Custodian, Citywide - (SY 2025 - 2026)

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is a comprehensive and dynamic educational organization committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports the educational growth and personal development of its diverse student population. As one of the largest school districts in Minnesota, MPS offers a wide variety of programs and services aimed at preparing students to be college-ready and successful in their future careers. The district values diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing these principles to foster a welcoming and supportive community for students, staff, and families alike. MPS is dedicated to maintaining safe, clean, and well-functioning facilities where students can learn and thrive. This commitment to excellence extends to their facility management teams who play a crucial role in upholding the quality and safety standards within all district buildings.

The role of Custodian, Citywide for the 2025-2026 school year, is a key position within the Plant Operations department, specifically the Citywide School Support unit. This is a full-time, year-round position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of 1.0, offering a salary range of $20.49 to $21.86 per hour. The role is unionized under the Janitor/Engineering/Bus/Ice Workers union (Local 26), reflecting the collaborative nature of the custodial workforce within MPS. Scheduled working hours are flexible, with shifts available from 5 AM to 2:30 PM or 1 PM to 9:30 PM, with a shift differential for the PM shift.

The Custodian's duties include maintaining both the interior and exterior of school buildings. Inside, custodians are responsible for tasks such as washing, dusting, cleaning mirrors and fixtures, washing windows, counters, and walls, sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and waxing floors, and cleaning and supplying lavatories. Outside responsibilities include removing litter, mowing, maintaining shrubbery, edging and trimming lawns, and snow and ice removal from walkways and steps as necessary. Custodians also assist in moving furniture, setting up portable staging, and arranging classroom furnishings, which is integral to supporting the dynamic needs of school activities.

The position demands consistent adherence to safety protocols, including proper use of cleaning chemicals, spill cleanup, and hazard reporting. Attention to detail and a proactive approach to safety and security, including responding to emergencies and assisting with safety drills, are essential. Custodians also provide customer service by assisting co-workers, students, and visitors when needed. Training and development opportunities are offered through attendance at seminars and training sessions managed by the department.

Physical demands of the Custodian role include tasks performed indoors and outdoors at various MPS facilities. The job requires constant physical effort and may expose employees to safety hazards and heavy equipment. It demands the ability to perform physically intensive activities such as walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, climbing ladders, and lifting or moving items weighing up to 60 pounds. Employment is contingent upon a medical examination and successful completion of a criminal background check, reflecting MPS's commitment to the safety of its school community.

MPS emphasizes diversity as a core value, striving to create an equitable and inclusive workplace. They strongly encourage candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply, fostering a workforce that mirrors their student population and community. This Custodian position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute directly to the learning environment by ensuring that Minnesota's largest urban school district remains a clean, safe, and welcoming place for students and staff.