Custodian (General Interest)

Obama Foundation•Chicago, IL

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Custodian executes routine and specialized cleaning plans for the Obama Presidential Center facility and surrounding campus to support the safety and well-being of guests and staff. The role is assigned a designated coverage area, though assignments may change according to campus needs and shift requirements. Custodians wear a uniform provided by the Obama Presidential Center and report directly to a Custodial Team Lead, who provides day-to-day support. The role maintains cleanliness and sanitation in public and staff spaces, including exhibits, classrooms, programming rooms, performance spaces, presidential rooms, restrooms, and other facilities. The Custodian follows APPA Level 1 cleanliness standards, sanitation practices, OSHA requirements, and the Center’s sustainability guidelines. The position also supports special events, responds to urgent cleaning needs, replenishes supplies, and uses digital work order and asset management systems to track assignments, inventory, and equipment. This is an in-person role based at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, with work potentially assigned at other Obama Foundation locations in Chicago. The position requires flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, in indoor and outdoor environments. The stated pay rate is $20.50 per hour.

Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, address problems appropriately, and elevate issues to team leads as needed.
Experience or interest in facility maintenance, particularly at a cultural institution, university, or hotel.
Commitment to the Obama Presidential Center mission and to an inclusive environment.
Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, and across indoor and outdoor campus environments.
Ability to work at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in Chicago.

Responsibilities

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in Obama Presidential Center public spaces.
Protect and maintain grounds and surfaces in the assigned campus area, including floors, counters, walls, and high-touch surfaces.
Use the work order system to follow cleaning schedules, receive urgent task alerts, manage inventory and equipment status, and document work.
Respond promptly to custodial emergencies, such as spills, to minimize disruption to museum operations and visitor experiences.
Follow safe-work procedures and OSHA standards while interacting professionally with staff and visitors.
Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Center guests.
Sanitize assigned public and staff spaces, including museum exhibits, classrooms, programming rooms, performance spaces, and presidential rooms, in accordance with APPA Level 1 standards, sanitation practices, and sustainability practices.
Clean and maintain restrooms and other facilities, restock supplies, and dispose of waste promptly according to sustainability guidelines.
Assist with setup and breakdown of special events and complete related custodial and sanitation duties.
Inspect custodial equipment routinely and report damage or malfunctions to supervisors.
Participate in ongoing training and certification programs covering cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and sustainability practices.
Use digital work order and asset management systems to manage tasks, track inventory, and complete assignments efficiently and on time.
Replace or replenish supplies in public spaces, including restrooms and refuse receptacles.