About West Ada School District – A Community Dedicated to Student Success
West Ada School District (WASD) stands as one of the fastest‑growing and most innovative public‑education systems in Idaho. Serving more than 30,000 students across a diverse range of elementary, middle, and secondary schools, WASD prides itself on fostering an environment where academic excellence, safety, and community engagement thrive together. Our campuses are vibrant hubs where teachers inspire, students explore, and staff members—including custodial professionals—play a critical role in maintaining a clean, healthy, and welcoming atmosphere. As a district that values sustainability, technology integration, and continuous improvement, we are seeking a seasoned Head Custodian to lead our secondary‑school facilities team and ensure that every hallway, laboratory, gymnasium, and outdoor space reflects the high standards of our educational mission.
Why This Role Matters – The Heartbeat of a Safe Learning Environment
Cleanliness and facility upkeep are more than just aesthetic concerns; they directly impact student health, staff productivity, and overall community confidence. The Head Custodian will act as the strategic linchpin for all custodial operations within our secondary schools, overseeing a talented crew of night supervisors, custodians, and grounds‑keeping staff. By combining hands‑on expertise with strong supervisory acumen, you will safeguard the well‑being of thousands of students, support teachers’ instructional goals, and uphold the district’s reputation for operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Own and Achieve
- Leadership & Supervision: Directly supervise night‑shift supervisors and custodial staff, providing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Scheduling & Planning: Create and adjust weekly cleaning and maintenance schedules, ensuring coverage aligns with school calendars, special events, and emergency needs.
- Facility Inspection & Quality Assurance: Conduct routine walkthroughs of classrooms, labs, gymnasiums, cafeterias, and common areas to verify compliance with cleanliness standards and promptly address deficiencies.
- Work Order Management: Generate, prioritize, and track work orders for repairs, preventive maintenance, and capital projects, collaborating closely with the Custodial Supervisor and school principals.
- Inventory Control: Monitor supply levels of cleaning chemicals, paper products, and equipment; place orders and manage storage to prevent shortages or excess.
- Grounds Maintenance: Oversee outdoor upkeep, including lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, and sidewalk cleaning, ensuring safe and attractive campus perimeter.
- Safety & Compliance: Enforce district safety policies, proper chemical handling procedures, and OSHA guidelines; lead safety drills and maintain up‑to‑date documentation.
- Equipment Stewardship: Perform routine maintenance on powered cleaning machinery (e.g., floor strippers, buffers, shampooers) and grounds‑keeping tools, troubleshooting minor repairs and coordinating service contracts as needed.
- Special Event Support: Plan and execute setup/teardown logistics for school assemblies, performances, sports events, and community gatherings, ensuring all spaces are pristine before and after use.
- Emergency Response: Remain on call after regular hours to address urgent situations such as spills, flooding, or security incidents, coordinating with facilities management and district leadership.
Essential Qualifications – The Foundations of Success
- Education: High school diploma or GED; additional certifications in facilities management, custodial supervision, or safety (e.g., OSHA 10‑Hour) are a plus.
- Experience: Minimum of two years of custodial experience within a K‑12 secondary school environment; prior supervisory experience preferred.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with cleaning chemicals, floor‑care systems (strip, wax, shampoo), HVAC basics, and grounds‑keeping equipment such as mowers, edgers, and irrigation controllers.
- Communication Skills: Ability to read, write, and comprehend English at an eighth‑grade level; strong verbal communication for directing staff and interacting with teachers, administrators, and the public.
- Physical Capability: Ability to lift and carry up to 70 lb, stand for extended periods, climb ladders, and work in varying weather conditions; visual and auditory acuity sufficient to follow safety instructions and detect cleanliness issues.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets Outstanding Candidates Apart
- Associate’s degree or coursework in facilities management, environmental health, or a related field.
- Certification from the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) or similar professional body.
- Experience managing larger teams (5‑10+ staff) and coordinating multi‑site custodial operations.
- Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for work‑order tracking.
- Demonstrated commitment to sustainability initiatives, such as green cleaning practices or waste‑reduction programs.
Core Skills & Competencies – The Personal Attributes That Drive Excellence
- Leadership Presence: Inspires confidence, sets clear expectations, and cultivates a collaborative culture among diverse staff members.
- Problem‑Solving Mindset: Quickly diagnoses cleaning or maintenance challenges, devises effective solutions, and implements corrective actions.
- Organizational Acumen: Manages multiple priorities, maintains accurate records, and ensures timely completion of scheduled tasks.
- Customer‑Service Orientation: Treats students, faculty, and visitors with respect, responding to service requests with professionalism and courtesy.
- Attention to Detail: Detects subtle cleanliness issues, ensures proper chemical dilution, and verifies that safety signage is correctly placed.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic school environment, adjusting schedules around holidays, exams, and unexpected emergencies.
Career Growth & Professional Development – A Pathway to Leadership
West Ada School District invests heavily in the career advancement of its staff. As Head Custodian, you will have access to:
- Annual professional‑development budgets for certifications, workshops, and conferences related to facilities management.
- Mentorship programs linking you with senior district leaders and seasoned facility managers.
- Opportunities to lead district‑wide initiatives, such as green‑cleaning campaigns, energy‑efficiency projects, or technology upgrades to the CMMS platform.
- A clear promotion ladder that can lead to roles such as Facilities Operations Manager, District Facilities Director, or specialized positions in environmental health and safety.
Compensation, Perks, & Benefits – More Than a Competitive Salary
While salary is set to reflect market standards for secondary‑school custodial leadership, the total rewards package includes:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with employer contributions.
- Retirement savings options, including a 403(b) plan with matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, sick leave, and holidays aligned with the academic calendar.
- Employee assistance programs offering counseling, financial planning, and wellness resources.
- Tuition assistance for further education, supporting your long‑term career aspirations.
- Access to district‑wide facilities like gyms, recreation centers, and staff events, fostering a sense of community.
Work Environment & Culture – Join a Team That Values Everyone
At West Ada, you’ll work in modern secondary‑school facilities equipped with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The district emphasizes:
- Safety First: Rigorous safety protocols, regular training, and a culture where every employee feels responsible for a secure environment.
- Collaboration: Open lines of communication with principals, teachers, and the central facilities office to align cleaning schedules with instructional needs.
- Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to hiring a workforce that reflects the community’s diversity and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all voices are heard.
- Innovation: Adoption of eco‑friendly cleaning agents, smart‑metering for energy consumption, and data‑driven maintenance planning.
Application Process – Take the First Step Toward a Rewarding Career
If you are motivated by the prospect of leading a dedicated custodial team, ensuring immaculate learning spaces, and contributing to the overall success of West Ada’s students, we encourage you to apply today. Submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and three professional references. Our selection committee will review applications on a rolling basis, with interviews scheduled promptly for qualified candidates.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join West Ada School District as our Head Custodian and become an integral part of a community that values education, safety, and excellence. Your expertise will shape the daily experiences of thousands of students and staff, leaving a lasting legacy of cleanliness, professionalism, and pride. Apply now and embark on a career where your leadership truly matters.
Apply Now