Published: Jan 16, 2026 - The Lead Custodian supervises and coordinates custodial staff by assigning tasks, maintaining schedules, ensuring proper staffing, and providing training to new employees. This role involves inspecting facilities for cleanliness, evaluating performance, managing records, handling supply requisitions, and organizing special project work in coordination with building occupants. The custodian also assists with hiring recommendations, oversees work crews for special events, and maintains reports related to personnel, equipment, and housekeeping activities.

An Introduction to Professional Skills and Functions for Lead Custodian with a Cover Letter
1. Accountabilities for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Drive the assigned vehicle to transport team members to designated work zones.
- Pick up supplies, materials, and equipment from the warehouse and chemical storage.
- Assign, review, and inspect the work of assigned staff, including completing inspection forms.
- Sweep, strip, scrub, mop and wax floors, vacuum, and shampoo rugs and carpets.
- Wash woodwork and counters, wash and polish floors, furniture, clean chalkboards, chalk rails and vacuum.
- Report suspicious or inappropriate behavior to the manager.
- Safeguard buildings, property and all equipment from unauthorized use.
- Use proper safety procedures adherence to all safety procedures and protocols.
- Empty waste baskets and recycling containers, clean and disinfect restrooms and replenish restroom supplies.
Skills: Vehicle Operation, Team Supervision, Facility Cleaning, Floor Maintenance, Safety Compliance, Equipment Handling, Security Awareness, Supply Management
2. Responsibilities for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Ensure student-populated areas (classrooms, lobbies, restrooms, locker rooms, etc.) are ready for students each day.
- Clean windows inside and out, clean entry doors, dust fixtures, sweep and or pressure wash outside.
- Ensure closets are stocked and all chemicals are labeled appropriately.
- Train, inspect, correct and instruct custodians in the proper use of equipment, materials and appropriate custodial procedures, techniques and practices.
- Work alongside associates daily.
- Perform tasks associated with the crew's work on a consistent basis.
- Assist crew and restructure teams to complete daily assignments.
- Ensure campus unlocks are properly completed on a daily basis and ensure the campus is ready for students.
- Ensure adherence to lunch and break periods.
Skills: Custodial Operations, Team Training, Staff Supervision, Facility Readiness, Safety Compliance, Equipment Usage, Team Coordination, Time Management
3. Success Indicators for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Assist custodians in the performance of their duties and inspect associates' completed work.
- Assistthe manager with attendance reporting, collect and review labor cards for accuracy.
- Complete daily paperwork required, including absence forms, labor cards, overtime reports, and inspection forms.
- Provide daily updates/announcements to staff.
- Report injuries or accidents immediately and complete the necessary Worker's Compensation paperwork.
- Confer and collaborate with the manager to review and assess the needs of the crew.
- Provide input on staff Performance Evaluations.
- Attend required staff and lead meetings.
- Use computers to track work orders and order supplies and materials.
Skills: Staff Supervision, Attendance Tracking, Administrative Reporting, Team Communication, Incident Reporting, Performance Evaluation Support, Meeting Participation, Computer Skills
4. Relationship-building Techniques for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Train and instruct custodians in the performance of their duties, including appropriate custodial practices and techniques, and the safe use of equipment and materials.
- Complete daily labor cards, report absences and provide input to employee evaluations.
- Perform a full range of custodial work.
- Identify and report equipment, supply, and repair needs.
- Identify and order necessary supplies and materials.
- Work to include cleaning and maintaining areas, including such activities as dusting and cleaning all surfaces, removing trash and recyclables, cleaning and disinfecting restrooms and replenishing supplies, cleaning glass doors, windows, and blinds, cleaning off graffiti, cleaning furniture, upholstery and light fixtures, polishing woodwork and metal surfaces.
- Clean stairwells, walkways, and elevators, and perform general housekeeping.
- Clean and maintain campus floors, including sweeping, dry and/or wet mopping, stripping, sealing, waxing, and polishing floors, vacuuming, spot and fully clean carpets.
- Use and care for powered floor cleaning equipment.
- Provide custodial support, including activities such as responding to custodial/cleaning emergencies, gathering and delivering recyclables to areas of central aggregation, replacing lamps in light fixtures, safeguard assigned areas from unauthorized use and access by locking and unlocking doors and windows.
Skills: Custodial Training, Safety Procedures, Facility Cleaning, Floor Care, Equipment Operation, Supply Management, Staff Evaluation Support, Security Awareness
5. Account Growth Tactics for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Arrange and set up furniture, equipment, and related items.
- Make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment and furniture, such as oiling doors, tightening screws, and replacing feet on chairs and tables.
- Provide general campus support by reporting facility repair needs identified during custodial rounds.
- Serve as a special event custodian, participate and coordinate custodial support for campus events, including set up and clean up.
- Identify and organize necessary work materials and equipment, which may include loading and unloading, cleaning supplies and materials.
- Operate and maintain appropriate hand and powered equipment and tools, supplies, and materials to perform assigned duties.
- Use a motor vehicle, such as a truck or electric cart, to transport custodial equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Drive pick-ups and other automotive equipment in performance of assigned duties.
- Provide lead work direction to unskilled assistants.
Skills: Furniture Setup, Minor Repairs, Event Support, Equipment Operation, Material Handling, Vehicle Operation, Facility Reporting, Team Leadership
6. Value Proposition for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Plan and oversee all custodial work, maintaining a high standard of safety, cleanliness, and efficiency as directed by the Public Works Supervisor (supervisor).
- Ensure buildings and property are secure during the shift and report incidents and hazardous conditions to sthe upervisor.
- Assist sthe upervisor in purchasing cleaning supplies/equipment.
- Schedule clean-up and repairs as directed by the supervisor.
- Perform various cleaning and light maintenance activities in all Siletz Tribal facilities.
- Meet custodial specifications for each tribal facility by dusting furniture, mopping, scrubbing, waxing and buffing floors, vacuuming and shampooing carpets, emptying wastebaskets and properly disposing of waste, cleaning walls, windows and blinds, washing coffee cups and coffee equipment, and dusting ceiling fixtures.
- Perform aseptic cleaning in various medical rooms according to procedural guidelines.
- Dispose of hazardous waste material, and adhere to all proper procedures when collecting, boxing, handling, and transporting hazardous materials.
- Know proper procedures for shutting off utilities in emergency situations, which includes knowledge of shut-off points for water, electricity, oxygen, and nitrous oxide to provide direction to repair people.
- Sort recyclable material.
Skills: Custodial Management, Safety Oversight, Facility Security, Supply Purchasing, Maintenance Scheduling, Aseptic Cleaning, Hazardous Materials Handling, Emergency Response
7. Operational Overview for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Take inventory, maintain storage areas, and replenish supplies.
- Keep restrooms in clean, orderly, and sanitary conditions.
- Clean, disinfect, and deodorize bathroom fixtures.
- Ensure restrooms are properly stocked with the necessary supplies.
- Notify Maintenance Supervisor of any damage or repair work needed, or safety hazards.
- Secure the facility upon completion of duties.
- Assist the Public Works Supervisor in planning the annual budget for the Custodial program.
- Serve a six-month probationary period to enable the General Manager to determine their suitability as a tribal employee.
Skills: Inventory Management, Restroom Sanitation, Supply Replenishment, Facility Security, Maintenance Reporting, Budget Planning Support, Safety Awareness, Custodial Compliance
8. Key Strengths for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Coordinate, trains and monitors the work of building custodians to ensure that work meets standards.
- Operate the boiler and machinery in the building.
- Check boilers and air handling units.
- Assist district maintenance specialists in the conduct of building maintenance, repairs and activities.
- Coordinate and oversee building security.
- Assign, secure and/or open up the building.
- Shut off lights, close windows, lock doors, sets building alarms.
- Coordinate and/or participate in the setup and take-down of equipment and materials needed for scheduling building activities, meetings, community education classes, events, or functions within the building.
- Provide assistance in unloading deliveries and/or food items to the building and in moving desks, furniture, and equipment within the building.
- Coordinate and/or assist in cafeteria set up and cleaning.
- Set up tables and chairs for breakfast and lunch.
- Check and fill milk coolers.
- Clean tables, floors and store tables/chairs after breakfast meal times.
Skills: Custodial Coordination, Boiler Operation, Building Maintenance Support, Facility Security, Access Control, Event Setup, Material Handling, Cafeteria Support
9. Achievement Highlights for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Remove and empty trash.
- Coordinate, schedules and participate in extensive summer cleaning schedules, routines and projects in building preparations for the new school year.
- Participate in the cleaning of assigned classrooms, floors, offices, restrooms, gyms, hallways, or other areas of the building to assure a safe and clean environment in which to learn and work.
- Collaborate and work with the Principal, Director of Buildings and Maintenance, Grounds Supervisor, or other Lead Custodians.
