POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Custodian Apprentice
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 8010
GRADE 20
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Designated Custodial Supervisor
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Administrator varies
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Custodian Apprentice receives training and practical instruction in order to develop the skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the Custodian I, and which must be mastered within a specific time period, not to exceed one year. Failure to master the duties and responsibilities of the Custodian I within the specific time period may result in termination. During the period of training, the Custodian Apprentice performs semi-skilled custodial services (under the direction of a designated Custodial Supervisor or other designated administrator) following established procedures and guidelines. The Custodian Apprentice learns to use manual tools and electrically-powered machines; to move furniture and equipment for cleaning or for special events indoors and out-of-doors; and to remove snow and/or ice from exterior entrances, walkways, and sidewalks.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Completion of the 10th grade is required. A high school diploma or the equivalent is preferred.
Experience: No prior custodial experience is required. However, any prior experience in custodial work or completion of a custodial services training program may be given preference.
Skills: Must be able to read and write English language sufficiently to understand written work orders and instructions as well as directions for the proper mixture, use, and disposal/storage of cleaners, solvents, chemicals, and similar products used in custodial services. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: Requires the ability to lift and move or transport custodial supplies, furniture, and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis, prolonged walking or standing and frequent bending, stooping, and reaching on a daily basis. Requires a full range of physical motion in order to operate manual and electrically-powered cleaning equipment and machines to include snow shovels. Requires the ability to access facilities and areas that may only be accessible by climbing ladders or stairs, bending, reaching on top of partitions, cabinets, bookcases and ledges, moving furniture, supplies, equipment, or office machines. Must be able to move throughout assigned areas, as work is performed indoors and out-of-doors. Some positions in this job classification (job title) are designated as essential employees who must report to work as scheduled when University offices are closed due to severe weather; the supervisor will communicate whether the particular position is considered essential and under what situations.
Other: Scope of the job requires exposure to and use of chemical compounds for cleaning which may be hazardous and/or cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, application and use are not properly followed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Demonstrates the ability to perform regular, scheduled, and directed floor, stairs, carpet and upholstery maintenance by learning to use manual tools and equipment or to operate powered floor machines to sweep, vacuum, and mop floors, stairs, clean carpet, and/or upholstery, and strip and wax floors according to prescribed guidelines or specific directions.
2. Demonstrates the ability to clean building furnishings, including appliances in residence halls (which may require limited moving of those furnishings) within assigned area by learning to dust, wash, and/or polish office furniture and equipment such as desks, chairs, tables, word processing cabinets, bookcases, file cabinets, end tables, lamps, handrails, heat and air conditioning registers, trophy cases, ash stands, and similar fixtures; and to apply chemical cleaners for appliances.
3. Demonstrates the ability to clean and sanitize lavatories, restrooms, showers, and locker rooms by learning prescribed procedures for: sweeping, washing and/or scrubbing the restrooms; disinfecting facilities using specific chemicals; restocking all appropriate paper products; refilling soap dispensers; replacing sanitary disposal liners; and removing all trash and waste products from lavatories and restrooms.
4. Demonstrates the ability to clean classroom and meeting room furnishings and equipment by learning to dry dust blackboards and erasers and/or wash whiteboards; to re-align classroom desks and/or tables and chairs; to dust-mop and damp-mop hard surface floors or vacuum carpeted floors; to perform steam extraction cleaning; and to collect and remove all trash and waste products from the classrooms.
5. Demonstrates the ability to clean interior walls by learning to remove adhesive tape, thumb tacks, paper pins, staples, and similar items; and to wash and scrub (if necessary) the walls with prescribed wall cleaners to remove stains and graffiti.
6. Demonstrates the ability to wash all interior and lower level exterior glass, including windows, mirrors, and door glass by learning to use pressure washers, foaming equipment, extension poles or ladders, glass cleaners, squeegees, and/or paper wipes according to prescribed guidelines or specific directions for use of the cleaners.
7. Demonstrates the ability to remove all trash from assigned areas by learning to collect trash from various trash containers and receptacles; to transport the trash to designated outside trash dumpsters; and to empty the trash into the dumpsters.
8. Demonstrates the ability to remove all recyclable materials from assigned areas by learning to collect the recyclable materials from the various labeled containers; to transport the recyclable materials to designated outside recycling dumpsters; and to empty the recyclable materials into the dumpster, ensuring that the dumpster is locked after dumping.
9. Demonstrates the ability to use cleaning chemicals properly and safely, wearing prescribed protective clothing, masks, and/or rubber gloves and boots, by learning to follow either written or verbal directions for mixing chemical compounds according to specifications; to apply the cleaning chemicals properly on surfaces or items designated for their use; and to dispose of residual chemical products as directed or to store and label them for future use.
10. Demonstrates the ability to unload delivery trucks or to pick up cleaning supplies from the custodial storeroom or from commercial vendors for immediate or future use by learning to use a two-wheel hand truck (or vehicle) to lift the cleaning supplies and carry and/or transport them to the designated storage facility.
11. Demonstrates the ability to prepare classrooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, arenas and outdoor locations for special events and activities by learning to move existing furniture and to tarp floors (if necessary); and to set up (erect) equipment, tables, chairs, portable steps, stages, podiums, curtains, sound shells, and other specifically requested items following set-up plans, diagrams, or verbal instructions.
12. Demonstrates the ability to prevent accidents resulting from snow or ice covered walkways by learning to shovel or sweep snow or ice from sidewalks and entrances; and to spread salt, sand or chemicals within the assigned area.
13. Demonstrates the ability to respond to emergency situations that may cause property damage, personal injury or both such as water leaks, flooding, overflowing restroom fixtures, accidents resulting in the appearance of bodily fluids (blood, vomitus waste, urine), broken window and door glass, by learning the procedures prescribed for handling each emergency situation within the capability to respond.
14. Demonstrates the ability to perform a measure of building and facilities security by learning how to check assigned areas, building and facilities for safety and security; how to lock designated office and work areas; and to notify proper authorities when security of the assigned building or facilities is in jeopardy.
15. Demonstrates the ability to report damage to buildings, facilities, furnishings and equipment, as well as emergency conditions beyond the capability to handle by learning the procedures for contacting either the immediate supervisor or (if not available) the Office of University Safety, and describing the specific conditions or emergency, or completing a written work order.
16. Depending on departmental assignment, may be required to demonstrate the ability to replace interior or exterior light bulbs using ladders, lifts, or other tools, use special disposal/recycling methods appropriate for various bulb/lamp types, make beds, collect and distribute towels and linens, supply rooms with soap, drinking glasses, etc, operate commercial or household style washers, driers, and irons, assist with mattress, drapery, or upholstery repairs, and/or perform cleaning, bulb replacement, flood remediation in student living areas.
17. Depending on departmental assignment, may be required to demonstrate the ability to clean outdoor entryways, loading docks, or areas around dumpsters requiring both hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, and power equipment such as scrubbers or pressure washers.
18. Demonstrates the ability to provide routine maintenance of custodial equipment, such as belt or bag replacement, emptying collection receptacles or bags, and cleaning and providing proper storage of equipment.
19. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
SUPERVISION
The Custodian Apprentice receives supervision from the Custodial Supervisor or other designated departmental employee and exercises no supervision of others.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2017
