CUSTODIAL STAFF

Temple Israel of Boston stands as a distinguished Reform synagogue and is widely acknowledged as the largest Reform temple in New England. Established in the heart of the greater Boston area, Temple Israel has cultivated a robust community centered on the mission of "Living Judaism Together." This mission embodies welcoming and honoring every individual for their unique identity, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes mutual respect among its members. As a pioneering institution in Reform Judaism, Temple Israel offers a rich tapestry of Jewish experiences encompassing cultural, social, and educational programming. These programs include interfaith inclusion initiatives that aim to build bridges between different religious communities, as well as a strong commitment to social justice activism, reflecting the synagogue's role as a leader in ethical and community-based actions. The congregation's vibrant activities and dedication to progressive values have positioned Temple Israel as a beacon for spiritual growth, collective learning, and social engagement in the region.

The current opportunity at Temple Israel is for a full-time Custodial Staff Member who reports directly to the Director of Facilities. This non-exempt position starts at an hourly wage of $21. The individual selected will play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and overall upkeep of the temple's extensive 110,000 square foot facility and its surrounding grounds. Up to 75% of the role focuses on custodial responsibilities, including thorough cleaning, sanitizing, and ensuring a museum-level quality of polish throughout the temple. This includes attention to a wide variety of spaces such as common areas, entryways, offices, sacred spaces, classrooms including the FJECC Pre-school, and the professional kitchen used for multiple weekly events. The Custodial Staff Member will handle routine cleaning tasks such as mopping, dusting, disinfecting, trash removal, and reporting maintenance issues, thereby ensuring the environment remains hygienic and welcoming for congregants and visitors alike.

In addition to cleaning duties, about 25% of the job involves assisting with event set-ups and maintenance. This involves preparing spaces before and after events, helping with the setup and breakdown of folding tables and chairs, and coordinating closely with other facilities team members to ensure smooth execution of temple events. The role also requires monitoring critical building systems including mechanical, thermostat, safety, and security systems. Responsiveness to crisis situations, as part of the temple’s Crisis Management Team, is an essential aspect of the position, ensuring preparedness and a coordinated response should emergencies arise.

This position demands physical stamina and mobility, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to remain stationary for extended periods while navigating stairs and using specialized equipment like scissor lifts and ladders. Excellent communication skills are necessary to read and understand safety signage, follow written directions, and interact effectively with team members and leadership. While a high school diploma or GED and two years of relevant experience are preferred, the temple welcomes candidates of diverse backgrounds, including those who may require translation support using tools like Google Translate. Personal protective equipment is provided and used as needed, reflecting the temple’s commitment to workplace safety.

Overall, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the daily operations of a leading spiritual and cultural hub in New England, supporting an inclusive community dedicated to living Jewish values through proactive maintenance, attentive service, and collaborative teamwork.