Custodian - Oregon Zoo

Oregon Metro•Oregon Zoo, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Zoo Guest Services division is seeking a Custodian to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities for guests and staff. This hands-on role includes custodial, grounds, and light maintenance work across a large, high-traffic public venue with indoor and outdoor environments. Custodians work as part of a self-directed team, interact regularly with the public, assist with guest service needs, and support daily operations, special events, and emergencies. The position performs general custodial services across zoo grounds, buildings, exhibits, offices, and public spaces during AM and PM shifts. Duties include routine and deep cleaning, waste and recycling transport, light maintenance, event setup, equipment and supply upkeep, and helping visitors. The role also involves following safety, animal care, and customer service guidelines, responding to emergencies, opening and closing buildings, securing doors and windows, and assisting with snow removal as required. The position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LIUNA 483. The full hourly pay range is $21.86 to $26.56; appointment will likely be between $21.86 and $24.09, subject to qualifications and Metro’s pay equity review.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and two years of experience in custodial work, customer service work, and problem solving that indicate the ability to perform duties as part of a self-directed team with minimal direct supervision; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment such as garbage trucks, forklifts, lifts, and pressure washers.
Strong customer service and communication skills, with a professional and courteous demeanor.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and following established procedures.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
Willingness to assist the public, coworkers, and other departments as needed.
Reliability, punctuality, a strong work ethic, and ability to contribute to a positive and respectful team environment.
Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods; frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work with frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles; occasional exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, electricity, and outdoor weather conditions; duties may require prolonged strenuous effort in hazardous, enclosed, elevated, or inclement environments.

Nice To Haves

Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) certification or experience operating personnel lifts, scissor lifts, or boom lifts.
Forklift operator certification or demonstrated experience safely operating forklifts and material-handling equipment.
Working knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safe handling, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals.
Experience performing custodial work in large, high-traffic public venues such as zoos, parks, stadiums, museums, airports, or campuses.
Experience with floor care programs, including stripping, waxing, burnishing, and use of auto-scrubbers.
Familiarity with bloodborne pathogen protocols and biological contaminant cleanup procedures.
Experience operating utility vehicles and light trucks, including garbage trucks, mini dumps, or similar equipment.
Knowledge of recycling, composting, and waste-diversion best practices, particularly in public-facing environments.
Ability to read and follow written work orders, SOPs, and safety procedures with attention to detail.
Understanding of workplace safety and reporting expectations.

Responsibilities

Perform general custodial services across zoo grounds, buildings, exhibits, offices, and public spaces during AM and PM shifts.
Sweep, mop, strip, wax, and polish floors; clean carpets; dust and polish furniture; and wash windows, woodwork, restrooms, and fixtures.
Collect and transport trash and recyclable materials from public areas, animal holding areas, and offices using zoo vehicles and waste containers.
Operate custodial, maintenance, and grounds equipment, including forklifts, tractors, personnel lifts, pressure washers, industrial fans, ladders, painting equipment, hand tools, radios, and computers.
Perform light maintenance, including replacing light bulbs, removing graffiti, restocking restroom supplies, unclogging sinks and toilets, moving furniture, preparing rooms for meetings, and assisting with event setup.
Conduct deep cleaning, including floor stripping and recoating, pressure washing, touch-up painting, cleaning under waste containers, and transferring recycled materials to holding areas.
Assist visitors by answering questions, providing directions, and supporting situations involving lost children, minor first aid, or security concerns.
Follow safety, animal care, and customer service guidelines while working during zoo operations and public hours.
Maintain cleaning equipment and supplies, including ordering materials and ensuring tools are in safe working condition.
Respond to emergencies and perform other assigned duties, including opening and closing buildings, checking and locking doors and windows, and assisting with snow removal as required.