- Identify special needs, projects, or events that impact scheduling, work priorities, and workload requirements.
- Maintain a variety of technical or safety logs, including, but not limited to, playground safety logs, emergency lighting testing logs, fire extinguisher tags, eye wash inspection tags, safety data sheets, hazardous waste inspection logs, and lift/lift truck inspection logs.
- Perform basic repair and preventative maintenance, including, but not limited to, filter changes, door locks and closers, cabinets and casework, pencil sharpeners, toilet paper and paper towel dispensers, windows, furniture, roofs, coolers and freezers, lockers, custodial equipment, and classroom devices.
- Perform snow removal and apply salt to sidewalks and entrances.
- Check, stocks, and maintain an inventory of custodial and maintenance supplies.
- Use a computer to check emails and respond in an appropriate timeframe.
Skills: Waste Management, Seasonal Deep Cleaning, Facility Cleaning, Cross-Department Collaboration, Safety Log Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Snow Removal, Inventory Control
10. Outcomes for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Supervise and coordinate the work of custodians in performing general duties.
- Establish and maintain employee schedules and make work assignments to various tasks.
- Ensure that work areas are properly staffed and have supplies and equipment to complete work.
- Monitor and evaluate the conduct review of established cleaning requirements for areas assigned.
- Conduct performance appraisals.
- Plan, organize and staff special project work to include coordination of work with building occupants.
- Assist the supervisor with the inspection of buildings for proper cleanliness and maintenance care.
- Render training to new employees.
- Maintain timecards for supervised employees.
- Assist in scheduling vacations for subordinates.
- Maintain records and submit reports concerning personnel, equipment, supplies, expenses and general housekeeping activities.
- Requisition supplies and equipment and maintain the security of such.
- Interview and recommend applicants for positions.
- Supervise work crews in preparation for special events.
Skills: Custodial Supervision, Staff Scheduling, Resource Planning, Quality Control, Performance Management, Employee Training, Personnel Administration, Event Coordination
What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for Lead Custodian in a Cover Letter?
1. Experience and Requirements for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Ability to access, input, and retrieve information in various software systems.
- Ability to effectively manage up to five crew members.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, staff, students, parents, and the general public.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to manage simultaneous demands.
- Ability to operate and care for mechanized cleaning equipment.
- Ability to operate standard custodial equipment, performing a wide range of custodial tasks.
- Knowledge of cleaning equipment, supplies, and chemicals.
- Knowledge of cleaning, scheduling, cleaning techniques, and setup for events.
- Ability to read/write/speak the English language and follow directions in English effectively.
- Ability to recognize safety issues in the workplace.
Qualifications: BS in Facilities Management with 3 years of Experience
2. Professional Background for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Ability to work days, hours, locations, and assignments as directed by the supervisor within the position responsibilities.
- Ability to work independently on assignments.
- Ability to work well with individuals from many diverse backgrounds and professions, as well as the student body.
- Ability to demonstrate discernment, excellence, honesty, integrity, patience, perseverance, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness.
- Able to be detail-oriented.
- Able to be energetic, creative, innovative, and flexible.
- Excellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn about cleaning equipment, supplies, and chemicals.
- Must have organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of custodial tasks of facilities, grounds, and equipment.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong spelling, punctuation, and grammar skills.
Qualifications: BS in Building Maintenance Technology with 2 years of Experience
3. Training and Certifications for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Ability to read and understand simple instructions and short messages.
- Ability to give information and effectively communicate one-on-one with clients, employees, co-workers, supervisors, managers, and customers.
- Ability to know how to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide by 10's and 100's.
- Ability to apply common sense knowledge to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several changes in typical situations.
- Must have Forklift Certified.
- Good written and verbal skills.
- Excellent customer service, time management skills, and training abilities.
- Able to use forklifts and pallet jacks.
- Must have computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom).
- Able to perform quality, service and safety inspections using the 4insite technology platform.
- Willingness to work long shifts on occasion.
- Able to assist with ensuring that the site meets budget goals on a sustainable basis.
- Able to maintain a safe work environment for everyone on campus.
- Able to act as a liaison between the company, customers, clients, employees, and subcontractors.
Qualifications: BS in Industrial Technology with 3 years of Experience
4. Problem-solving Abilities for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Floor care experience.
- Must have management experience.
- Ability to display excellent communication skills.
- Previous custodial experience.
- Ability to manage workflow in a timely and consistent manner.
- Ability to lift up to 55 pounds, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
- Must have problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude.
- Knowledge of all safety requirements.
- Able to focus unwavering attention on detail.
- Able to work a cell phone.
- Able to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull greater than 50lbs.
- Must be able to follow basic safety procedures and precautions due to physical risk and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Must be willing to wear a mask.
Qualifications: BS in Environmental Health and Safety with 5 years of Experience
5. Product and Service Knowledge for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Working knowledge of effective lead/supervisory practices and techniques, methods, materials, chemicals, and equipment used in custodial work, such as floor machines, buffers, and extractors, and safety and sanitation measures appropriate for custodial work.
- Ability and specialized skills to provide lead work direction, including training others in proper work methods and safety and providing feedback on work performance.
- Ability to use computers to track work orders and order supplies and materials.
- Ability to analyze situations and take appropriate action, follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position, and perform work involving regular physical activity.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, faculty, students, and other employees.
- Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment, exercise discretion, maintain confidences, and act in an honest, ethical, and professional manner.
- Exercise good communication, and behave with the highest degree of integrity.
- Able to maintain a confidential trust with others and demonstrate good customer service skills.
Qualifications: BA in Operations Management with 4 years of Experience
6. Key Achievements for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Good interpersonal and communication skills in reading, writing and receiving oral instructions in English.
- Able to demonstrate customer service with emphasis on a positive attitude.
- Able to utilize an iPad to execute work orders.
- Able to work overtime, before start of shift, at end of shift, weekends, etc.
- Able to learn how to operate equipment and practice current methods used in the cleaning industry.
- Able to stand or walk 2-4 hours at one time for 6-8 hours per day.
- Able to lift or carry up to 10 pounds frequently.
- Able to lift or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and in a range of motions from floor to shoulder height.
- Able to lift up to 30 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead.
- Able to push or pull using forces up to 10 pounds constantly.
- Able to push or pull using forces up to 60 pounds occasionally.
- Able to frequently use hands for simple grasping, pushing, or pulling.
- Able to bend, push, or pull frequently.
- Able to squat, kneel, climb, reach overhead, or lift overhead occasionally.
- Able to climb stairs or ladder, shovel snow, and work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions.
- Able to work at heights, possess a full range of body motions and physical agility, and have the ability to maintain balance.
Qualifications: BS in Mechanical Technology with 1 year of Experience
7. Skills Overview for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Basic understanding of exploring the Internet, MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Proven custodial experience and previous supervisory experience.
- Ability to lift up to 70 lbs. occasionally.
- Retail/hospitality, housekeeping, service industry experience.
- Previous experience providing training in cleaning practices and methods and the operation of cleaning equipment.
- Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.
- Willingness to be open and respectful of all backgrounds.
- Fluent in languages other than English (Hmong, Somali, Spanish).
Qualifications: BA in Public Administration with 4 years of Experience
8. Skills, Knowledge, and Experience for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Experience in an institutional, industrial, or commercial setting.
- Able to consistently exhibit engaging customer service.
- Able to navigate web access and email with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Proven proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications for the specific position.
- Knowledge of cleaning procedures and the use of cleaning materials.
- Ability to give and follow instructions.
- Ability to effectively orient and train new employees.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships through work assignments.
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to inclusiveness by working well with diverse populations.
Qualifications: BS in Construction Management with 3 years of Experience
9. Knowledge and Abilities for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Ability to perform medium physical work.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in completing work assignments.
- General knowledge of the standard methods, materials, and equipment employed in janitorial work.
- General knowledge of safety precautions and warning signals regarding school building equipment.
- Able to use effective communication and human relations skills.
- Able to demonstrate appropriate organizational skills for the specific position.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated organizational and human relations skills.
Qualifications: BA in Organizational Leadership with 2 years of Experience
10. Account Management Best Practices for Lead Custodian Cover Letter
- Prior custodial/maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Prior experience leading a team or group.
- Strong familiarity with Food Safety Requirements, GMP and OSHA requirements.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
- Knowledge of ride-on/walk-behind mechanical floor cleaning equipment.
- Knowledge of standard custodial and floor care practices.
- Ability to plan, direct, and review the work of subordinates.
- Ability to train new employees in the proper performance of their duties.
- Demonstrated familiarity with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures.
- Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical labor over extended periods of time under adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to get to work as scheduled or upon request due to unexpected situations.
Qualifications: BS in Occupational Safety Management with 4 years of Experience