Senior Head Caretaker

(Formerly Janitor II-V)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Senior Head Caretaker works in assigned school(s) or District Facilities.  The work of an employee in this classification differs from that of a Head Caretaker in that they direct the work of other caretakers.  Employees working in this classification may be assigned split shifts.

The Senior 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.  The Senior Head Caretaker also performs routine administrative functions, as required.

A Senior Head Caretaker performs routine opening/closing procedures, including deactivating 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.

The Senior Head Caretaker is responsible to admit authorized rental groups or contractors into their areas and to ensure they follow District policies and procedures.  If the rental group is located in another custodial area, the Senior Head Caretaker must still assume overall responsibility for that area and the groups within it.

The work involves responsibility for the allocation of work to custodial staff, assuring adherence to established methods and procedures, and reallocation of work to cope with staff absences or emergencies.  A Senior Head Caretaker determines priorities when all work cannot be completed within the usual time frame.  A Senior Head Caretaker instructs newly hired staff in departmental methods and procedures.

The Senior Head Caretaker liaises with contractors and other maintenance staff, including school staff and maintenance foreman to ensure access, etc.

The majority of work time is spent in the performance of scheduled custodial duties.  Responsibilities include routine site inspections to ensure that standards are maintained within the facility, including response to emergent situations.  In addition, the Senior Head Caretaker may be required to attend at other locations to deal with emergent situations.

The Senior Head Caretaker liaises with and responds to requests from the facility administrator and reports to Management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs other caretakers with respect to allocation of work, and work priorities, as required.

Demonstrates methods and procedures to newly hired staff, and advises them and any other staff regarding solutions to day-to-day cleaning problems.

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

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

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

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

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

Makes minor adjustments and performs minor maintenance to cleaning equipment.

May be required to drive a small truck to transport employees and/or equipment to work sites (e.g. carpet crew).

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.  Requisitions replacement of supplies at timely intervals and discusses with supervisors, as appropriate.

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

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

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

Performs 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 bag and mail boxes, as required.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Ability to supervise and direct the work of others and to determine if such work is being performed in accordance with established standards and procedures.

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 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 organize cleaning programs based on past practices and established standards.

Interpersonal and communication skills required to perform the duties of the position.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Less than grade 12.

Twelve months previous related custodial experience or a combination of training and

Experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Certification as a Building Service Worker, including WHMIS, from a training institute recognized by the District.

Valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's Licence (on carpet crew).