Sign upLog in

Custodian

City of Tacoma WA

Tacoma, WA

Apply
JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$23.84–$29 Per Hour
SKILLS
Cleaning Equipment, Datasheets, Dental Insurance, Diversity, Driver's License, Employee Benefits, Entrepreneurship, Establish Priorities, Forklift License, Furniture, Furniture Moving, Heavy Lifting, High School Diploma, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Multicultural, Multitasking, People Management, Physical Demands, Plumbing, Recycling, Retirement Plan, Schedule Development, Staff Motivation, Staff Policies, Time Management, Truck Driver, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Tacoma, WA
POSTED
6 days ago
? Custodian Salary $23.84 - $29.00 Hourly Location Tacoma, WA Job Type Classified Job Number 6002-26 Department City of Tacoma - CITY WIDE LIST Opening Date 05/19/2026 Closing Date 6/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific + Description + Benefits + Questions Position Description Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma is recruiting for professional custodians! The Department(s) is looking for motivated employees to fill open Custodian positions. This classification is responsible for performing custodial duties and/ or other routine maintenance duties in support of City facilities. Duties may include but are not limited to: + Clean, sweep, mop, wash, scrub and/or polish floors carpets, furniture, equipment, windows, woodwork, walls and building fixtures as required. + Clean and sanitize restrooms and plumbing fixtures. + Clean, disinfect and polish brass and other metalwork; may include kitchen equipment and fixtures. + Clean and empty trash cans, recycling containers and ashtrays. + Arrange and move furniture and equipment. + Report damage to structures, equipment or furniture; requisition, stock and replenish cleaning materials and supplies according to establish procedures. + Operate motorized cleaning equipment. + Perform routine security duties during work shift. + Work safely and cooperatively with coworkers and the public. This position requires the employee to work on a variety of shifts, including day, swing, and graveyard. Employees must be available and willing to work on any shift and on any day of the week (including holidays). Some positions require a valid Washington State Driver's License and/or forklift truck safety certification card with maintenance thereafter. This is an open recruitment to establish an eligibility list. The eligibility list will be used to fill any vacancies which may occur within a period of one year or until the eligibility list is depleted; there is currently a vacancy. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High School graduation or equivalent and one year of professional custodial work. Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements: + Some positions in this class may require a valid Washington Driver's License and/or forklift operator's certification. + All City employees must be able to pass a background screening. Depending upon assignment, individuals may be required to pass additional background screening with maintenance thereafter. Knowledge & Skills + Hazardous Communications program. + Modern cleaning methods including basic methods of cleaning and preserving floors, carpets, furniture, walls and fixtures. + Cleaning materials, disinfectants, sanitizers and equipment used in custodial work. + Health, safety regulations and proper use of personal safety equipment. + Requirements of maintaining buildings in a safe, clean and orderly condition. + Applicable departmental policies and standard operating procedures. + Use and care for assigned cleaning tools and equipment. + Use cleaning compounds safely. + Complete routine operations involved in custodial duties without close supervision. + Understand and follow oral and written directions. + Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces, using proper lifting techniques. Selection Process & Supplemental Information To be considered for this career opportunity: Please apply online through the City of Tacoma's website. Individuals must meet the minimum qualifications t o progress in the examination process. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement. Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers. Examination Process: This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions #8 - #12 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test . It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Applicants who pass the test will be placed on an eligible list for potential interview and hiring consideration. The list will be valid for a period of one year. Any vacancy that comes up within the one year period of time will draw from candidates on the eligible list for potential interview selection. Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical exam, physical ability test, and drug and alcohol screen. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IBEW 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: + Indoor and outdoor environment + Position may require heavy lifting up to 50 pounds + May be subject to exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals + May work a variety of shifts including day, evening, graveyard and holidays WHY WORK FOR THE CITY? The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits: + Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment. + Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26. + Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits. + Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26. + Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code. + Personal time off. + Paid holidays. + A great pension plan. The City of Tacoma With a population of over 210,000, Tacoma is the third largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, our schools are exceptional and our housing is affordable. When you work for the City of Tacoma you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny: http://www.cityoftacoma.org/ http://www.traveltacoma.com/ http://www.cityoftacoma.org/newhires The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play. Communication from the City of Tacoma: We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement. For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call Human Resources at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives. Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type. Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees. Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income. Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200. Other Employment Information Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit. Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule. Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees. Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. 01 Are you a high school graduate or do you have the equivalent such as a GED? + Yes + No 02 Do you have at least one year of experience doing professional custodial work? + Yes + No 03 Do you possess a forklift operator's certification? Please note, a response of "No" does not disqualify anyone from meeting the qualifications for this position. + Yes + No 04 This position requires the employee to work on a variety of shifts, including day, swing and graveyard. Length of shifts may vary (6 to 12 hours). Which of the following are you willing to work? Check all that apply. + Permanent + Temporary, less than 2 months + Temporary, 2 months or more + On-Call + Day shift + Swing shift + Graveyard shift + None of the above 05 The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the application and test process. It will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, and as a test to create an Eligibility List for this position. INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions as truthfully and accurately as possible, providing detailed answers. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions + Yes + No 06 Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration. + Yes + No 07 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions #8-12 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked. Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #8-12. + Yes + No 08 Please describe your commercial custodial experience in detail, including your experience operating commercial motorized cleaning equipment such as floor buffers, vacuum cleaners and sweepers. 09 Please describe your experience working with Hazard Communications Programs and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). 10 Tell me about a time where you had to prioritize and multitask your work with little to no supervision. 11 Tell me about a time when your punctuality or attendance impacted your work. 12 Tell me about a time when your workday ended before you were able to finish a task. 13 Please tell us how you learned about this job opening. + Job Interest Card notification + Internet search + Professional organization + Community organization + Military organization + Union job posting + City of Tacoma employee + Online job board posting + Word of mouth + Other 14 Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. 15 If you are a military veteran, did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member 4 copy, for review for Veteran's Preference eligibility? + Yes + No Required Question Employer City of Tacoma Address Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764 Phone 253-591-5400 Website http://www.tacoma.gov Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email

About the Company

C

City of Tacoma WA

INDUSTRY
Other/Not Classified