Head Custodian

Location: Des Plaines, IL Category: Staff Job Type: Full Time Staff Posted On: Tue Jul 14 2026 Job Description: Basic Function and Responsibility: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform routine and non-routine custodial tasks. Assist supervisor in the planning of the housekeeping shift operation.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in supervision of custodial staff.
• Work with project tasks as directed by supervisor such as carpet cleaning using variety of methods, scrub/strip and seal/ recoat floors, power wash/sanitize restrooms and buff floors.
• Perform general custodial tasks in a specific work area including trash removal, vacuuming, cleaning white/chalk boards, dry/wet mopping, cleaning mirrors, furniture, tiles, walls and windows, dusting vertical and horizontal surfaces.
• Operate custodial equipment such as vacuum, extractor, buffer, scrubber, floor machines, rider/extractor, and sanitizer.
• Act as a working group leader on certain projects, such as moving and setup of furniture or equipment.
• Assume responsibility for housekeeping shift operations in the absence of the supervisor.
• Perform inspection of completed work assignments and provide feedback to the employee and the Housekeeping Supervisor.
• Provide training and retraining to custodians on routine work assignments and the use of equipment and supplies as directed by supervisor.
• Report safety, sanitary and fire hazards to appropriate supervisor and manager; report need for maintenance repairs; respond to emergency custodial requests as needed.
• Perform snow removal and perform special work assignments or clean ups as directed.
• Perform other job?related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from the Manager of Housekeeping. Functional supervision is received from the Housekeeping Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised: Functional supervision may exercise over custodians as needed.

Job Requirements: Qualifications and Working Conditions:

• High School education or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is required.
• Two to three years of experience in custodial work is required.
• Two years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge and ability to use custodial equipment /tools properly and safely.
• Knowledge of floor care and cleaning processes for a variety of surfaces is required.
• Knowledge of carpet cleaning methods and techniques such as extraction, bonneting, shampooing, encapsulation is required.

Physical Working Conditions: Position will require employees to have:

• The ability to stand, walk and move for extended periods of time (Often - 75% - 100%).
• The ability to detect dirt, dust, stains and marks. (Often 75% to 100%).
• The ability to bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull, and reach in all directions (Often - 75% - 100%).
• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. (Often 75% - 100%).
• The ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time. (Often 75% - 100%).
• The ability to set up and operate mechanical cleaning equipment. (often 75% to 100%).
• The ability to work at heights and the ability to ascend/descend ladders. (Occasional - 50% - 75%).
• Some shifts will require the use of radio communication. Employees on these shifts, using these devices, will be required to have the ability to exchange information clearly.
• Job duties may be performed in hot, dusty, dirty environments. Employees may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and outside weather.

Additional Information: HOURS: Monday - Friday -10:30 pm - 7:00 am SALARY: The hourly salary of this position is $22.68 which equates to $ 45,698 annualized based on Oakton's summer hours schedule. Based on the needs of the college and with Administrator approval, some positions at the college may have a hybrid schedule option available after 30 working days.

For information regarding employment eligibility, please visit our employment at Oakton web page. Equal Opportunity Employer