Custodian Job at City of La Palma in La Palma

Overview

This is an open recruitment to fill one current vacancy.

The incumbent will be working Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position is scheduled to receive a 4% cost of living adjustment effective July 1, 2026.

The incumbent will enjoy a family environment and be a part of an enthusiastic workforce that has its own spirit committee that facilitates monthly employee events. The incumbent will thrive working in this small culture environment, allowing them to grow their knowledge, experience, resume, and prepare for advancement by being introduced to a variety of public works related projects and responsibilities.

Come be a part of our family and see what makes La Palma a nice place to live and work!

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Responsibilities

Under general supervision, performs the full range of custodial duties related to the care, routine maintenance, and cleaning of assigned buildings and facilities. Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no supervision of staff.

This is a single-position classification that performs the full range of duties required to ensure that City buildings and facilities provide the highest level of safety for public and staff use. Work is often performed in an assigned area and may involve working around other City staff and/or the public, depending upon assignment.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs various duties, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and polishing to ensure safety in City buildings and facilities. Cleans windows, mirrors, walls, furniture, fixtures, and equipment; cleans and sanitizes locker rooms, showers, and restroom facilities; replenishes supplies in restrooms.
• Washes floors as needed; sweeps, vacuums, mops, waxes, strips, and polishes floors; vacuums and shampoos carpets; cleans furniture and countertops; empties and sanitizes waste receptacles.
• Performs preventative maintenance and minor maintenance on equipment, appliances, facilities, and buildings, including replacing light bulbs, cleaning air vents, and basic painting; reports maintenance needs and maintains records of activities.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies.
• May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments and to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees to perform essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Methods, materials, and equipment used in custodial work and basic and preventative building maintenance; proper cleaning methods and safe usage of cleaning materials, disinfectants, custodial tools, and equipment; use and minor maintenance of hand and power tools; basic facility maintenance techniques; basic record keeping; safe work methods and safety practices related to the work.

Ability to: Use and operate a variety of custodial equipment (high‑pressure washer, vacuum cleaner, wet/dry vacuum, carpet extractor, buffer, mop, broom); clean and care for assigned areas and equipment; perform painting maintenance and repair duties; travel to different sites; use small hand tools; maintain basic records; follow department policies; understand and follow oral and written instructions; organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines; communicate effectively; maintain cooperative interactions with the public and city staff as needed.

Education and/or Experience

Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade. No experience is required; however, knowledge of basic cleaning methods is required.

Required Licenses and Certificates

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by the time of appointment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands Must possess mobility to work in various City buildings and facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium physical work, operate varied hand and power tools and related equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity to operate a computer and tools. Positions bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds. Visual abilities required for operating vehicles and equipment.

Work Environment Employees work in buildings and facilities and are occasionally exposed to loud noises, controlled temperatures, confined spaces, chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous substances and fumes.

Note: All employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers. In emergencies, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers, potentially in locations, hours, and duties different from normal assignments.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Benefits and terms may change.

Qualifications & Benefits

The City offers a highly competitive compensation package dependent upon qualifications. Benefits include:

• Retirement – CalPERS 2% at 62 for new members; or 2% at 60 for existing members with limited break in service.
• Medical Insurance – CalPERS medical coverage with monthly benefit allowances for employee and dependents.
• Wellness Program – Access to confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Dental Insurance – City pays 100% of premium; additional coverage options available.
• Vision Insurance – Reimbursement program for employee and dependents.
• Life Insurance – Basic coverage with optional additional coverage via AFLAC plans.
• Disability Insurance – City provides short and long-term disability with premium paid by City.
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Pre-tax options for eligible expenses.
• Additional Insurance Opportunities – AFLAC plans available.
• Deferred Compensation – ICMA-RC plan available.
• Retiree Health Benefits – PEMHCA contribution toward retiree medical coverage.
• Holidays – 10 paid holidays and 36 hours of floating holidays annually.
• Vacation – 80 hours per year, accruing up to 120 hours; increases with years of service.
• Sick Leave – 96 hours per year, accrue up to 760 hours.
• Bilingual Pay – $150 per month after passing a language test.
• Work Hours – Four-day work week (10 hours per day) or 40-hour week, Monday–Thursday.