Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Custodian

  • Title: Custodian
  • Class: Classified
  • Exempt Status: Non-exempt
  • Grade: 12

Job Summary

As a part of Facilities Management Services (FMS), Custodians are responsible for a broad set of cleaning services and general upkeep in and around PCC facilities. The majority of the work focuses on inside services; however, on a seasonal basis expectations could include responsibilities such as clearing entrances to buildings and power washing exterior surfaces. In addition, laundry services are provided for campus gyms and other departments, along with laundering cleaning rags, dust mops, etc. for custodial use.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Performs regular cleaning of floors, walls, counters, windows, classroom boards, skylights, restrooms and building exteriors, according to established standards. Periodically deep cleans hard surface floors and carpeted floors.
  2. Cleans and disinfects all fixtures and surfaces in restrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities, as well as all drinking fountains. As needed, resolves problems such as plugged toilets, sinks, floor drains and roof drains. May perform preventive maintenance on drains, traps and water filters.
  3. Uses industrial vacuum cleaners, buffers, extractors, auto scrubbers, shampooers and other assigned equipment. Cleans equipment after use, including emptying bags and fluid tanks in preparation for subsequent use. Reports problems and deficiencies including any safety issues in facilities and maintenance equipment to lead and/or supervisor. Returns tools, equipment and supplies to designated areas.
  4. Fills paper product dispensers in restrooms and other designated areas. Empties and cleans trash receptacles, pencil sharpeners, ash cans and recycling containers.
  5. Cleans spills as needed, including body fluids with exposure to blood borne pathogens.
  6. Cleans all HVAC grills, diffusers and air intakes. Monitors boilers, HVAC and swimming pool operations, as needed.
  7. Adheres to security procedures in opening and locking facilities and arming and disarming intrusion alarms.
  8. Launders cleaning supplies (rags, dust mops, etc.) used by the Custodial staff. Provides laundry service to campus pool/gyms and programs areas, such as medical and dental, to ensure they are supplied with clean towels and other washable goods.
  9. Sets up chairs and tables for special events.
  10. May replace light bulbs and diffusers in fixtures. May do minor maintenance on general purpose classroom furniture.
  11. Responds immediately during shift hours to requests by campus staff or administration for any emergency which may require minor maintenance.
  12. Performs outdoor duties during inclement weather, i.e., snow removal, sanding and de-icing.
  13. In the event of unscheduled closures due to weather events and/or other circumstances, custodial staff is considered “essential personnel” for reopening the college.
  14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work environment is primarily inside PCC facilities and sometimes outside, both of which may include working in high places. Custodians are exposed to dirt, dust and cleaning solutions. Work may require periodic use of respirators. Physical skill and sustained physical effort may be required for some of the custodial responsibilities; i.e., operating equipment, shoveling snow, etc. Job requires moderate strength and agility and typically requires balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds occurs with varied frequency.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and minimum six months of custodian experience required. Past experience in standard custodial practices, procedures and techniques in an organization with extended hours of operation and multiple high-traffic areas is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Use and potential hazards of cleaning agents including solvents, disinfectants, detergents and polishing agents;
  • Tools and equipment commonly used in custodial work;
  • Standard custodial practices, procedures and techniques.
Skills in:
  • Using a computer to perform basic operations;
  • Operating floor scrubbing machines, carpet shampooing equipment and high speed floor polishing equipment.
Ability to:
  • Able to work and communicate effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff;
  • Exercise considerable judgment and initiative;
  • Follow protocols and escalate as needed;
  • Understand and follow broad and complex instructions.

Revised: 2/2020, 2/4/11

  • Reviewed: 12/18
  • Replaces: 6/28/05