School Janitor / Housekeeper

Department:  Facilities

FLSA: Non-Exempt, Essential Staff 

Reports to: Housekeeping Supervisor

Designation: Staff, calendar year, full-time, benefit-eligible

Travel: None 

Schedule: Typical Shift: 

7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., with some periodic weekend rotation

as needed on alternative schedules, or evenings if essential.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housekeeper performs manual janitorial services for the interior of buildings including, but are not limited to maintaining buildings accessibility and appearance. Assignments may include residential, academic, administrative office, health center, and all other school buildings. The Housekeeper works independently and as part of a team of facilities staff. Assignments will vary greatly and may include multiple daily assignments, special projects, furniture relocation, and event set-up support. The Housekeeper is accountable for high-quality job performance in support of the best interests of The Hotchkiss School, the students, and School community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Clean all surface areas, remove all trash and debris, as well as recycling.

• Clean all bathroom surface areas, bathroom partitions, mirrors, sinks, toilets, grouted tile floors & showers on a daily basis.  

• Vacuum carpets, dust and polish interior and exterior of room furniture; clean all mirrors, glass tops, and interior windows on a daily basis.

• Follow established cleaning protocols, including use of appropriate equipment, hygiene, and disinfection chemicals, as well as the management and removal of waste. 

• Participate in all required training opportunities.

• Report any non-functioning fixtures, electrical outlets, and damage within assigned areas, utilizing the internal work order system.

• Report any safety hazard immediately to Safety & Security, as well as to the Housekeeping Supervisor.

• Collect and appropriately turn in all lost or found articles.

• Move and reposition furniture within rooms, from one building to another, including multi-storied buildings.

• Remove snow from main entryways in assigned work areas, using shovels. 

• Serve as a role model in maintaining appropriate standards of care for students and maintaining healthy boundaries in professional relationships with all school community members and department colleagues. 

• Requisition of needed supplies for assigned work areas.

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed and assigned.

• Participate in professional development, compliance, and Diversity & Inclusion training opportunities.  

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Previous experience preferred (1-3 years) in custodial work, professional cleaning, or related industry.

• Knowledge of various cleaning techniques and equipment, including the use of automatic floor machines, vacuums, wet mops, and chemical dilution systems.  

• Demonstrate a strong ability to complete assigned responsibilities in a self-directed manner, while also exhibiting flexibility with team approaches to assigned work.  

• Ability to effectively communicate and follow instructions. 

• Must possess some minimum proficiencies with basic computer skills for supply ordering, utilizing work order systems, and keeping abreast with school communications and requests, via email. 

• Ability to sustain a high degree of individual accountability, attention to detail, and flexibility with assigned work and schedule.

• Ability and eagerness to positively interact and communicate with students, staff, faculty, and visitors from diverse backgrounds. 

• Ability to efficiently complete assigned work within normally scheduled hours, as well as some pre-approved overtime and emergency duties as needed.  

• Report to work during inclement weather as essential staff, providing continuum and/or emergent service support when there is a direct impact to the safety, welfare and ability of the School to continue core operations. 

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Required to lift frequently up to 30 lbs., occasionally with assistance 50+lbs. 

• Ability and/or willingness to learn how to operate various types of machinery to perform cleaning tasks as required.

• Must be able to constantly position to frequently bend, stoop, reach and kneel to perform essential functions.

• Extended time on feet is required to perform essential responsibilities.

• Ability to climb up to 4 flights of stairs and use ladders.

• Works with or in areas where hazardous materials/cleaning agents may be present. 

• Potential risk exposure to viruses necessitates Housekeepers to maintain strict safety protocols for their personal protection and protection of others. 

• Reliable transportation to and from work is necessary.

• Required to work in a tobacco-free environment. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. 

The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.