Custodian Job at Samueliacademy in California

Samueli Academy is a non-profit 7-12 public charter school in Santa Ana, CA. Its mission is to ignite the passion within all students to reach their greatest potential through a nurturing and innovative learning environment. Samueli Academy offers youth an innovative and student-centered choice for their education. This includes on-site housing for foster youth who need a stable living environment in order for them to excel academically.

Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Custodian

Employment Classification: Full-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt, Shift: 3:30pm - 12:00am

Reports to: Head Custodian

Position Summary: The Custodian is responsible for ensuring Samueli Academy remains a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and visitors. This position performs nightly cleaning, routine facility upkeep, and sanitation across classrooms, offices, cafeterias, common areas, restrooms, and outdoor spaces. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings, including cafeterias, auditoriums, stairwells, maintenance shops, and parking lots, and may involve confined spaces.

The role requires working around and exposure to dust, wind, sun, insects, cleaning chemicals, hazardous materials, solvents, oils, fumes, grease, biohazardous waste, and bloodborne pathogens. Conditions may include temperature and weather extremes, noise levels ranging from quiet to loud (with large student populations), and proximity to mechanically or electrically operated equipment with moving parts. The position may also involve occasional exposure to playground projectiles (e.g., basketballs, footballs, baseballs), and at times, intervening physically to stop conflicts or managing interactions with students, staff, parents, or members of the public who may display unpredictable or disruptive behavior.

The ideal candidate demonstrates reliability, pride in their work, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively using basic computer and email systems, while contributing to a positive and professional campus environment.

Requirements

Major Areas of Responsibility:

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Perform daily cleaning and sanitizing of classrooms, restrooms, offices, and common areas.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and disinfect surfaces regularly.
• Empty and dispose of trash and recycling in accordance with safety standards.
• Restock restrooms and supply areas as needed.

Facility Maintenance Support

• Monitor building conditions and report any repair or maintenance needs.
• Assist with setup and breakdown for school events, meetings, or special activities.
• Maintain outdoor walkways, entryways, and designated campus areas to ensure cleanliness and safety.

Student Supervision & Support

• Supervise and guide students who assist with community service, volunteering, or campus clean-up activities.
• Provide direction, training, and encouragement to ensure tasks are completed safely and effectively.
• Model professionalism, responsibility, and respect in line with Samueli Academy’s TRR values (Trust, Respect, Responsibility).

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all health, safety, and sanitation guidelines.
• Use cleaning products and equipment properly, maintaining safe storage and handling procedures.
• Adhere to organizational policies and licensing requirements for a school setting.

Teamwork & Communication

• Use basic computer and email skills to communicate with supervisors and receive work requests.
• Read and write in English to complete reports, updates, and safety documentation.
• Spanish speaking is welcome.
• Collaborate with facilities staff and administrators to prioritize daily and weekly cleaning needs.
• Communicate supply needs to the lead to ensure adequate inventory of janitorial products.
• Contribute to a respectful and supportive team culture aligned with Orangewood Foundation’s values.
• Additional duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:

• Prior custodial or janitorial experience required.
• Ability to use computer/email systems for communication and reporting.
• Ability to read and write in English; Spanish speaking is a plus.
• Ability to safely operate cleaning equipment, pressure washer, vacuums, and use cleaning agents.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining a clean, orderly environment.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
• Understanding of and passion for the Academy’s mission, vision, values.
• Possess the belief that all students, regardless of their economic or social demographics, deserve a quality education.
• Committed to creating a loving, supportive, and equitable community of learning.

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, FSA, and life & disability benefits package.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• This role requires working across a school campus, including classrooms, offices, and outdoor areas.
• Position may occasionally involve assisting with weekend events and or overtime.
• Sufficient strength, stamina, physical ability and mobility to maintain rigorous work schedule requiring continuous physical exertion by performing manual labor including lift, carry, push and/or pull or otherwise move moderately heavy to heavy loads up to 75 pounds.
• Work occasionally at heights on lifts, scaffolding or ladders.
• Stand and walk long distances around campus on surfaces including concrete, asphalt, gravel and uneven surfaces. Bend at the waist, kneel, stoop, squat, reach and crouch.
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Academy.

Samueli Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.