Custodian - Oregon Zoo

Custodian - Oregon Zoo

Salary

$22.52 - $27.36 Hourly

Location

Oregon Zoo, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-0444-OZ3

Department

Oregon Zoo

Division

Guest Services Division

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

This job posting is open continuously until filled. We will review the first batch of candidates on 11/12 and will review additional applications on a 2 week cadence.

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo Guest Services division is looking for a Custodian to play a critical role in maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming facilities for guests, and staff. This position performs hands-on custodial, grounds, and light maintenance work across a large, high-traffic public venue with both indoor and outdoor environments.

Custodians at the Oregon Zoo are part of a self-directed team and regularly interact with the public, assist with guest service needs, and support daily operations, special events, and emergency situations. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys physical activity, and values contributing to a positive guest experience at one of Oregon's most visited attractions.

As a custodian you will

• Perform general custodial services across zoo grounds, buildings, exhibits, offices, and public spaces during AM and PM shifts.
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance by sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and polishing floors; cleaning carpets; dusting and polishing furniture; washing windows, woodwork, restrooms, and fixtures.
• Collect and transport trash and recyclable materials from public areas, animal holding areas, and offices using garbage trucks, mini-dump trucks, dumpsters, and other zoo vehicles.
• Operate custodial, maintenance, and grounds equipment, including forklifts, tractors, personnel lifts, pressure washers, industrial fans, ladders, painting equipment, hand tools, radios, and computers.
• Perform light maintenance duties such as replacing light bulbs, removing graffiti, restocking restroom supplies, unclogging sinks and toilets, moving furniture, preparing rooms for meetings, and assisting with event setup.
• Conduct deep cleaning activities including floor stripping and recoating, pressure washing, touch-up painting, cleaning under waste containers, and transferring recycled materials to holding areas.
• Assist visitors by answering questions, providing directions, and supporting situations involving lost children, minor first aid, or security concerns.
• Follow safety, animal care, and customer service guidelines while working during zoo operations and public hours.
• Maintain cleaning equipment and supplies, including ordering materials and ensuring tools are in safe working condition.
• Respond during emergency situations and perform other duties as assigned to include open and close buildings, check and lock doors and windows, and assist with snow removal as required.

Attributes for success

• Experience performing custodial work in large public facilities with indoor and outdoor environments
• Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment such as garbage trucks, forklifts, lifts, and pressure washers
• Strong customer service and communication skills, with a professional and courteous demeanor
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and following established procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision
• Willingness to assist the public, coworkers, and other departments as needed
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to contribute to a positive and respectful team environment

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• High School or GED AND
• Two years of experience in custodial, customer service work, and problem solving indicating an ability to perform duties as part of a self directed work team and with a minimum of direct supervision OR
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities

Working Conditions

• Continuously required to stand and/or walk for extended periods
• Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds
• Frequently exposed to cleaning chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles
• Occasionally exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, electricity, and outdoor weather conditions
• Duties may require prolonged strenuous effort in hazardous, enclosed, elevated, or inclement environments

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) certification or experience operating personnel lifts, scissor lifts, or boom lifts
• Forklift operator certification or demonstrated experience safely operating forklifts and material-handling equipment
• Working knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safe handling, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals
• Experience performing custodial work in large, high-traffic public venues such as zoos, parks, stadiums, museums, airports, or campuses
• Experience with floor care programs, including stripping, waxing, burnishing, and use of auto-scrubbers
• Familiarity with bloodborne pathogen protocols and biological contaminant cleanup procedures
• Experience operating utility vehicles and light trucks, including garbage trucks, mini dumps, or similar equipment
• Knowledge of recycling, composting, and waste-diversion best practices, particularly in public-facing environments
• Ability to read and follow written work orders, SOPs, and safety procedures with attention to detail
• Understanding of workplace safety and reporting expectations.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference check
• Background and driving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full hourly range for this position is step 1: $21.86 to step 5 $26.56. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $21.86 to the equity range step 3: $24.09.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LIUNA 483 It is classified as a Custodian.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Christina Rentas

Email: Christina.Rentas@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

Government Jobs

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

Metro

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro

The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the states most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision health insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities
• Flexible schedules depending on position and department
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

View union contracts here.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• yes
• no

02

The position is a full time, 40 hours per week role scheduled across five days. Specific shift times are assigned through a union seniority based bid process. Do you have the flexibility in your schedule to meet this requirement?

• yes
• no

03

Do you have reliable transportation that includes the ability to run all hours of our operations, typically 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM?

• yes
• no

04

Can you perform physically demanding outdoor work in rain, heat, cold, and other inclement weather, with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• yes
• no

05

Can you regularly walk and stand for extended periods and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• yes
• no

06

Can you safely and consistently complete a full custodial workload within your assigned shift, including during high-attendance events and peak seasons?

• yes
• no

07

Are you willing to perform all assigned custodial duties, including restroom cleaning, trash collection, biological cleanup, outdoor cleaning, and minor maintenance?

• yes
• no

08

Can you work independently, follow written checklists, prioritize urgent needs, and communicate promptly?

• yes
• no

09

How many years of professional experience do you have in custodial work?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov