Class Code: SM101
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Lead Custodial Service Worker

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, a Lead Custodial Service Worker performs lead work as well as janitorial and related tasks at Santa Cruz METRO facilities; ensures that facility interiors and exteriors are clean and orderly; performs minor building maintenance duties; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Lead Custodial Service Worker is the advanced-lead level class in the series.  An incumbent in this class leads and performs janitorial and routine facility maintenance duties necessary to maintain clean, sanitary, and safe conditions in various Santa Cruz METRO facilities.  This class is distinguished from the lower-level class of Custodial Service Worker because an incumbent in the latter class performs journey-level custodial duties and does not have formal lead-worker responsibilities.  This class is distinguished from the higher-level class of Custodial Supervisor because an incumbent in the latter class supervises the work of subordinate custodial staff and is also responsible for ensuring the availability of materials, supplies, and equipment. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Serves as a lead worker over subordinate Custodial Service Workers by prioritizing, assigning, and monitoring work and providing training as needed; may provide input on performance evaluations.
  • Inspects Santa Cruz METRO facilities to ensure compliance with standards of cleanliness and maintenance and verify appropriate health and safety conditions; inspects equipment and tools to ensure proper maintenance and operating condition; documents inspection findings; advises staff of needed corrections.
  • Performs routine inspections of heating and ventilating systems; conducts routine troubleshooting and/or repair of fans, motors, and other facility equipment; may perform routine repairs on janitorial equipment, tools, and machinery; may perform minor plumbing, painting, grounds or related facility maintenance and repairs as needed.
  • Identifies maintenance and repair work requiring the assistance of higher-level staff, and reports the situation to the supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Responds quickly to reports of safety, sanitary and fire hazards; ensures immediate hazards are addressed appropriately and that repairs/corrections are scheduled/completed. 
  • Respond to customer complaints if appropriate or refer to a supervisor.
  • Places orders and maintains inventory of cleaning and maintenance supplies.
  • Coordinates the preparation of facilities for meetings and events as assigned; leads and participates in special cleaning activities as well as setting up, moving and/or arranging furniture or equipment.
  • Conducts safety checks by checking for locked doors, temperature readings for heating and air conditioning, and on/off switches for machines.
  • Ensures safe usage of chemical cleaning materials in compliance with Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures and in compliance with Cal-OSHA regulations.
  • Performs the duties of a Custodial Service Worker as required.
  • Operates standard office equipment including a computer, utilizes computer software in performing job tasks.  
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of employee leadership, including ways to motivate staff and maximize productivity.
  • Acceptable standards for the cleaning and routine maintenance of public facilities.
  • Applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and general safety practices related to janitorial work.
  • Standard and specialized equipment, parts, tools, and supplies required for commercial janitorial work.
  • Operation of janitorial equipment such as buffers, carpet cleaners, floor strippers, and other cleaning equipment.
  • Commercial cleaning practices, supplies, and equipment.
  • Proper use of various cleaning chemicals. 
  • Basic building and grounds maintenance techniques, including routine, painting, and landscaping activities. 
  • Basic operation and maintenance of heating and ventilating equipment.
  • Standard tools, terminology, and practices used in skilled  building trades
  • Time management techniques.
  • Basic mathematical skills to create proper dilutions of cleaning products.  
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and applicable standard business software.  

Ability to: 

  • Understand and follow oral and written directions.
  • Serve as a lead worker over subordinate staff.
  • Lead and perform a wide variety of janitorial and routine facility maintenance duties in an effective and safe manner.
  • Perform minor mechanical repairs. 
  • Oversee the safe operation of janitorial equipment.
  • Oversee the safe use of chemical cleaning agents. 
  • Prepare operational reports.
  • Work with moderate independence using good judgment, tact, and discretion. 
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations. 
  • Interact effectively and courteously with the public and address customer complaints in a sensitive and tactful manner.
  • Use basic mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned. 
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments as required. 
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience performing facility cleaning, maintenance, and minor repair activities, including some experience with basic carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, heating, or ventilating repair work.  

Previous lead worker experience is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to reach with hands and arms; walk, stand and sit; use finger dexterity; and talk and hear.  Work often requires the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects.  The employee is regularly required to stoop at the waist, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb.  Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds unaided may be required.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; uses basic mathematical skills; solves routine problems; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered during work.

Work Environment: 

The employee works in various facilities where there is frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts and is occasional exposure to hot, wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level is usually moderate.  The employee is occasionally exposed to varied weather conditions.     

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass requisite background check.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of regular schedule
  • This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the tasks assigned; safety shoes are required at all times.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 08-23-24

*Job Family: Custodial

*Job Series: Custodial

*Job Series Level: Advanced – Lead

*Confidential: No