Janitor

Full Job Description

Invitation to Compete #16-26: Janitor

Custodial Services, Central Library, 1000 4^th Ave, Seattle

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

Salary range: $26.45- $32.08 per hour

A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Hours may include weekdays, weekends and evenings. The anticipated shift for this position is 12 pm – 8:30 pm.

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 recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees and will remain open until filled. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Candidates are asked to submit their application materials in NEOGOV by 5:00pm on March 30, 2026 for first consideration.

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

Requirements

The Janitor’s primary duties include cleaning and sanitizing; restocking supplies; vacuuming, shampooing and spot-cleaning carpeted areas; cleaning, stripping, scrubbing and buffing hard surface floors; dusting; and collecting and the disposal of trash, recycling and compost waste.

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

• Respond immediately to work requests, including, but not limited to: dry or liquid spills, toilet clogs/overflows, flood clean up, bio-fluid clean up (blood, vomit, urine, feces, etc.), graffiti removal, vandalism, cleanup of drug paraphilia (such as used needles), and other daily clean up in a public setting.
• Clean high-touch areas including ADA buttons, doors, railings, handles, switches, etc.
• Sanitize and disinfect areas for pathogen control.
• Clean restrooms, facilities, public areas and offices in assigned buildings.
• Safely dispose of trash, recycling and compost waste.
• Replenish restroom supplies.
• Wash walls and windows, dust furniture, polish metal work.
• Clean lighting fixtures, windows, windowsills, screens, tops of windows, doors frames and other areas.
• Sweep areas and remove trash outside of Library buildings.
• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies.
• Report safety hazards and evidence of damage and vandalism to supervisor.
• Cleaning Graffiti interior and exterior.
• Pressure washing when assigned
• Sweeping stairs once a day on your shift
• Assist with setting up rooms for events and with moving furniture or other objects on an occasional basis.
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Provide customer service to library patrons and other staff.
• Support a safe work environment, the library’s mission, Community Use Agreement and Internal Organizational Values
• Assisting with event setup.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Knowledge of the safe use of hazardous cleaning chemicals in a workplace and experience using Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Knowledge of bloodborne, airborne and other pathogens as they pertain to workplace safety and proper cleaning measures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as needed.
• Basic customer service skills.
• Basic verbal and written communication skills in English.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Required to stand, walk, push, reach, pull, twist, squat and bend for extended periods of time.
• Frequently required to lift objects weighing 30 pounds or less, from ground level to overhead.
• Required to handle or work with toxic/hazardous substances.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment as directed, including masks, gloves and goggles.
• Required to work outdoors in most types of weather.
• Required to work near library patrons, including vulnerable populations.
• May be required to work overnight (a shift differential would apply).
• Going outside and sweeping and picking up trash in all weather conditions.

Desired Qualifications

Additional Information

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit an online application in NEOGOV by 5:00pm on March 30, 2026 for first consideration. This recruitment will be open until the position is filled.

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 $26.45 - $32.08 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

Information about retirement plans can be found at: 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.