Caretaker 3 - Birch Hills Public School - Permanent Full-Time

Job Summary

This permanent full-time position (8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, weekdays day shift) based at Birch Hills Public School involves a range of custodial tasks along with facility maintenance and repair. The Caretaker 3 plays a key role in maintaining a safe, secure, and clean atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors. Reporting to the Principal and Caretaking Services Manager, this role also includes supervising two or more full-time caretaking staff members.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere strictly to safe working procedures at all times.
• Coordinate with the Principal and/or Out-of-Scope Manager to ensure all indoor and outdoor spaces are secure, clean, and safe.
• Carry out caretaking duties aligned with the Facility Cleaning Standards Guide to maintain cleanliness inside buildings and outdoor grounds.
• Lead and cooperate as a group leader with caretaking team members to coordinate daily tasks and responsibilities.
• Ensure that buildings are properly secured and locked after hours.
• Implement energy and water conservation practices actively to minimize wastage.
• Encourage recycling efforts by facilitating the proper handling of recyclable waste.
• Train and guide new and substitute caretaking personnel as needed.
• Assist permit holders with facility regulations, equipment use, and set-up requirements.
• Investigate any unauthorized activities on school property and report incidents such as vandalism, break-ins, or fire alarms to supervisors and relevant authorities.
• Prepare and process Service Requests in collaboration with supervisors for necessary repairs or maintenance.
• Manage caretaking supply inventory prudently, ensuring timely requisitions.
• Develop and submit work plans, ensuring completion of all assigned tasks in consultation with supervisors.
• Operate all necessary machinery, ensuring equipment is well-maintained, used safely, and cleaned.
• Perform minor grounds maintenance including snow removal and salting/sanding of entrances, walkways, and roofs, as well as garbage removal and upkeep of flowers and shrubbery.
• Comply with applicable Board policies, guidelines, legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• Undertake any additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of Grade 12 is typically required.
• At least three years’ experience in commercial or institutional custodial services, building operations, or facility maintenance.
• Proven experience in supervising, training employees, or coordinating custodial operations.
• Post-secondary education or specialized training in custodial services, building operations, facility maintenance, occupational health and safety, HVAC, boiler systems, power engineering, recognized building trades, or leadership and supervision is considered an advantage.

Required Certifications and Licenses

• Valid Fireman's Certificate where required by The Boiler and Pressure Act and Regulations.
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Expertise in standard cleaning techniques, including safe handling and storage of chemical cleaning agents.
• Proficient in basic building maintenance and repair methods, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations required for accurate mixing of cleaning and maintenance products.
• Thorough understanding of the Board's policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic HVAC system operations and modern energy management practices.
• Capability to plan, organize, supervise, train, and motivate caretaking staff effectively.
• Skilled in maintaining accurate records and providing operational recommendations.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions clearly.
• Familiar with relevant technology and software used in caretaking operations.
• Independent work ethic demonstrating sound judgment and decision-making with minimal supervision.
• Ability to foster and maintain positive work relationships with staff, students, and visitors, using tact and diplomacy.
• Maintains confidentiality and professional conduct appropriate for an educational environment serving children.
• Physically capable of standard caretaking duties including standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, climbing, and lifting varying weights as required.

Additional Information

• Successful candidates must complete a security background check, including a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Participation in required safety training, professional development, and in-service courses is mandatory.
• Work environment may expose employees to dust, noise, odors, and varying seasonal weather conditions.

Organizational Values

• Commitment to continual learning for all.
• Focus on excellence for every learner.
• Promote lifelong and continuous learning.
• Prioritize health, safety, and wellness.
• Practice accountability, honesty, integrity, and respect.
• Encourage a positive, healthy, and enjoyable workplace and learning environment.
• Support inclusivity and diversity among staff and students.

Employees are expected to serve as exemplary role models at all times.