Custodian Series

​California State Personnel Board Specification

 ​

Salary Information

Description

This classification series describes four classifications for professional cleaning of offices, buildings, correctional facilities, hospitals, and other facilities. Incumbents in this classification series at departments with inmates or mental health patients must be willing to work in a correctional facility environment, comply with safety and security procedures, and interact with staff, patients, inmates or youth offenders from a wide range of cultural backgrounds in a professional manner. Incumbents at these facilities are expected to have and maintain sufficient amount of strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations without compromising their health and well-being or the well-being of their fellow employees, patients, inmates or youth offenders.

Custodian I

Under supervision, incumbents perform custodial services in keeping an office, building, area, correctional facility, residential facility, or medical facility clean and orderly; may instruct, lead, or provide instruction to inmates, youth offenders, or institutional residents who are assigned to assist with custodial services; sweep, scrub, mop and wax floors; vacuum rugs and carpets; clean, dust, and polish cabinets, furniture, and woodwork; empty and clean waste receptacles; clean stairways, escalators, elevators, hallways, restrooms, offices, lobbies, patient rooms, exam rooms, resident rooms, and emergency rooms; clean ceilings, walls, windows, window shades, and light fixtures; assist in moving and arranging furniture and equipment as required; polish metal work; turn out lights and lock doors and windows; refill lavatory and housekeeping supplies; make beds and care for linens; replace light globes and tubes; operate scrubbers, buffers, waxers, and other equipment and machinery; operate a freight or passenger elevator. In smaller, outlying offices and buildings, as incidental assignments, washes windows, washes automotive equipment, and maintains ornamental plantings in and around buildings and parking areas; and maintains parking areas, and cleans sidewalks.

Custodian II

Under direction, incumbents work with, lead and instruct Custodians, inmates, youth offenders, or institutional residents engaged in keeping an office, building, area, correctional facility, residential facility, or medical facility clean and orderly; lead the work of a small work crew; assist with the evaluation of the performance of employees; request, receive, inspect, store, and inventory supplies; receive complaints from building occupants and make or recommend necessary adjustments; keep records and prepare reports; and assist Custodian Supervisors in training lower-level staff.

A limited number of positions will be allocated to this level for incumbents working in a military base setting who perform custodial services, as well as, store, safeguard, and keep records of State property; maintain buildings and grounds; make simple repairs required in the upkeep of buildings such as replacing windows, light switches and electrical outlets, painting, and repairing faulty plumbing; use high ladders and scaffolding as necessary; and use hand and power tools.

Custodian Supervisor I

Under direction, incumbents direct, plan, organize, supervise, and assist with the cleaning and custodial work of Custodians, inmates, youth offenders, or institutional residents; evaluate their performance; supervise the operation of custodial machinery and equipment; perform inspections and maintain custodial practices and standards of safety and sanitation; train new employees; keep records and prepare reports; and may act on behalf of the Custodian Supervisor II in his/her absence.

Custodian Supervisor II

Under direction, incumbents plan, organize, direct, and supervise the cleaning and custodial services of lower level employees; assist in developing training programs; protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; may instruct, lead, or supervise inmates, youth offenders, or institutional residents; assign work, supervise, and give instruction and training to custodial employees, inmates, youth offenders or institutional residents; evaluate performance, and take or recommend appropriate action; supervise the operation of custodial machinery and equipment; perform inspections and maintain custodial practices and standards of safety and sanitation; request, receive, inspect, store, and inventory supplies; receive complaints from building occupants and make or recommend necessary adjustments; keep records and prepare reports.

Minimum Qualifications 

Custodian I

Six months of professional cleaning experience. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent can be substituted for the required experience.

Custodian II

Either I

Six months of experience in California state service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Custodian I; or

II

One year of professional cleaning experience. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent can be substituted for six months of the required experience.

Custodian Supervisor I

Either I

One year in California state service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Custodian II; or

II

18 months in California state service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Custodian I; or

III

Two years of professional cleaning experience, with at least one year leading, directing, and giving instruction and training to custodians, inmates, youth offenders, or institutional residents engaged in cleaning services. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent can be substituted for six months of the required non-lead experience.

Custodian Supervisor II

Either I

Two years in the California state service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Custodian Supervisor I; or

II

Four years of professional cleaning experience, with at least two years supervising, directing, and giving instruction and training to custodians, inmates, youth offenders, or institutional residents, engaged in cleaning services. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent can be substituted for six months of the required non-supervisory experience.

Knowledge and Abilities

Custodian I

Knowledge of: Materials, chemicals, disinfectants, equipment, and methods used in professional cleaning work; sanitation and safety measures in the operating, cleaning and care of equipment and work areas; and safety practices.

Ability to: Safely use and care for equipment and supplies; safely use manual and/or electric cleaning equipment; keep accurate inventories; follow directions; learn and perform routine custodial tasks; work courteously and cooperatively with others; safely lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; identify and resolve complex issues as it relates to custodial functions; utilize acceptable work habits and meet established standards; and communicate effectively.

Ability to, in departments with inmates or mental health patients: All of the above, and maintain order and supervise the conduct of persons committed; prevent escapes and injury of these persons, to themselves, to others, and to property; maintain security of work areas and work materials.

Custodian II

Knowledge of: All of the above and training techniques; procurement documents for cleaning supplies; and personal computer hardware and/or software products.

Ability to: All of the above, including the specific requirements within departments with inmates or mental health patients, and promote positive, collaborative, and professional working relationships; facilitate meetings to provide information and determine action needed; plan, organize and/or manage multiple tasks; and work independently or as a team member.

Ability to, while working in a military base setting: Make various minor building repairs; work from ladders, scaffolds, and in high places; write clear and concise reports; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; keep records of State property.

Custodian Supervisor I/Custodian Supervisor II

Knowledge of: all of the above, and principles of effective supervision; training methods; use of purchase orders for cleaning supplies and equipment; supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment which is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to: all of the above, including the specific requirements within departments with inmates or mental health patients, and plan, organize, and direct the work of others; conduct in-service training programs; keep inventories and make requisitions; analyze situations accurately and implement an effective course of action; and effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Some positions in these classifications may be eligible for safety retirement in accordance with Government Code section 19816.20.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications

Willing to work evenings, weekends, and overtime.

All employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

Class History