WYCA Maintenance Custodian

WYCA Maintenance Custodian

Salary

$47,004.00 - $55,596.00 Annually

Location

Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05248

Department

Military Department

Division

Washington Youth Academy

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

DREAM! BELIEVE! ACHIEVE!

The Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA) is seeking a detailed-oriented Maintenance Custodian to join our team. The ideal candidate takes pride in maintaining clean, safe, and well-functioning facilities while contributing to a positive environment for Cadets, staff and visitors. This role plays a vital part in ensuring our building operations run smoothly through routine cleaning, basic maintenance tasks, and proactive problem-solving.

The WYCA Maintenance Custodian works under the general supervision of the WYCA Business Manager and with additional direction from the Youth Academy Deputy Director, performs various housekeeping, custodial, and maintenance related tasks for the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work independently are essential for success in this position. This position is permanently assigned to the WYCA in Bremerton, WA.

If you are dependable, hardworking, and committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our team.

This recruitment will remain opened until filled. Screening of application materials will begin on July 13, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. It is in the applicants best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.

This position is eligible for on-site, 24/7 facility premium pay of 5%, as well as shift differential pay for applicable shifts.

Who we are:

The WYCA was established under the authority and guidelines of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. This is a voluntary program which includes a 22-week residential phase followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. The purpose of the program is to provide a highly disciplined, safe and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and become responsible and productive citizens of the State of Washington. The National Guard Challenge Program is one of the most successful alternative education programs designed for high school dropouts or youth that are not progressing in a traditional high school setting and has graduated over 215,000 Cadets to date.

What makes WYCA a great place to work?

• Work that matters-building character, enriching lives, one Cadet at a time!
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
• Tuition Discount! Washington State Employees are eligible for a 10% tuition discount with Western Governors University (WGU) for Bachelors & Masters Degree programs in Business; Information Technology; Healthcare and Education.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Support for employee growth and development

Mission:

WMD: The mission of the Military Department is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on people, property, environment and the economy of Washington State and the region; provide trained and ready forces for state and federal missions; and provide structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

WYCA: The mission of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy is to provide a highly disciplined, safe, and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational level and employment potential and become responsible and productive Washingtonians.

To learn more about the Washington Military Department and the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy visitwww.mil.wa.gov/youth-academy.

Duties

Responsibilities include:

• Janitorial maintenance and routine cleanliness of assigned buildings and work areas.
• Routine grounds maintenance and clean-up.
• Routine or minor maintenance in assigned buildings and/or equipment.
• Under general guidance may be required to complete or assist higher level staff in the completion of non-routine maintenance activities and/or special assignment, including but not limited to:
• Repair leaky faucets, flush meters, and other minor plumbing repairs and maintenance.
• Maintain and make minor repairs to gasoline and hand powered tools and equipment used in accomplishing grounds work.
• Maintain and make minor repairs to electrical powered janitorial tools and equipment.
• Repair and replace hardware on doors, bunks, windows, cabinets, lockers, etc.
• Assemble, repair and adjust furniture and window shades.
• Replace broken windows.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

One year of experience in janitorial services, grounds maintenance, building maintenance, and/or construction.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Custodial knowledge:

• Knowledge of cleaning methods, safety practices, chemicals, equipment and supplies used in general custodial work.

Skills / Abilities / Competencies:

• Operate and handle tools, equipment, and materials in a safe and efficient manner and follow published safety rules and regulations (OSHA, WISHA, etc.) to create a safe and efficient work environment.

• Operate custodial appliances: Operate vacuum cleaners, electric polishers and other professional custodial equipment.

• Operate and drive light truck: Drive light truck to transport supplies and equipment, haul refuse and garbage.

• Operate and maintain electrical or gas-powered lawn equipment such as hand mower, riding lawn mower, edger, blowers, brush cutter, etc. to mow lawns and clear brush, limbs, and trees.

• Ice and snow removal: Remove snow and ice from walkways and driveways, parking lots and roads using truck or equipment mounted on plows and blowers.

• Operate truck and equipment mounted spray tanks.

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth and contribute to continuous improvement of agency processes.

Service-Oriented: Demonstrate a willingness to take action to understand and meet the needs of others.

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Routinely work a 40-hour work week as scheduled to provide ongoing customer and program support.

Skills / Abilities:

• Ability to safely convey materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds alone and up to 100 pounds with assistance using proper handling and lifting techniques to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Willing to work in environments with a broad range of health and safety issues to accomplish ongoing facilities cleaning, maintenance and grounds maintenance.
• Perform repetitious movements as required.
• Perform work requiring bending, stooping, gripping, kneeling, squatting, moving side-to-side, crawling, working overhead, climbing ladders, and reaching away from the body for extended periods of time.
• Operate tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner and follow published safety rules and regulations (OSHA, WISHA) to create a safe and efficient work environment.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

• Must successfully complete a pre-employment personal history and criminal background check investigation, which includes fingerprinting. The background check is required for all employees of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy due to the nature of these positions (working with vulnerable youth) and the safety requirements of the job. Applicants are required to complete and sign a WMD Applicant Background and Disclosure Statement and a Waiver and Authority to Release Information Form. Candidates will not have access to any investigative materials and files.
• Must be willing and able to participate in periodic background checks in accordance with department policy. Failure to successfully complete any required background check may be cause for termination.

DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING AND USE:

• Willing not to use or be in possession of illegal narcotics or controlled substances while on, or off duty.
• Willing and able to be free from excessive alcohol consumption.
• Willing and able to pass drug testing requirements, including pre-employment (to include testing when employees change job classifications due to promotion or transfer or there is reasonable suspicion).

WYCA CAMPUS:

• Ability, willingness, desire and commitment to work with at-risk youth in a 24/7 highly structured residential setting requiring extensive interaction and contact with at-risk youth and parents who may be disgruntled, angry, disrespectful (use of profanity, name calling, etc.), depressed and at times confrontational.
• The WYCA campus is a tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug and weapons free facility. Weapons and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on campus when employees are on or off shift. This includes any alternate duty station site or in employee vehicles. Use of tobacco and/or vaping products is not permitted anywhere within the confines of the Youth ChalleNGe Academy (to include alternate duty stations) or in the view of Cadets when performing off campus duties and responsibilities.
• Individuals working with at-risk youth in a residential setting are subject to safety and security surveillance.
• Must be willing to work in and around military facilities and programs.

TRAVEL/TRAINING/POLICIES:

• Must complete annual first aid and CPR training/re-certification.
• On rare occasions, periodic travel in and out of the state for up to one week at a time.
• May be required to occasionally attend training/meeting at other agency locations.
• Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.

NGYCP-CA HANDS-OFF LEADERSHIP GUIDANCE: Must be willing and committed to following the NGYCP-CA Hands-Off Leadership and Appropriate Relationships Guidance, recognizing that as a staff member of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy, our positions have implied authority over Cadets, regardless of their residential or completion status. This policy prohibits staff members from touching Cadets in an aggressive or harassing manner or in any way inappropriate to a professional mentoring relationship. Hands-Off Leadership prohibits staff members from using unprofessional language, including profanity, vulgarity or off-color jokes when interacting with, correcting or motivating Cadets.

Must be willing to follow directives and law pertaining to Hands-Off Leadership, Fraternization, Mandatory Reporting, and Appropriate Relationships.

The uncompromising expectation for behavior in word and deed on the part of staff is nothing less than complete transparency and total professionalism.

SHIFT WORK:

Position is subject to shift work and incumbent must be willing to work beyond the established core hours/days when necessary to accomplish the day-to-day duties and responsibilities.

Duty will include periodic weekends and nights depending on program activities and requirements, including responding to emergency situations in a reasonable amount of time when they involve Cadet health, safety, or security.

DRIVERS LICENSE:

Must possess a valid drivers license and be qualified to drive a state vehicle as required to accomplish program requirements or have an approved accommodation on file.

UNION:

This position is covered by a union shop provision: Washington Public Employees Association.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following:

• A current application profile,
• Response to the Supplemental Questionnaire and,
• A list of three professional references. Please include two past/current supervisors, one peer and/or one subordinate, if applicable. For each reference, please include the following: Name, Professional Title, Working Relationship, Daytime Phone Number, and Email Address.

Recruitment Timeline:Application Screening Will Begin:July 13, 2026Candidates Notified of interview selection:July 13-16, 2026Interviews Conducted:July 20-23, 2026

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please contact Patricia Acoba at patricia.acoba@mil.wa.gov or (360) 473-2622.

Please add info@governmentjobs.com to your email contacts to ensure emails sent to advise you of the status of your application do not get sent to your junk mailbox.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: patricia.acoba@mil.wa.gov; Call: (360) 473-2622, or 711.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you willing and able to meet all of the conditions of employment listed on the job announcement, to include an extensive background check and fingerprinting?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least one year of experience in custodial services, janitorial services, grounds maintenance, building maintenance, and/or construction?

• Yes
• No

03

Select the answer below that best describes your experience performing custodial and/or janitorial work. Your selection below must be supported by the details provided within your application - Work Experience Section.

• No Experience
• 1 - 11 months
• 12 - 23 months
• 24 - 35 months
• 36 - 47 months
• More than 47 months

04

Select the answer below that best describes your experience providing grounds maintenance (maintaining lawns, pruning, weeding, etc.). Your selection below must be supported by the details provided within your application - Work Experience Section.

• No Experience
• 1 - 11 months
• 12 - 23 months
• 24 - 35 months
• 36 - 47 months
• More than 47 months

05

Select the answer below that best describes your experience performing building maintenance work. The selection below must be supported by the details provided within your application - Work Experience Section.

• No Experience
• 1 - 11 months
• 12 - 23 months
• 24 - 35 months
• 36- 47 months
• More than 47 months

06

Why do you want to work with the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy?

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov