Custodian

National Geographic Society • Washington, DC

29d • Onsite

About The Position

The Campus and Experiences division at the National Geographic Society is seeking a reliable, versatile, and proactive Custodian to support the Custodial Manager and Custodial Supervisor(s). This role is crucial for ensuring the facility operates smoothly, cleanly, and safely, combining expert janitorial services with essential operational support. Key responsibilities include daily and routine cleaning, seasonal duties, event setup/teardown, assistance with office relocations, and daily porter services. The ideal candidate will be flexible, have a can-do attitude, and a proactive approach to facility upkeep, valuing collaboration and a willingness to support colleagues across different projects. This position is considered essential and requires flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays, to support year-round operations and event schedules.

Requirements

• 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.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED