Join The Upper Canada District School Board
Creating Futures, Leading and Learning for All
We are currently accepting applications for Head Custodian. Under the supervision of the Facilities Operations Manager, the Head Custodian is responsible for the appearance and operation of a UCDSB worksite(s). The Head Custodian works as a member of a larger custodial team that operates across multiple worksites, such as family of schools. As such, the Head Custodian may liaise with the Lead Custodian at his or her worksite as well as those at other worksites for the purposes of organizing and coordinating a second shift or certain other activities and processes. The Principal may provide direction to the Head Custodian within the worksite(s) in conjunction with the Facilities Operations Manager.
This position is covered under the UCDSB/CUPE collective agreement. For more information on employment information such as entitlements, pay, staffing, job protection, union security and dues information under the agreement please to view it on our external website.
Qualifications and Experience:
- A secondary school diploma is required.
- Post secondary certification in the Building Environmental Systems (BES) course or equivalent program is required.
- A minimum of five years cleaning and maintenance experience in a medium size facility and demonstrated experience in small equipment repair and maintenance is required.
- The successful candidate may be required to obtain specific courses and/or certifications relevant to worksite(s) such as water treatment certificate, lockout / tag out, fall arrest, WHMIS, etc. within a specific period after hiring and/or during the period of employment.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.
SKILLS REQUIRED
Technical
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Strong knowledge of spreadsheet applications and word processing software, e-mail and Internet applications and demonstrated ability in using these tools to improve communication and solve problems in the workplace
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Advanced ability to safely use ladders, and lifts inside and outside of building
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Strong working knowledge of rural and urban school environment requirements (i.e., septic, water, wells, waste disposal, HVAC, boilers)
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Advanced technical aptitude with respect to all mechanical and electrical applications, water and sewage, including the operations and maintenance of HVAC systems, as well as electrical and plumbing maintenance
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Advanced ability to detect and anticipate problems requiring repair and to coordinate the necessary resources required to remediate the problem, offering support and technical advice as required
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Advanced knowledge and ability to interpret blueprints, building/safety manuals
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Advanced cleaning knowledge
Regulation and Compliance
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Strong ability to understand requirement for privacy, to respect confidentiality of information, and to practice tact and diplomacy
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Advanced ability to learn new systems and processes, either through documentation, demonstration or other direction and to apply those systems in the worksite
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Advanced ability to comprehend manuals, safety guidelines and other materials to determine their applicability to the working environment and to monitor compliance with guidelines
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Strong knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS and related regulations and UCDSB policies and procedures
Communication and Personal
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Advanced ability to communicate effectively, written and oral, with public, visitors, contractors, staff, students, supervisor, co-workers and administration
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Advanced ability to effectively manage changing conditions and continuous improvements; be adaptable and receptive to new ideas and change and acting as a positive change agent within the worksite
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Strong demonstrated record of taking the initiative to identify, solve or prevent problems and capitalize on opportunities through effective communication, teamwork and other appropriate approaches
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Advanced ability to work well with a variety of people and respond constructively to special needs and requests
Organization, Management and Leadership
- Advanced ability to organize both priorities and people in fast-paced changing environment (i.e., memo form, logbooks, and record-keeping)
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Advanced ability to organize and lead site-based implementation of system initiatives involving multiple people and new systems or processes
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Advanced ability to motivate and organize custodians by instruction, demonstration or example
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Strong leadership skills, including ability to coordinate, organize, delegate responsibilities and communicate effectively within a large team.
