At KIPP Chicago, we are guided by a simple, yet powerful mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our campuses are located in the Austin, Englewood, North Lawndale, and West Humboldt Park neighborhoods. KIPP Chicago also advises over 2000 KIPP alumni currently in high school or college through our KIPP Forward program.   For more data and information about our successes and vision for the future, visit www.kippchicago.org

About KIPP Public Schools 

KIPP Chicago partners with the KIPP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports schools across the country. KIPP Public Schools is a national network of public charter schools that prepares students with the skills and confidence to create the future they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are currently a network of 278 schools, nearly 15,000 educators, and 175,000 students and alumni. When you work at KIPP, you’re part of a national network that partners with families and communities to create nurturing, rigorous, and joyful schools in pursuit of a more just world.

Position Overview

The School Custodian is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and functional learning environment for students, staff, and visitors. This role supports daily school operations by ensuring that classrooms, common areas, and facilities are well maintained, sanitary, and compliant with health and safety standards. Custodians perform routine cleaning, minor maintenance, and facility setup tasks, contributing directly to the overall appearance and efficiency of the school. They play a key role in supporting a positive educational environment by addressing building needs promptly and proactively. This position requires attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Custodians may also assist with event setup, respond to urgent maintenance issues, and help ensure the school building remains secure.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Janitorial

• Clean and sanitize classrooms, restrooms, offices, hallways, and common areas daily

• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and maintain floors, including periodic stripping, waxing, and buffing

• Empty trash and recycling containers; ensure proper waste disposal

• Replenish supplies such as soap, paper towels, and toilet paper

• Clean windows, walls, and fixtures to maintain a cleanliness

• Perform routine inspections to identify and address maintenance or safety concerns

• Assist with minor repairs (i.e. touchup painting) and report larger maintenance issues to appropriate staff

• Set up and break down spaces for school events, meetings, and activities

• Follow established health, safety, and sanitation procedures, including proper use of cleaning chemicals

• Maintain equipment and ensure tools and supplies are stored safely and securely

• Grounds upkeep and basic landscaping including perform routine weeding, edging, and string trimming; assist with mulch application, snow removal, remove litter, fallen branches, and debris from lawns, parking lots, and walkways daily

• Other duties as assigned by Custodial Manager, Engineer, or Operations Leader

Customer Service

• Provide courteous and professional interactions with students, staff, parents, and visitors

• Respond promptly to requests for cleaning, maintenance, or room setup needs

• Support a positive and welcoming school environment through helpful and respectful communication

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to meet facility needs

• Address concerns or issues calmly and escalate when necessary

• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a team-oriented approach

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times within the school setting

Requirements for School Custodian include: 

• Be able to perform basic physical activity, including lifting items up to 50 pounds and frequent bending, climbing (ladder), standing, and walking, as these are essential functions of the role (required)

• Be able to work in an environment that involves exposure to cleaning solutions, dust, inclement weather, with required safety and protective equipment, as appropriate (required)

• Demonstrates flexibility in to support occasional scheduling adjustments, including the ability to adjust work hours, particularly during summer months, to support deep cleaning and preparation of the building for the start of the school year, subject to advance notice when practicable, and applicable wage and hour requirements

• Willingness and ability to provide coverage for team members as needed to ensure continuity of operations.

• Have a proven track-record of professionalism (required)

• Believe strongly in the mission and values of KIPP (required)

• Have strong oral and written communication skills (required)

• Be able to pass a CPS background check before first date of employment (required)*

Compensation & Benefits 

KIPP Chicago Schools offers a competitive compensation and benefits package:

• Competitive executive salary, commensurate with experience and aligned to regional salary bands 

• Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered at no cost.

• Competitive retirement savings benefits: Chicago Teachers Pension Fund eligibility for IL licensed educators or 403B match

• Robust development and professional collaboration within national KIPP Foundation CSO cohort 

• For more detail about our Salaries and Benefits at KIPP Chicago, visit our website: https://kippchicago.org/join-our-team/

Statement of Non-Discrimination

KIPP Chicago is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. KIPP Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background.