Job Description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

09-29-2026

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

Under the supervision of an Assistant Manager in Custodial Services, the Custodial Specialist Leadman is responsible for the day-to-day direction and coordination of all activities for the custodial Specialist and custodial personnel assigned to them. This work involves specialized cleaning, maintenance, and repair work to schools and other building facilities. An employee in this class works independently performing skilled cleaning of gymnasium hardwood floors; synthetic floors; and resilient floors of all types, including various types of tile; and the cleaning and repair of carpet, as assigned. Work is evaluated through inspection upon completion of assignments. Additionally, this role will conduct and oversee the function of high dusting. This position is designated as an "emergency employee" under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.

Education:

• High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here.

Experience:

• Three years of experience as a custodian and two years of experience as a lead custodian.

Required Licenses and Certificates:

• Valid driver's license and two or less points on your driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years of experience as a custodian and three years of experience as a lead custodian

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Conducting and overseeing work in the following areas: specialized cleaning, maintenance, and repair work to schools and other building facilities, cleaning of gymnasium hardwood floors; synthetic floors; and resilient floors of all types, including various types of tile; and the cleaning and repair of carpet as well as high dusting.
• Ordering materials and supplies
• Planning out the week for addressing work orders and strategically deploying staff
• Training, administrative duties (closing out work orders, meetings with team/supervisor)
• Operates heavy equipment and machinery
• Requires extensive crawling, stooping, pushing, climbing, bending and lifting
• Must be available for emergency calls
• Ability to communicate effective in writing and orally
• Ability to hear the normally spoken word at 25 feet
• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs
• Ability to pick up and carry 65 pounds
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time

Employee Safety

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Working knowledge of cleaning materials and equipment
• Working knowledge of methods and procedures for rug cleaning, gymnasium floor maintenance, floor stripping and waxing
• Working knowledge of specialized treatment and maintenance of gymnasium floor and resilient floors
• Proficiency in rug cleaning, floor stripping, gymnasium floor maintenance and waxing and buffing floors
• Skilled in the operation of all cleaning equipment, including high-speed machines and power sprayers
• Ability to operate high-pressure graffiti washer
• Working knowledge of spotting and cleaning small areas of carpet
• Ability to tape and repaint lines on gymnasium floors
• Working knowledge to mix chemicals
• Ability to communicate effective in writing and orally
• Ability to hear the normally spoken word at 25 feet
• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to pick up and carry 65 pounds
• Ability to operate cleaning and grass-cutting machines
• Willingness to attend and participate in training sessions
• Ability to learn and practice acceptable cleaning methods
• Knowledge of computers to include Word, ASRIS, and Staff Hub
• Demonstrated customer-service orientation
• Willingness to acquire skills in the operation of cleaning and grass-cutting machines used in the assigned facility
• Strong human relations skills with students, administrators, co-workers, parents and the community
• Ability to read maps to locate schools and facilities belonging to the Department of Education.
• Ability to drive an HCPSS vehicle with trailer attached

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Physical Requirements

• Requires extensive walking, stooping, pushing, carrying, climbing, bending and lifting.
• Ability to pick up and carry 65 pounds.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs.
• Ability to hear the normally spoken word at 25 feet.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Working Hours

• The duty day for a full-time position is 8.5 hours per day including an unpaid duty-free thirty-minute lunch.
• This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience which most closely matches the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 7 on the Custodial Salary Scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.  

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact humanresources@hcpss.org.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.