Lead Environmental Services Associate - 136543

The Lead Custodian plays a vital role within the Birch Aquarium Facilities team by combining advanced custodial expertise with leadership responsibilities that ensure consistency, continuity, and excellence in the care of the Aquarium facilities. This position is especially critical during evening hours, when strong leadership is essential to maintain operational flow, address emerging needs, and support special events that extend beyond standard daytime operations.

Serving as the evening work leader for the custodial team, the Lead Custodian provides peer-level guidance and hands-on support under the direction and in collaboration with the Facilities/Environmental Services Supervisor. The position ensures that custodial standards are upheld across all Aquarium spaces, helping to sustain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for guests, staff, and marine life alike.

Key responsibilities include coordinating and executing a wide range of custodial tasks, such as restroom sanitation, floor care, exhibit and public area maintenance, and waste management, while actively monitoring supply needs, assisting with equipment upkeep, and facilitating effective communication across shifts. The Lead Custodian plays a critical role in event support, helping to ensure that spaces are prepared, maintained, and restored as needed before, during, and after public and private functions.

Although this position does not include formal supervisory authority, it is entrusted with reinforcing custodial protocols, modeling best practices, and providing constructive feedback and safety observations to the Supervisor to promote accountability and continuous improvement.

Success in this role requires advanced custodial skills, a high level of independence and judgment, and the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and efficiently with team members and leadership. The Lead Custodian is a key contributor to a culture of professionalism, safety, and environmental responsibility in one of the region's most dynamic public attractions.

• Proven ability to support custodial operations in a work leader capacity, including assisting with task execution, communicating shift priorities, and supporting peer coordination under the direction of a supervisor.

• One (1) year of custodial experience in a large-scale, public-facing, or multi-facility environment, with a track record of maintaining cleanliness, safety, and service quality.

• Demonstrated experience operating custodial equipment such as vacuums, floor scrubbers, buffers, extractors, and pressure washers, with proficiency in performing comprehensive floor care (e.g., stripping, sealing, waxing, and buffing).

• Documented ability to apply sanitation and disinfection methods appropriate for restrooms and high-traffic public areas, using chemicals and cleaning agents safely and effectively.

• Work history that reflects strong communication skills-both verbal and written-including the ability to complete logs, provide feedback, and share task-related updates across teams and shifts.

• Demonstrated ability to relay operational observations to supervisors, including feedback on task execution, safety concerns, supply levels, and equipment condition.

• Proven understanding of custodial safety practices, including chemical handling, PPE use, and procedures for cleaning near sensitive marine exhibits or life support systems.

• Demonstrated experience supporting custodial inventory activities and identifying sustainable or environmentally preferable materials and practices.

• Ability to contribute to shift transitions through clear documentation, team communication, and operational follow-through.

• Demonstrated flexibility in adjusting to changing priorities, supporting special projects, and assisting across different custodial zones as needed.

• Strong customer service skills and experience working in a custodial or facility support role that interacts with guests, staff, or the public.

• Working knowledge of basic computer systems used for tasks such as email, timekeeping, and custodial reporting.

• Ability to consistently perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting, bending, reaching, and operating custodial equipment

• Proven record of punctuality, reliability, and meeting assigned deadlines.

• Experience following building security procedures, including managing keys and opening/closing facilities according to established protocols.

• Job offer is contingent upon a satisfactory clearance based on FBI and DOJ background check results.

• Must be able to work safely and attentively in close proximity to sensitive live animals, specialized habitats, aquaria, and life support systems. Strong customer service skills are essential, as the role involves regular interaction with visitors, students, and staff.

• A flexible schedule is required and will flex between day and second shift. An occasional mid-day, overnight (night), and holiday shifts may also be necessary to meet operational needs.

Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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