Parks Custodian

The Parks and Natural Resources division of the Public Works Department is actively seeking a Parks Custodian who is punctual, a self-starter, and can work independently. Under the supervision of the Parks Operations Manager, this position will be part of a parks team maintaining grounds and facilities across our 480-acre park system.

This position will perform cleaning, waste removal, and light maintenance work for City restrooms, picnic shelters, athletic facilities, playgrounds, exterior grounds, and other areas as assigned. Work is characterized by general custodial duties including but not limited to; cleaning, disinfecting, stocking restrooms, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, shampooing, sealing, and finishing floors, cleaning building surfaces, blinds, equipment, and furniture, collecting and disposing of trash, recycle, compost and other waste. Additional duties include setup and take down of furniture and equipment, painting, graffiti removal, securing buildings, and performing minor maintenance repairs.

This position will have a varied work schedule including weekends (8-hour shifts, 40 hours a week) that will be coordinated with the Parks Operations. This is a limited-term position that ends December 31, 2026.

Join Us at the City of Mercer Island Seasonal Hiring Fair! Meet hiring managers, interview on-site, and even receive a same-day job offer for one of our 10 seasonal Public Works positions. Stop by Saturday, February 22, or Tuesday, February 25 at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center to learn more—RSVP encouraged!

• Cleans and services park buildings and related facilities, including furnishings. Reports needed facility repairs to the Parks Operations Manager or designee.
• Clean, sanitize, disinfect, and maintain City restrooms, fixtures, floors, shower areas and replenish supplies.
• Clean, polish, and sanitize all building surfaces including, walls, windows, countertops, appliances, door plates, drinking fountains, handrails, tables, and other furniture or equipment.
• Mops, sweeps, strips, waxes, polishes, shampoos, buffs, and/or vacuums all floors, carpets, furniture, etc. using a variety of equipment including carpet extractor, auto-scrubber, shampoo machine, micro-max floor scrubber, etc.
• Washes interior/exterior windows, mirrors, walls, metal, and woodwork.
• Changes light bulbs and related fixtures.
• Maintains supply inventory to include, but is not limited to paper towels, sanitary supplies, soaps, etc.
• Maintains walkways and other outdoor surfaces including sweeping, power blowing, removal of snow or ice, and power washing.
• Responds to non-routine situations such as chemical release in City facilities, facility security/fire alarms, and or fire/storm watches.
• Inspects and maintains custodial equipment such as carpet extractor, auto-scrubber, Micro-max machine, vacuums, and small tools for proper operating condition.
• Collects trash, recyclable waste products, and/or compost from the buildings and exterior grounds and disposes of it in appropriate receptacles.
• Utilizes asset/work management software (CityWorks) to document work performed and respond to service requests and work orders.
• Provide quality customer service for internal teams and customers, patrons, and staff.
• May set up and take down furniture and equipment for rental groups or internal team meetings.
• Maintains reasonable, predictable, and regular attendance during standard work weeks.
• Reports any damage, incidents, unsafe conditions, and injuries using appropriate forms and/or protocols.
• Adheres to blood-borne pathogen training and safety standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to operate a variety of machines, tools, and equipment used in general custodial work including, but not limited to vacuum cleaners, floor waxers, buffers, and hot water extractors.
• Knowledge of cleaning and sanitizing techniques.
• Utilize cleaning materials and solutions safely. Operate equipment safely and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to cooperate with others, communicate in a diplomatic fashion, and present a positive image of city services.
• Ability to cope with interruptions, prioritize work and organize documentation.
• Strong sense of accountability and teamwork; self-starter.
• Highly organized, honest, professional, and dependable.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly express thoughts to others and exchange information.
• Carry out work assignments in a timely manner.
• Ability to work with others in a friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.
• Knowledge of general office procedures, and ability to use office machines (i.e., computer, copy machine, printer, etc.)
• Ability to drive a city vehicle including large-sized buses and vans (CDL not required)

Licensure/Certification

• Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willing to obtain within first six (6) months of employment.

Work is performed primarily indoors, with some outdoor work required. The location of this position is near an exterior door that is often opened throughout a shift. Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel, or operate machines, objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Work may routinely require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. The employee may occasionally be required to work in outside weather conditions or in wet and/or humid conditions. Prolonged standing, sitting, and intermittent computer and telephone use will be required.

Employee must be able to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 90 pounds, with the ability to set up various equipment as needed. Employee must be able to use cleaning supplies and equipment as required. Employee must quickly possess the ability to retain solid knowledge of facility policies, department operations, and recreational activities. Employee must be able to multi-task and handle interruptions in addition to a regular workload. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in this work environment is usually moderately quiet to moderately loud but may be loud at times.

Employee must be able to respond and react to an emergency in an effective manner, which includes performing CPR as well as reporting to work if requested when the Emergency Operations Center is activated. Schedule is subject to change at any time in order to accommodate department scheduling needs - which may include additional night and weekend shifts. May be required to work non-standard workweeks and shifts to include overtime, split shifts, evenings, weekends, special events and/or holidays as deemed necessary by supervisor.

Public Works teams operate in a smoke and drug-free work environment for their health, safety, and productivity, as well as that of their customers.

Salary : $58,944 - $66,607