First Opportunity Program: Event Custodian (event driven)

Oregon Metro•Oregon Convention Center, OR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a First Opportunity recruitment, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and Portland Expo Center are looking for a dependable and energetic Event Setup and Custodial Worker to join our team. In this hands-on role, you’ll help keep our venues clean, organized, and ready to host a wide range of events—from national conventions and trade shows to local meetings and community gatherings. In this position, you will work at both the Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Expo Center. Hours will vary from week to week based on event volume. If you enjoy physical work, take pride in creating clean and welcoming spaces, and want to be part of a team that keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, we’d love to have you join us.

Requirements

Knowledge of custodial and sanitation practices, including the safe handling of cleaning chemicals, proper use of equipment, and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in public and employee areas.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including lifting and moving heavy objects, standing and walking on concrete floors for extended periods, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, and frequent reaching.
Strong attention to detail and effective time-management skills to ensure assigned areas are clean, organized, and ready for use within established timelines.
Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to assist guests professionally and courteously by providing event information and facility directions.
Commitment to workplace safety and adherence to Metro's safety policies, practices, and procedures.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, guests, and members of the public.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, event-driven environment, while remaining flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and assignments.
Ability to remain focused, productive, and detail-oriented while working under time constraints in public-facing environments.
Ability to safely operate motorized custodial equipment in accordance with manufacturer operating instructions, including vacuums, carpet extractors, pressure washers, wet vacuums, and floor buffer.
High school diploma or GED and One year of experience in a facility cleaning or janitorial work; or Any combination of education and experience which would provide the candidate with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.
Possession of or the ability to obtain a forklift operator, and CPR certificate.
Be able to successfully complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work a variety of shifts to meet business needs and maintain dependable attendance.
Experience in a public venue or a multi-purpose event facility.
Be able to learn the facilities layout.

Responsibilities

Maintain a welcoming clean environment by performing essential custodial duties, including emptying trash containers; cleaning tables and seating areas; sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, window cleaning, dusting, and occasional carpet and fabric care.
Help create a positive guest experience by ensuring restrooms are clean, fully stocked, and ready for use, including replenishing paper towels, tissue, and soap supplies.
Serve as a helpful resource for guests and visitors by providing accurate information regarding events, facility services, and directions.
Utilize a two-way radio to respond to active event requests and operational needs.
Use an iPad and Microsoft Teams to communicate with staff, access event maps and schematic drawings, and manage work-related email.
Monitor event spaces with public present during event hours to maintain cleanliness, restock supplies, empty trash containers, and ensure water service stations remain stocked and presentable.
Keep employee breakrooms and locker rooms clean, sanitary, and organized, including mopping floors, washing dishes, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
Maintain clean and organized loading docks and service corridors.
Duties may include sorting and organizing recyclable materials, operating a tilter machine to empty recycling containers into larger compactors, and compacting cardboard using a baler.
Provide occasional assistance with event setup and teardown, including the placement and removal of tables and chairs for conventions, meetings, and other OCC & EXPO events.
Maintain a professional appearance and clean uniform throughout each shift while performing assigned duties.
Demonstrate flexibility and reliability by maintaining regular attendance, adapting to changing operational needs, and consistently following safe work practices.