Building Custodian, Cambridge Public Library (Cambridge)

ABOUT THE LIBRARY: At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches — Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente — the Library operates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains order and basic cleanliness of the Main Library and branch libraries. This includes but is not limited to sweeping, mopping, washing and buffing floors; vacuuming carpets, dusting, and cleaning furniture, shelves, walls, doors, and equipment; collecting and disposing of building trash; cleaning rest rooms and replenishing restroom supplies; washing glass areas including windows, changing light bulbs.
• Operates cleaning equipment and uses hand tools and power tools in the performance of these tasks.
• Checks buildings for safety, security, cleanliness, and fire hazards; determines and reports the need for service and/or repair to the Head Custodian/Facilities Manager.
• Sets up and takes down or re-arranges furniture/equipment for meetings, programs, and events.
• Accepts deliveries and distributes received items to appropriate area of the Library.
• Maintains order and cleanliness of storage areas.
• Returns supplies, equipment, and tools to their designated places after each use.
• Shovels snow, sands/salts around building grounds, and clears catch basins.
• Loads and unloads library materials, supplies, and equipment; loads and unloads van; transports items by hand or cart inside buildings and between buildings; transports staff in van as needed.
• Work may include light maintenance and repair including but not limited to painting.
• Regularly communicates with and provides outstanding service to Library employees, vendors, outside building maintenance services staff, and the general public.
• Communicates via email, radio, and phone in a timely and positive way.
• Performs job tasks in accordance with City and Library safety procedures.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED required. CORI required. Valid driver’s license required. Any acceptable education and experience providing knowledge, abilities, and duties cited.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to learn, use and care for the Library’s custodial and maintenance equipment, materials, repair tools, computer, office equipment and vehicle. Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in providing custodial services, and of the safety procedures and practices followed in performing custodial work. Knowledge of the procedures followed in ordering, storing, and accounting for building custodial and maintenance supplies and equipment. Ability and willingness to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions in English and to follow through on numerous details in an orderly and systematic fashion. Ability to work under minimum supervision. Ability to interact with staff and patrons. Ability to follow emergency procedures to provide security for the libraries, patrons, and staff. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow staff members and supervisors, vendors, City personnel, and other service providers. Ability to work effectively as a team member. Ability to maintain good work habits. Ability to lift 25 pounds over head.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in building maintenance and custodial services preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Agility and stamina are needed to lift and move library books and other materials, move furniture, and operate equipment. Requires the ability to do repetitive lifting from 15 to in excess of 150 pounds and ability to lift 25 pounds over head. Requires the ability to perform proper bending, squatting, stretching, pushing, climbing, dragging, and pulling. Duties range from light physical to heavy tasks. Work includes exposure to chemicals and vapours, debris and dust, and other uncomfortable conditions. Requires the ability to travel among various library sites and City locations. Required to adhere to all safety rules and regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Exposure to all weather conditions. Moderate to high noise level environment. Occasional odour may occur during the course of work.