Custodian

Full Job Description

Invitation to Compete #01-26: Custodian

Facilities and Capital Improvement Programs

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time position (80 hours per pay period)

Salary range: $27.64 - $33.44 per hour

This position may provide open hours reactive cleaning of neighborhood public branch libraries.

Primary duties involve responding to urgent and emergent cleaning requests during open hours across the library system.

This position may be scheduled to conduct routine cleaning of buildings overnight (various Seattle locations).

Hours will include weekdays, evenings and weekends. This position is scheduled for Friday - Tuesday, 2:00am – 10:30am or 3:00am – 11:30am.

A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Schedules are subject to change based on the Library’s current operational needs.

This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This position is open to the public and the Seattle Public Library’s employees. Candidates are asked to submit an application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on January 17, 2026. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information.

Please note: This recruitment may be used for up to 90 days following the closing date of this posting to fill regular and temporary Custodian vacancies.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.

We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.

The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy.

We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation.

We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement.

We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Custodian position.

Requirements

Primary duties for the Custodian position include cleaning and sanitizing; restocking supplies; vacuuming, shampooing, and spot-cleaning carpeted areas; cleaning, stripping, scrubbing and buffing hard surface floors; dusting; and waste/recycling disposal and collection.

Candidates must be able to work efficiently, both independently and under supervision. Candidates must also be able to communicate effectively with others.

Most of the time this position works independently during closed hours but occasionally works when the public is present during open hours of operation.

Examples of duties include:

Able to check emails at the beginning of the shift to check 360 work orders.

• Cleans restrooms, facilities, public areas, and offices in assigned buildings and building areas.
• Responds to work requests, including, but not limited to: dry or liquid spills, toilet clogs/overflows, flood cleanup, bio-fluid cleanup (blood, vomit, urine, feces, etc.), graffiti, vandalism, cleanup of drug paraphilia, and other day-to-day cleanup as needed in a public setting.
• Disinfects areas as directed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious pathogens.
• Gathers and disposes of trash, recycling, and compost waste.
• Replenishes restroom supplies, washes walls and windows, dusts furniture, polishes metal work.
• Cleans lighting fixtures, windows, windowsills, screens, tops of windows, doors frames, and other areas.
• Sweep outside areas, removes trash, litter, graffiti.
• Spot carpet cleaning and deep cleaning restrooms as assigned
• Pressure washing when assigned
• Covering multiple locations during overnight shift
• Replacing all exterior trash bins, picking up trash, and blowing leaves
• Doing assigned project at branches as well as CEN
• Assisting with event setup
• Maintain supply levels
• Report evidence of damage and vandalism.
• Attend meetings, trainings as required.
• Works collaboratively as part of a team.
• Provides internal and external customer service.
• Supports a safe work environment, the library’s mission, Community Use Agreement, and Internal Organizational Values.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A valid Washington State Driver’s License and must have access to a vehicle for transporting self to and from various branch work locations.

Employees are reimbursed for mileage when driving in their personal vehicles between branches and for other business operations.

(Finalists will be asked to provide a current Washington State Driver’s Abstract.)

A minimum of one (1) year commercial or institutional custodial/janitorial experience in a public facility, which includes cleaning public restrooms, windows, stairs, hard floor surfaces and carpets.

Experience providing internal and external customer service.

Excellent time management, high level of integrity and demonstrated ability to prioritize, plan and schedule own work efficiently.

Ability to work alone with minimal on-site supervision.

Knowledge and an ability to independently perform the essential functions of the job, including lifting heavy objects, use of cleaning chemicals and operating cleaning equipment using all safety measures and precautions.

Knowledge of pathogens as they pertain to work place safety and proper cleaning measures.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions in manuals, on labels, etc., or in other work related materials.
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills and the ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with others in a diverse team environment.
• Ability to lift up to 20-40 lbs. from floor to overhead several times in a work shift. Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Competence with Microsoft applications, especially to read and send email. Ability to review and close out electronic work requests, request supplies, and complete timesheet using computer applications.
• Ability to work overnight (shift differential applies) on weekends and weeknights. Ability to work overtime as needed (for meetings and trainings).
• Able to submit timesheet and do online training
• Able to attend in person training or remote

Additional Information

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on January 17, 2026 to be considered for this position.

1. Complete online application.
2. A current, State-certified, driving abstract (driving record). Abstracts may be obtained at Washington State Department of Licensing offices and should be scanned and included with the online application.

3. A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.
4. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials.

The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions.

If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.

The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $27.64 - $33.44 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Retirement information can be found here: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement

Additional Information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.