UTILITY MAINTENANCE CUSTODIAN

ob Summary

To provide building maintenance, custodial, and groundskeeping services so that public buildings and grounds are clean and in efficient working condition; performs related work as required.

Supervision Received 

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  

Supervision Exercised

In absence of the Building Maintenance Supervisor, serves as a work leader over Custodians, temporary staff, and STS workers as assigned. Elements of direct control include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, and providing input into supervisor’s actions.  

Essential Functions 

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1. Repairs and maintains equipment, furniture, plumbing, building, and fixtures to ensure proper working conditions and appearance by using small tools and knowledge of basic carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, heating, painting, fabricating and air conditioning systems. Inspects fire extinguishers and emergency exit lights monthly.  

2. Assists the Facilities Coordinator in assigning tasks and monitoring the work of Custodians, temporary staff, and STS workers. 

3. Performs groundskeeping activities, including mow the grass, trim, rake, pull weeds, plant flowers, pick up trash, and snow and ice removal from entryways, walkways and parking lots.

Monitors winter weather and adjusts work schedule as directed by the Facilities Coordinator when necessary; directs STS workers in sidewalk snow removal early mornings and occasionally on weekends. Maintains lawn tractor by performing seasonal tune-ups, lubrication, and blade sharpening.  

4. Monitors and operates the boiler, compressors, generators, pumps and air conditioning units so that plumbing, heating, and electrical needs are met for the smooth operation of the facility by using operative knowledge of complex equipment. Operates, controls, repairs, and adjusts computerized system for heating, ventilation and air conditioners.  

5. Inventories and orders expendable supplies for the operation and maintenance of the Courthouse grounds/buildings, HHS, Jail, Land Department, and STS, and verifies billings with the Building and Grounds Supervisor.

6. Makes periodic inspections of buildings to determine if custodial work is being performed satisfactorily and whether repair work is needed. Performs custodial duties as needed.

7. Reports signs of vandalism or abuse of facilities.

8. Maintains adequate security measures. Secures buildings by locking doors and windows. 

9. Operates equipment safely wearing proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Repairs and maintains equipment used on the job. Schedules and performs preventative maintenance work as necessary on equipment.

10. Cleans Road & Bridge Department and Land Department once a week.  

11. Maintains records and prepares reports.

12. Sets up facilities as needed to accommodate a variety of training or meetings. 

13. Subject to call out prior to or after normal business hours and on weekends to perform snow removal and/or to handle emergency repairs.

14. Fills in for Facilities Coordinator in his absence.

15. Attends training and meetings as needed.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications 

High school diploma or GED required with knowledge and experience of general maintenance, basic plumbing, electricity principles, basic welding, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, boiler operation and maintenance, preventive maintenance, building cleaning, and mathematics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position. A Building Maintenance Certification from a college or technical school, typically a one year or less program, would be beneficial, but is not required.

Required to obtain a 2nd Class boiler operator license issued by the MN Department of Labor and Industry within 18 months of hire.  

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Must have the physical ability to regularly lift and hoist up to 50 pounds when hauling garbage out of the buildings, to climb/descend stairs for cleaning, and to bend, twist, lift, push, and pull when mopping and sweeping and performing other essential functions of the position. 

May be required to use personal or county vehicle for errands or other county-related business. Is 

required to provide proof of insurance on personal vehicle at time of hire.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

1. Knowledge of County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 

2. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position, including OSHA regulations.

3. Safe operation of tools and equipment.

4. Operating systems for boilers sufficient to operate in an efficient and safe manner.

Skill in:

1. Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, subordinates, supervisor, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

2. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 

3. Organizing, prioritizing, and delegating work.

4. Operating hand tools, small power tools, and other job-related equipment.

5. Light carpentry, basic plumbing, basic electrical, and painting skills.

Ability to:

1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat all county staff and the public with respect, honesty, and consideration. 

2. Maintain confidentiality.

3. Prepare and maintain accurate recordings regarding repair and maintenance work.

4. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions

5. Work independently and exercise good judgment, demonstrating a high degree of self-motivation.

6. Attention to detail and ability to identify needed repairs.

7. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.

8. Exercise independent judgment, and demonstrate good organization and time management skills.

9. Endure physical demands of the position involving long hours of standing, walking, heavy lifting, climbing, bending, twisting, balancing, stooping, kneeling and crouching. Ability to use hands and fingers to operate objects tools, and equipment.

Language Skills 

Intermediate Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills 

Basic Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Skills 

Intermediate Skills – Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.   

County Payroll Software, E-time, Outlook, Internet, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) software, and other job-related programs.  

 

Ability to Travel  

Travel is required for delivering mail to the post office and occasionally for running errands to pick up parts or supplies.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, teamwork, delegation, leadership, managing people, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, flexibility, and crisis management.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee carries out many different tasks in a single day and could work at any number of building locations, both indoor and outdoor in all types of weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, dust, fumes, smoke, gasses, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, intermittent noise, and risk of electrical shock. The employee occasionally works in high places, on ladders or scaffolding. 

Equipment and Tools 

Power tools, hand tools, computer, copier, telephone, calculator, measuring and metering devices, lawn mower with various attachments, weed whip, shovel, rake, janitorial equipment, bobcats, and personal or county-owned vehicles.

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, daily lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to regularly lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium to heavy work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

Offers of employment are conditional on successful completion of a physical exam, to ensure the applicant’s ability to meet the physical demands of the job.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

09/09/2022

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Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism