Custodial Operations Lead

Oregon Metro•Oregon Zoo, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Metro is seeking a Custodial Operations Lead for the Oregon Zoo Guest Services Division. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing day-to-day custodial operations across a large, active, public campus. The ideal candidate will take pride in maintaining clean, safe, and well-run facilities, setting high standards while supporting staff, guests, contractors, and partner departments.

Requirements

Five years of custodial or warehouse experience, AND Two years’ experience leading and directing employees or similar higher-level responsibilities, such as organization, record keeping, facilitating projects and overseeing employees; OR Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities
Valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured by Metro’s insurance carrier
Must obtain within 60 days of starting work: Blood Borne Pathogen Training, Emergency and Safety Procedures Training, HAZMAT Awareness Level Training, Forklift Certification

Nice To Haves

Majority of experience leading custodial operations in a large public venue
Experience assigning work with an equity perspective, conducting quality inspections, and documenting follow-up.
Experience training staff on custodial equipment, chemicals, PPE, safety procedures, restroom sanitation, floor care, pressure washing, or biohazard response.
Experience using email, spreadsheets, scheduling systems, inventory tools & programs, work-tracking tools, or other computer-based records.
Experience operating or coordinating the use of scrubbers, extractors, polishers, pressure washers, lifts, forklifts, waste equipment, utility vehicles, or similar equipment.
Experience working in a union environment and applying work standards consistently and fairly.
Experience planning or leading projects that require coordination across shifts, departments, contractors, or public-facing operations.
Ability to work early mornings, days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, events, overtime, and alternate shifts as operational needs require.
Ability to work fully onsite at the Oregon Zoo.

Responsibilities

Lead, assign, prioritize, and monitor daily custodial work across assigned shifts to ensure work is completed safely, thoroughly, and to Zoo standards.
Adjust staffing and assignments for breaks, absences, call-outs, events, emergencies, changing priorities, and operational needs.
Conduct shift audits and quality-control checks of restrooms, public areas, waste areas, equipment, supplies, storage areas, and assigned zones.
Train and coach staff on cleaning procedures, equipment, chemicals, personal protective equipment, safety standards, Zoo expectations, and standard operating procedures.
Provide direct, respectful corrective guidance when work does not meet standards, and communicate performance, attendance, conduct, safety, and follow-through concerns to the Custodial Manager.
Own and drive campus custodial projects, including project planning, staff direction, safety review, quality checks, progress tracking, and biweekly updates to the manager.
Build, refine, and update checklists, standard operating procedures, shift expectations, training tools, and procedure manuals to improve consistency and accountability.
Inspect, organize, and maintain equipment, vehicles, tools, supplies, chemicals, personal protective equipment, and storage areas; remove unsafe equipment from service and coordinate repairs or replacement needs.
Coordinate with Security, Maintenance, Events, Living Collections, Admissions, contractors, vendors, public officials, volunteers, and other departments to maintain safe, effective operations.
Perform Custodian-level duties when needed, including restroom cleaning, waste removal, floor care, pressure washing, deep cleaning, light maintenance, event support, and vehicle or equipment operation.