Head Caretaker

(Formerly: Janitor II - Working Alone)

 NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Head Caretaker works in assigned school(s) or District facilities. An employee in this classification is the only Custodian working in the school or facility.

The Head Caretaker is responsible for performing a variety of cleaning and minor maintenance duties and repairs and ensuring that assigned premises are secure prior to booking off shift, and for acting as on-site liaison with school administrators and facility users. The Head Caretaker is the school/facility administrator's main contact with the Service Operations Department.

A Head Caretaker performs routine opening/closing procedures, including deactivating and activating the security system, turning on lights, conducting inside and outside perimeter checks, checking for vandalism or damage, sweeping up broken glass and correcting similar safety hazards, etc.

A Head Caretaker is responsible to admit authorized rental groups or contractors into their areas and to ensure they follow District policies and procedures.

The work involves responsibility for organizing their own work and reorganizing work priorities, space allocation, scheduling, etc., as necessary to accommodate facility use by other groups and emergent needs. A Head Caretaker determines priorities when all work cannot be completed within the usual time frame.

The majority of work time is spent in the performance of scheduled caretaker duties. The Head Caretaker also performs routine administrative functions, as required within the facility, including response to emergent situations. In addition, the Head Caretaker may be required to attend at other locations to deal with emergent situations.

A Head Caretaker shall liaise with and respond to requests from the facility administrator and reports to Management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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

Performs a variety of caretaker duties including vacuuming, cleaning, polishing, mopping and washing, moving furniture and supplies, emptying garbage, etc.

Performs minor maintenance and repair tasks such as changing light shades, bulbs and tubes, removing graffiti, etc. Replaces ceiling tiles, pencil sharpeners, soap dispensers, desks, etc. Unplugs toilets and boards up broken windows and holes, as required.

Checks inside and outside perimeters of premises upon arrival and/or departure. De-activates and resets alarms and otherwise ensures security of premises.

Makes minor adjustments and performs minor maintenance to cleaning equipment, desks,

furniture, etc.

Liaises with school administrators and office staff, and receives special requests for cleaning or other services and ensures compliance if within scope of responsibilities.

Monitors usage of cleaning and other custodial supplies. May requisition replacement of supplies at timely intervals and discusses with Supervisor, as appropriate.

Participates in and plans, organizes, directs and coordinates major clean-ups of schools during summer and other breaks, in consultation with Operations Supervisor.

Admits authorized students/visitors/groups to premises. Requests those found in unauthorized areas to return to specified locations. Reports violations to the rental agreement to the principal/manager or designate according to board policy/procedures.

Prepares brief, legible notes concerning any unusual circumstances, as necessary.

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

Attends to emergent situations, as required.

Signs for and accepts deliveries.

May empty courier bags as required.

Completes reports, as required.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 Materials Information System (WHMIS).

Ability to perform custodial 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 organize cleaning programs based on past practice and established standards.

Ability to effectively communicate 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 District staff and others.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

 Less than grade 12.

Six months' previous related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

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