Custodian (Part-time)

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C. is undergoing a significant renovation of its campus, Base Camp, to be completed in 2026. This renovation includes the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration, featuring a modern pavilion, auditorium, photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive attractions, retail, food and beverage services, an education center, archives, tours, and event spaces, culminating in a unique nighttime courtyard experience. The Campus and Experiences team is responsible for creating exceptional brand experiences and ensuring operational excellence at NGS headquarters. Currently, the team is focused on the Base Camp renovation project, managing construction, content, design, revenue, operations, budget, and schedule. They also manage revenue-generating programs like National Geographic Live and Traveling Exhibitions. The Campus & Experiences Division is seeking a reliable, versatile, and proactive Custodian to support the Custodial Manager and Supervisors. This role is crucial for maintaining a smooth, clean, and safe facility, combining janitorial services with operational support. Key duties include daily and project-based cleaning, seasonal tasks, event setup/teardown, assistance with office moves, and daily porter services. Flexibility, a positive attitude, and a proactive approach to facility upkeep are essential. The role requires a team member who values collaboration and is willing to support colleagues across various projects, embodying the spirit of partnership at National Geographic. This is an essential position, requiring employees to report to work during emergencies. The role demands flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends, holidays, early mornings, or late evenings, to accommodate year-round operations and event schedules. This is a part-time role with three 10-hour shifts per week (30 hours total) on the 2nd Shift (10:30 am - 9:00 pm). Schedules and shifts may vary, and weekend availability is mandatory. Candidates will be asked to provide their exact availability during a screening call.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent preferred
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in custodial, janitorial, or commercial cleaning services is highly desirable.
Proven working experience in a museum, cultural institution, or other high-traffic public-facing organization is highly desirable.
Knowledge of standard cleaning methods, chemicals, materials, and janitorial equipment.
Ability to safely and effectively operate cleaning equipment, including commercial vacuums (backpack style), floor buffers, and carpet shampooers.
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods, in various weather conditions.
Able to take direction, work with minimal supervision, and function cooperatively as part of a team.
Strong attention to detail with a pride in delivering excellent service.
Must be reliable, thorough, observant, organized, flexible, and courteous.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including any day of the week, holidays, and early morning or late evening shifts for special events.
This is a part time role to work (3) ten hour shifts (30 hours/week) for the 2nd Shift (10:30am - 9pm).
Schedule and shifts may vary and weekend availability is required.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

Responsibilities

Performs a wide range of cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, and washing floors and other surfaces inside buildings.
Operates light and heavy commercial-type floor care equipment, such as buffers and shampoo machines.
Vacuums and spot cleans carpets and rugs in offices, exhibits, and public areas.
Cleans and dusts furniture, exhibit cases, pictures, chairs, door trim, light fixtures, and all other horizontal surfaces.
Washes windowsills and interior glass in doors and partitions to maintain a pristine appearance.
Thoroughly cleans and sanitizes all restrooms, including tile walls, shelves, and stall partitions.
Restocks all restroom supplies daily, including soap, paper towels, and toilet paper, ensuring dispensers are full and functional.
Monitors restrooms and public spaces for maintenance issues, such as clogged drains or burned-out lights, and promptly reports them to the supervisor.
Maintains cleanliness of immediate exterior areas, including entrances and walkways, by sweeping debris and removing trash from exterior receptacles.
Performs seasonal duties such as snow and ice removal from sidewalks, steps, and entrances using hand tools and chemical de-icing agents to ensure safe passage for staff and visitors.
Collects and removes building trash, recycling, and compost daily, placing materials in designated containers for removal in accordance with NGS sustainability protocols.
Replaces liners in all waste baskets and trash containers.
Provides logistical support for special events as needed, including setup and breakdown of furniture and equipment.
Maintains a professional and helpful presence in public-facing areas, proactively assisting visitors who may need guidance or assistance.
Works collaboratively with colleagues across departments to ensure seamless operations and a positive visitor experience.
Support various teams as needed, providing cross-trained coverage for breaks, absences, or high volume.
Assist with general museum tasks such as maintaining public spaces, providing basic visitor assistance, and helping with event setup/breakdown.

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year)
10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)
paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
pet adoption assistance and insurance
pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks