxing floors.
• Clean windows, mirrors, furniture, wood surfaces, equipment, and other fixtures.
• Maintain washrooms and shower areas to required standards.
• Clean offices, classrooms, and additional rooms across the facility.
• Restock hygiene supplies including toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and similar items.
• Empty waste bins and move garbage to compactor or designated disposal areas.
• Disinfect, sterilize, and sanitize spaces and equipment as needed.
• Perform spot carpet cleaning and deeper carpet cleaning when required.
• Complete more intensive cleaning tasks, including stripping and waxing floors, during quieter program periods.
• Carry out light maintenance duties when needed.
• Keep janitorial rooms and carts organized and fully stocked.
• Follow inventory tracking procedures and related documentation.
• Report repair and maintenance issues to the Custodial Supervisor.
• Move and lift furniture when requested.
• Work independently or with others to complete assignments on time and to quality expectations.
• Attend required training sessions, including specialized training when scheduled.
• Provide laundry services based on program or department needs.
• Follow all sanitation and facility disinfection protocols.
• Attend meetings requested by the Director of Facilities or Custodial Supervisor.
• Take on other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This is a temporary full-time position scheduled for 40 hours per week through August 2027. The role is based at a men’s residential shelter and involves work both indoors and outdoors in all seasons. The environment may require moving furniture, pushing and pulling items, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Duties may include handling garbage and cleaning human waste and biohazardous materials. The job also involves exposure to odors, toxic chemicals, electrical hazards, and infectious diseases. There is a possibility of dealing with aggressive individuals and encountering verbal or, less likely, physical confrontations. Additional risks include needle pricks, back strain, and repetitive strain injuries.

Education and Experience

Applicants should have completed high school or an equivalent level of education. A Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is required, and a Child Intervention Check is needed if the role will involve being near children. Candidates should have at least three months of relevant experience and a basic familiarity with cleaning and maintenance routines.

Skills and Capabilities

The successful candidate should bring strong attention to detail, sound problem-solving ability, and analytical thinking. The role requires integrity, discretion, professionalism, fairness, and adaptability, along with a respectful understanding of The Salvation Army’s mission, culture, and values. Independent work with limited supervision is important, as are strong people skills. The position also calls for comfort using industrial cleaning equipment, safe handling of cleaning chemicals, awareness while operating motorized or manual tools, and solid knowledge of workplace safety practices, including hazard communication and personal protective equipment. Physical ability to bend, twist, lift, use ladders occasionally, and lift more than 20 lbs is also necessary.

Compensation

The expected hiring pay for this role is between $17.45 and $21.81, with the top of the range at $26.17. Final placement within the range depends on market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available on request. Candidates who need support during the hiring process may contact Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca to discuss their needs.