Custodian Job Opening | City of Burlington, WA

CLASSIFICATION: FLSA Non-Exempt, Teamsters Union 231 Represented Position
HOURS PER WEEK: 40 (Full-Time)
WAGE RANGE: $4,435.14 - $5,647.76 monthly (2026 Salary Schedule)
JOB POSTING DATES: October 12, 2026 – Open Until Filled; First Review October 26, 2026
BENEFITS: Sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and personal holidays, medical, vision and dental insurance and Washington State PERS retirement. 


APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply for the position you are required to submit the following: letter of interest, resume, and completed City of Burlington application for employment. City of Burlington application for employment forms can be found on the City’s website at www.burlingtonwa.gov/jobs, or by request at City Hall, located at 833 S. Spruce Street, Burlington, WA 98233. Complete application packets must be submitted in a sealed envelope via mail, in-person to Burlington City Hall, ATTN: Human Resources, or emailed to HR@burlingtonwa.gov. Please specify the job title that you are applying for in the email subject line. 
SUMMARY:
This position performs a variety of routine and regular cleaning and custodial work of assigned buildings. This position also performs grounds maintenance work as directed. This is specialized work for municipal public facilities which requires the ability to exercise initiative and discretion based on knowledge of required job duties, policies and performance requirements related to janitorial work. This is a non-supervisory position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cleaning may include, but is not limited to, removing trash, removing snow, vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, dusting, buffing, cleaning carpets, washing windows, washing walls, scrubbing floors/ceilings, and sanitizing restrooms. 
• Vacuum, strip wax and buff floors. Operate power-cleaning equipment, mechanical cleaners and polishers as needed. Vacuum, spot-clean and shampoo carpets. 
• Perform cleaning and monitor restrooms throughout the day to ensure health and safety standards are upheld. Follow Universal Precautions and sanitation procedures when handling clean-up of bodily fluids or drug paraphernalia.
• Perform grounds maintenance duties such as picking up litter in and around buildings, sweeping/cleaning walks, driveways and irrigating plants. 
• Assist with staff or outside groups using the building for programs, special events or assemblies. Perform set up and tear down of tables, chairs, and audiovisual equipment; assist with training users on equipment as needed; and troubleshoot equipment problems. May lock/unlock areas for access for building use and events.
• Perform minor maintenance repairs and building/facility modifications such as repairing, moving or assembling furniture, repairing custodial equipment, unclogging drains and changing light bulbs. 
• Notify and submit reports to appropriate Facilities Maintenance Supervisor of needed custodian cleaning supplies, structural items or contents needing maintenance or repair.

PERIPHERAL FUNCTIONS:

• Makes minor non-technical repairs as needed.
• Collect recyclable materials and deposit into designated containers.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Basic computer skills (ability to send/receive emails, open attachments, navigate the internet for supply directions, training videos, etc.). 
• Experience in commercial/institutional cleaning.
• Demonstrated ability to use excellent communication skills while interacting with employees throughout the city, as well as outside contractors, and the public.
• Strong multi-tasking, organizational skills and demonstrated willingness to be flexible or adaptable to changing priorities.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-based environment.
• Knowledge of safety data sheets (SDS) for hazard materials used.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks including lifting, carrying and digging in all weather conditions.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor.
• Ability to hear fire alarms, security alarms and respond as needed. 
• Ability to operate hand and power equipment used in custodial and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret labels on chemicals and supplies.
• Ability to safely work on a ladder or elevated areas. 
• Ability to, once trained, be able to work independently with limited supervision to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to receive work performance feedback and apply lessons learned to improve daily performance.

Knowledge/Abilities Preferred:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (e.g. Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn scissor lift operation (equipment used by Facilities Maintenance to clean high areas). 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Valid Washington State Driver’s license.
• Must possess or be able to obtain within six months of hire First Aid/CPR certification. 
• Required to obtain Hepatitis “B” immunization after hire.
• Blood-borne Pathogens Training within 2 months of hire. 
• The Custodian will work in security sensitive environments accessible to confidential and graphic information. Accordingly, a complete criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening will be conducted as part of the employment process. 
• Preferred five (5) years demonstrated experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities for being a custodian.  

PHYSICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Physical strength and ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor, including frequent bending, walking, climbing, lifting, and carrying. Frequently lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or moving more than 100 pounds. May need to work on ladders and high areas 20 feet high or more. Exposure to hazards is commonplace. Among the hazards encountered are dampness, direct sunlight, communicable disease, dust, pollen, epoxy/liquid chemicals, machinery or its moving parts, cleaning fluids, cleaning agents or similar solutions, insect stings, noisy work area, noxious odors, flumes, and smoke.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed inside, and work may be performed outside normal office hours. The workweek and/or work schedule may occasionally be altered to accommodate functions within the assigned buildings. Expect assigned overtime to conduct heavy cleaning when buildings are empty during evenings and weekends.
Protective clothing is required for completion of some job requirements, including rubber boots, rubber or plastic gloves, safety equipment, safety glasses or goggles, ear protection devices, hard hats, respirators and other specialized protective equipment. The equipment will be provided by the City.