Caretaker

(Formerly: Janitor I)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

An employee in this classification performs standard janitorial work. This may involve travelling between several schools at which work is to be performed, working on a carpet cleaning crew, stripping floors, or cleaning a designated area at a single school, etc.

Work time is spent in the performance of scheduled custodial duties such as washing floors and walls, sweeping, vacuuming, stripping and waxing floors, cleaning washrooms, dusting, removing garbage, and minor maintenance. Work is governed by well-established methods and procedures. A Caretaker may be required to respond to emergent situations both on-site and at other locations.

A Caretaker is responsible for securing assigned work areas upon arrival and departure, but does not hold such responsibility for complete schools. They are responsible to admit authorized rental groups or contractors into their areas and to ensure they follow District policies and procedures. A Caretaker must check for vandalism or damage, sweep up broken glass inside and out, and correct safety hazards, etc.

A Caretaker receives work direction from and reports problems/vandalism to Head Caretaker and/or Management

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Sweeps, vacuums, washes and polishes floors, and vacuums hallways and other areas in schools or other premises. Washes walls, windows, and blinds, etc. Sweeps exterior walkways and other play areas.

Cleans washroom facilities including hand basins, sinks and toilets, replenishes washroom supplies, cleans classrooms and offices, countertops, sinks, wood shops, etc. Unplugs toilets, as required.

May check gauges, thermostats, etc. to determine conditions.

Moves office equipment and furniture, as required on site.

Empties and cleans garbage containers and wastebaskets.

Sprays and deep cleans carpets when assigned to carpet cleaning crew.

Spot cleans carpets, as required. May be required to operate the portable carpet extractor.

Makes minor adjustments, performs minor maintenance to cleaning equipment.

Performs minor maintenance and repair tasks such as changing light shades, bulbs and tubes, removing graffiti, covering holes, boarding up broken windows, etc.

Performs minor equipment adjustments or installations of ceiling tiles, pencil sharpeners, soap dispensers, desks, etc.

Cleans mops, brooms, and other janitorial equipment. Securely stores cleaning materials, chemicals and equipment prior to leaving premises.

Attends to emergent situations, such as flooded washrooms, etc., as required.

May sign for and accept deliveries.

May empty courier bag and mailboxes as required.      

Performs snow and/or ice removal, as required. Attends to safety issues such as de-icing stairs, walkways, etc.

Secures assigned work area, i.e., doors and windows upon arrival and departure. Sweeps up broken glass, used condoms, needles, etc.

Admits authorized students/visitors/groups to premises and requests those found in unauthorized areas to return to specified location.

Reports violations of rental agreement to the Head Caretaker.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of school cleaning practices and procedures and use of related tools, equipment and cleaning products.

Ability to satisfactorily complete a written questionnaire regarding Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS).

Ability to perform standard janitorial work involving standing, walking, lifting, carrying, bending and crouching.

Ability to climb ladders and work at heights when changing light bulbs and tubes and performing duties such as cleaning beams and rafters.

Ability to communicate effectively in English and the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Knowledge of fire/security smoke and alarm systems.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and others.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Less than grade 12.

Three months' previous experience in institutional cleaning, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Certification as a Building Service Worker, including WHMIS, from a training institute, recognized by School District #36 (Surrey).