Custodian RW-5

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is a dynamic and progressive public school system serving approximately 50,000 students across 118 schools within the nation’s capital. With a dedicated workforce of around 4,000 educators and staff, DCPS is committed to delivering high-quality education and comprehensive reform efforts to establish itself as the preeminent urban school district in America. The system values excellence, equity, teamwork, and joy in its mission, striving to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed in a supportive and inclusive environment. DCPS emphasizes a strong partnership among students, parents, principals, teachers, and central services, fostering a collaborative community dedicated to student achievement and staff fulfillment. The district’s vision involves building the highest-performing and most honored workforce, offering competitive salaries, and creating a workplace culture that respects and elevates every individual’s contributions and well-being.

The Custodian RW-5 position at DCPS plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, safe, and sanitary environment within one of the system’s schools during the 2025-2026 school year. This role entails performing diverse custodial and general maintenance tasks that ensure the school is always presentable and operational, aligning with DCPS’s values of students first and excellence. Custodians at this level are entrusted with Level I maintenance responsibilities including minor electrical, painting, and carpentry repairs. This safety-sensitive role requires the individual to be on a 24-hour duty schedule to open and close the school securely, liaise with security personnel, set security alarms, and verify the building's safety before locking up.

Beyond routine cleaning and maintenance, the Custodian RW-5 also undertakes essential ground maintenance activities such as leaf removal, snow clearance, and application of ice-melting agents during winter months, safeguarding all walkways and entrances. The role demands vigilance in ensuring all areas of the building and grounds are clean and free from hazards, delays, or signs of vandalism. The Custodian is expected to manage daily cleaning routines across classrooms, offices, restrooms, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, and cafeterias, employing various cleaning equipment and solutions safely and efficiently.

In addition to technical skills, this position requires a strong physical ability to handle heavy objects, extensive standing, climbing ladders, and the use of power and hand tools for light maintenance tasks. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, preferably with some work experience, and a willingness to follow both written and oral instructions accurately. Computer literacy, knowledge of custodial equipment, and previous exposure to educational settings are plus points.

DCPS fosters values including courage, equity, teamwork, and joy, underlining an inclusive approach that encourages diversity and accessibility within its workforce. Those joining the district in this custodial role will find a supportive environment focused on professional development, employee satisfaction, and safe working conditions. Salaries for this position range from $17.95 to $24.55 per hour, reflecting the district’s commitment to fair compensation for critical support roles that directly impact student experience and facility management. This employment opportunity is not only about maintaining buildings but ensuring that all students and staff have a clean, safe, and welcoming space conducive to educational success.