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Strong ability to effectively resolve and reduce conflict among peers, custodial team and other worksite staff
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Demonstrated ability to work productively alone in buildings day and night and also in a team environment
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations
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Performs all custodial duties and follows procedures and guidelines as established (i.e., dusts, washes and polishes office and classroom furnishings, washes, cleans and disinfects. washroom facilities, vacuums, sweeps and mops floors, as required)
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Operates cleaning equipment to carry out custodial tasks
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Moves furniture, equipment and supplies
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Inspects intake filters on heating and ventilating equipment and replaces, as required, by season and build-up
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Inspects roof drains, vents and flashings, removes snow as necessary
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Performs preventative building maintenance (i.e., painting, repairs and adjustments as required)
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Cleans and inspects auto/wood shops, cafeteria (i.e., grease traps, oil separators)
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Coordinates shared supplies/equipment within family of schools (i.e., carpet cleaner)
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Checks all interior and exterior light fixtures, replaces bulbs, as required
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Reports major repairs to Facilities Operations Manager records in log book, keeps Manager abreast of operations and larger budget items (emphasis on WARM, SAFE, DRY and CLEAN)
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Inspects the building and grounds for repair, cleanliness and safety
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Adjusts clocks in fall and spring to display correct time, where applicable
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Oversees control of supply and cleaning materials, restocks paper products, forwards invoices, signed and coded, to Facilities Operations Manager notifying that goods are received and ready for payment
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Orders necessary cleaning supplies and keeping proper inventory as required
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Liaises with outside contractors, coordinate contractor access, cleaning and use of space during repairs. (i.e., plumbing repairs, grass cutting, snow clearing, roof repairs)
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Completes absenteeism sheets and submits to Facilities Operations Manager.
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Coordinates and organizes community use preparation
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Oversees “extracurricular or community use of school permits” as per rental document from school administration
Security
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Shovels snow from all exits, controls ice problems and keeps free from slip hazards, salts and sands and ensures all necessary documentation is done (i.e., salt/sanding log book).
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Issues hot works permits as necessary
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Unlocks school, turns lights on, and locks school at end of the day (security of building.
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Inspects playground/yard structures as required, record playground inspections in log book
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Documents activities (emergency repairs, work orders) and incidents of vandalism in logbook, as required
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Inspects septic, fire extinguishers, fire alarm, emergency lights
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Reads and records electric, gas and water meters and oil deliveries as required.
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Inspects sports grounds/yard structures as required
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As a member of the joint Health & Safety team, performs Health & Safety inspections.
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Conducts daily water testing and flushing; enters data into spreadsheet
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Performs routine inspections i.e. boilers, heating systems, fire alarms as required
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Prepares for events in a secondary school (i.e., chairs, stage preparation, assemblies)
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Ensures all Custodial staff receives lift training and ensures lift regulations as delegated by the Facilities Operations Manager
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Updates Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) books, and ensures WHMIS regulations are followed in their workplace
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Be aware of asbestos locations in assigned building and the location of the asbestos file, advises any contractor who may come in contact with same
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Acts as a first point of contact to emergency calls at school after hours (i.e., responds to monitoring system calls)
Environmental
Responsible for implementing coordinating and possibly devising, environmental strategies for the specific worksite(s), in concert with other schools and system initiatives, such as waste management, energy utilization, water regulations, greening initiatives, hazardous waste, etc.
General
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Coordination and delegation of tasks among Lead Custodian and Custodians (i.e., summer cleanup teams) as directed by Facilities Operations Manager, coordinating cleaning around summer school, community use activities
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Demonstrates good attendance and works in a healthy and safe manner
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Performs other related duties as assigned
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Participates in training, courses and professional development as required
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Communicates effectively with all staff, parent councils, government agencies, contractors, etc.
Application:
Your completed application on Apply to Education must include the following:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Updated Applicant Profile
- Complete responses to job related questions
You may also wish to attach relevant diplomas, certifications, reference letters, etc. relevant to your application.
References:
UCDSB requires your current and two most recent direct supervisors.
If your experience is in a day-to-day occasional capacity ensure that you list the length of time that you worked for that Supervisor and whether the assignment was casual day-to-day or in a long-term occasional capacity.
The UCDSB does not accept colleagues or personal references.
Selection Process:
The UCDSB selection process includes a review of required qualifications, interview and assessment process, and reference checks. All employment offers are conditional on candidates providing a valid criminal record check for the vulnerable sector.
The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is committed to equity in employment. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population we serve. The UCDSB is committed to providing accommodations [for people with disabilities]. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. This would be facilitated upon receiving an interview and would be done by contacting Human Resources at
The UCDSB may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to screen, select and/or assess applicants in the hiring process. AI is not used to make final hiring decisions.
Please do not obtain or upload a Police Record/ Criminal Record Check with your application. This documentation is not required unless a job offer is extended to you.
