Rate of Pay: $27.95 per hour per CBA
The Head Cleaner is responsible for overseeing daily custodial operations and ensuring the facility is maintained in a clean, safe, and welcoming condition. This position supervises cleaning staff, assigns and monitors work, provides training, and ensures compliance with departmental policies, safety standards, and service expectations. The Head Cleaner serves as a working supervisor who leads by example, addresses operational issues proactively, and collaborates with management to support the overall needs of the building and its occupants.
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervise and support cleaning staff to ensure assigned areas are maintained in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the building layout, access points, and emergency procedures to respond quickly and effectively when needed.
- Communicate clearly, professionally, and accurately with staff, management, and other building personnel while meeting operational deadlines.
- Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude in daily operations.
- Oversee daily work assignments and ensure tasks are distributed fairly and completed efficiently.
- Monitor attendance, punctuality, and compliance with departmental policies, including attendance and sick leave procedures.
- Address performance concerns promptly and consistently, including issues related to tardiness, insubordination, workplace conduct, and policy violations.
- Promote a respectful and inclusive workplace by addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, bullying, or unprofessional conduct.
- Identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions to improve departmental processes and overall efficiency.
- Step in to perform cleaning duties or cover routines on any shift as operational needs require.
- Train and onboard new employees on cleaning procedures, equipment operation, workplace expectations, and safety standards.
- Ensure proper use, storage, and inventory control of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
- Enforce chemical safety standards and ensure staff consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Train staff in specialized floor care procedures, including stripping, waxing, and operation of floor machines.
- Work collaboratively with the Building Services Manager and other departments to support facility operations.
- Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Recognize and resolve workplace conflicts early to maintain a productive team environment.
Skills and Qualifications
- Prior supervisory experience in custodial, janitorial, housekeeping, or building services operations preferred.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff.
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Knowledge of cleaning methods, supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
- Working knowledge of floor care processes, including stripping, waxing, and machine operation.
- Ability to train staff effectively and reinforce standards and procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle employee relations matters fairly, professionally, and confidentially.
- Commitment to workplace safety, diversity, equity, and respectful treatment of others.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Reliable attendance and dependability.
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach frequently.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull cleaning equipment and supplies.
- Ability to operate custodial equipment such as vacuums, buffers, scrubbers, and floor machines.
- Ability to climb stairs and move throughout multiple areas of the building.
- Ability to work with cleaning chemicals while following all safety guidelines and PPE requirements.
- Ability to respond quickly to emergencies or urgent operational needs.
- Ability to work in a variety of indoor environments, including areas with dust, noise, or varying temperatures.
The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
