Custodial Operations Lead

Custodial Operations Lead

Salary

$24.64 - $31.43 Hourly

Location

Oregon Zoo, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-3025-Zoo

Department

Oregon Zoo

Division

Guest Services Division

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo Guest Services Division is looking for a Custodial Operations Lead to lead day-to-day custodial operations across a large, active, public campus. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes pride in clean, safe, well-run facilities and can set high standards while supporting staff, guests, contractors, and partner departments.

As the Custodial Lead you will

• Lead, assign, prioritize, and monitor daily custodial work across assigned shifts to ensure work is completed safely, thoroughly, and to Zoo standards.
• Adjust staffing and assignments for breaks, absences, call-outs, events, emergencies, changing priorities, and operational needs.
• Conduct shift audits and quality-control checks of restrooms, public areas, waste areas, equipment, supplies, storage areas, and assigned zones.
• Train and coach staff on cleaning procedures, equipment, chemicals, personal protective equipment, safety standards, Zoo expectations, and standard operating procedures, regardless of employee tenure.
• Provide direct, respectful corrective guidance when work does not meet standards, and communicate performance, attendance, conduct, safety, and follow-through concerns to the Custodial Manager.
• Own and drive campus custodial projects, including project planning, staff direction, safety review, quality checks, progress tracking, and biweekly updates to the manager.
• Build, refine, and update checklists, standard operating procedures, shift expectations, training tools, and procedure manuals to improve consistency and accountability.
• Inspect, organize, and maintain equipment, vehicles, tools, supplies, chemicals, personal protective equipment, and storage areas; remove unsafe equipment from service and coordinate repairs or replacement needs.
• Coordinate with Security, Maintenance, Events, Living Collections, Admissions, contractors, vendors, public officials, volunteers, and other departments to maintain safe, effective operations.
• Perform Custodian-level duties when needed, including restroom cleaning, waste removal, floor care, pressure washing, deep cleaning, light maintenance, event support, and vehicle or equipment operation.

Attributes for success

• Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality, urgency, and personal accountability.
• Ability to organize complex daily operations, track follow-up items, maintain records, and prevent work from falling through the cracks.
• Ability to lead from the front while balancing direction, delegation, coaching, documentation, and hands-on custodial support.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make timely decisions with limited supervision while knowing when to escalate issues to management.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to verify work through audits, inspections, and follow-up rather than relying only on verbal confirmation.
• Ability to communicate clearly by radio, email, written notes, shift handoffs, spreadsheets, scheduling tools, and in-person conversations.
• Ability to hold staff accountable in a fair, consistent, respectful, and confidential manner, including difficult conversations when needed.
• Strong technical knowledge of custodial procedures, restroom sanitation, floor care, pressure washing, biohazard response, chemical handling, waste operations, and equipment use.
• Commitment to safety, proper PPE, hazard recognition, stop-work judgment, and compliance with Metro policies, procedures, laws, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Openness to change, continuous improvement, cultural humility, teamwork, public service, and building a respectful, inclusive, accountable work environment.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• Five years of custodial or warehouse experience, AND
• Two years' experience leading and directing employees or similar higher-level responsibilities, such as organization, record keeping, facilitating projects and overseeing employees; OR
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities

Required:

• Valid driver's license and the ability to be insured by Metro's insurance carrier

Must obtain within 60 days of starting work:

• Blood Borne Pathogen Training
• Emergency and Safety Procedures Training
• HAZMAT Awareness Level Training
• Forklift Certification

Working Conditions

This position works throughout the Oregon Zoo in indoor and outdoor environments. Work may occur in but not limited to rain, heat, cold, wind, darkness, wet conditions, temperature extremes, uneven terrain, animal areas, public spaces, restrooms, service roads, food-service areas, confined spaces, and elevated locations.

The work is physically demanding and requires extensive walking across a large, hilly campus; prolonged standing; repeated bending, reaching, twisting, crouching, kneeling, climbing, pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting. Employees must be able to consistently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 100 pounds using safe work practices with or without reasonable accommodation.

Employees may be exposed to cleaning chemicals, bodily fluids, biohazards, contaminated materials, dust, dirt, grease, wastewater, broken glass, sharp objects, strong odors, noise, vibration, moving machinery, vehicles, and powered equipment. Required PPE must be used whenever applicable.

The position includes frequent interruptions, urgent requests, changing priorities, guest activity, special events, staffing shortages, equipment failures, and emergencies. The successful candidate must remain alert, calm, professional, and safety-focused while directing staff and maintaining operations.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Majority of experience leading custodial operations in a large public venue
• Experience assigning work with an equity perspective, conducting quality inspections, and documenting follow-up.
• Experience training staff on custodial equipment, chemicals, PPE, safety procedures, restroom sanitation, floor care, pressure washing, or biohazard response.
• Experience using email, spreadsheets, scheduling systems, inventory tools & programs, work-tracking tools, or other computer-based records. (Certifications to back these hard skills up)
• Experience operating or coordinating the use of scrubbers, extractors, polishers, pressure washers, lifts, forklifts, waste equipment, utility vehicles, or similar equipment.
• Experience working in a union environment and applying work standards consistently and fairly.
• Experience planning or leading projects that require coordination across shifts, departments, contractors, or public-facing operations.
• Ability to work early mornings, days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, events, overtime, and alternate shifts as operational needs require.
• Ability to work fully onsite at the Oregon Zoo.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference check
• Background and driving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-hourly range for this position is step 1: $24.64 to step 5: $31.43. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirementsand Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $24.64 to the equity range step 4:

$29.62.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483. It is classified as an Operations Lead.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Christina Rentas

Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

Government Jobs

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

Metro

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro

The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the states most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision health insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities
• Flexible schedules depending on position and department
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

View union contracts here.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• yes
• no

02

How many years of professional experience do you have in custodial work?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years

03

How many years of professional experience do you have in leading and directing employees or similar higher-level responsibilities, such as organization, record keeping, facilitating projects and overseeing employees?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years

04

Which computer-based operational tools have you personally used or maintained as part of leading work? Select all that apply.

• Used Excel, or similar spreadsheets to track assignments, audits, inventory, schedules, projects, or follow-up items.
• Created or maintained a tracker, checklist, schedule, inventory sheet, or inspection log used by other staff.
• Used email or written shift notes to communicate assignments, corrections, priorities, or follow-up items.
• Used work-order, inventory, purchasing, or task-tracking systems.
• Used documentation to identify repeat issues, missed work, supply shortages, or performance concerns
• Trained or directed others on how to use a checklist, tracker, SOP, inventory log, or similar tool.
• None of the above.

05

Which custodial technical skills have you personally performed at an advanced or lead level? Select all that apply.

• Restroom sanitation in high-use public or commercial facilities.
• Floor care, including scrubbing, stripping, waxing, buffing, burnishing, or refinishing.
• Carpet care, including spotting, extraction, rotary extraction, drying, or interim maintenance.
• Pressure washing, surface cleaning, exterior cleaning, or deep cleaning of public areas.
• Waste, recycling, compost, sharps, bodily fluids, biohazards, or contaminated material cleanup.
• Light maintenance such as unclogging fixtures, replacing supplies, moving furniture, minor repairs, or event support.
• Trained, corrected, or evaluated others performing custodial technical work.
• None of the above.

06

Which equipment, vehicles, or machinery have you personally operated, inspected, or trained others to use? Select all that apply.

• Auto scrubber, buffer, burnisher, floor machine, or floor-care equipment.
• Carpet extractor, rotary extractor, upholstery tool, air mover, or carpet-drying equipment.
• Pressure washer, surface cleaner, wet/dry vacuum, backpack vacuum, or commercial vacuum system.
• Utility vehicle, cart, dump truck, trailer, garbage truck, or similar work vehicle.
• Forklift, scissor lift, tractor, lift basket, or similar heavy equipment.
• Compactor, dumpster, roll cart, roll-off, or waste-handling equipment.
• Completed pre-use checks, removed unsafe equipment from service, reported damage, or coordinated repairs.
• Trained or corrected others on safe setup, operation, cleaning, storage, or inspection of equipment.
• None of the above.

07

Which safety, chemical, PPE, or hazardous cleanup responsibilities have you personally performed? Select all that apply.

• Used SDS, product labels, dilution systems, or chemical safety procedures before using products.
• Selected and used proper PPE for chemicals, bodily fluids, sharps, waste, or contaminated materials.
• Cleaned or responded to bodily fluids, biohazards, sharps, drug paraphernalia, contaminated waste, or hazardous conditions.
• Completed formal training such as HAZMAT Awareness, chemical safety, forklift, First Aid/CPR, or emergency procedures.
• Stopped work, isolated an area, reported a hazard, or removed unsafe equipment from service.
• Trained, reminded, or corrected others on PPE, chemical use, hazard recognition, or safe work practices.
• Maintained or organized chemical storage, PPE supplies, spill kits, SDS materials, or safety equipment.
• None of the above.

08

Which lead-level operational processes have you personally owned or maintained for at least 30 days? Select all that apply.

• Daily shift plan, assignment board, task tracker, or work-priority list.
• Quality-control inspections, restroom audits, zone audits, or public-area checks.
• Follow-up system for failed inspections, repeat issues, incomplete work, or corrective actions.
• Inventory, PAR levels, ordering, supply tracking, chemical tracking, or storage organization.
• Equipment inspection, repair log, maintenance tracking, or out-of-service process.
• Staff training log, refresher training process, onboarding checklist, or competency sign-off.
• Custodial project plan including scope, staffing, equipment, safety review, timeline, progress updates, and completion check.
• SOP, procedure manual, checklist, shift expectation, or training tool.
• None of the above.

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov