Supervising Custodian - Exempt (Open and Promotional)

About The Department
The Department of Public Works plans, designs, constructs, operates and maintains facilities and equipment that are safe and accessible to the clients of County agencies, the general public, and County employees. The Department advises the Board of Supervisors on all public works issues, including rates and charges for services that are fair to both the users and service providers. Public Works has a budget of approximately $300 million and is comprised of over 300 employees in five divisions: Administrative Services, Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services. To learn more about the department visit: https://www.smcgov.org/publicworks.
 
The Position
In general, the Supervising Custodian is responsible for planning, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating the work of a group of custodians engaged in cleaning and general maintenance of County buildings, offices, institutions, and other facilities.
 
The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of recent custodial/janitorial experience in a large institution, including one year in a supervisory role. They should possess extensive technical knowledge of modern custodial equipment and cleaning methods, along with basic computer skills.

This ideal candidate also is an effective communicator who builds trust, motivates a cohesive team, and works alongside them to foster a results-driven attitude. They are a critical thinker who goes beyond routine tasks, maintains a meticulous approach to cleanliness, and ensures a professional environment. They take the initiative to address issues like dirty walls or door handles without being asked and inspire their team to do the same. Strong customer service skills and a warm, friendly demeanor are essential.
 
The current vacancy requires working a day shift from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM PST. There may be occasional weekend shifts as well.

IMPORTANT: Candidates will be required to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check conducted by the County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office prior to hire. The selected candidate MUST BE cleared to work around detainees in a locked facility.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise and direct the activities and staff involved in keeping buildings and facilities clean, orderly, sanitary, and safe.
• Plan, schedule, and assign work.
• Participate in the hiring of assigned staff; recommend selection for management approval.
• Train assigned staff on technical and safety related topics; ensure employees comply with safety practices and procedures.
• Evaluate employee performance, counsel employees, and effectively recommend disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• Determine work schedules and authorize leaves, ensuring the effective, efficient, and timely completion of work.
• Inspect assigned areas to review work in progress and report any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions to buildings or grounds for which responsible for.
• Ensure and maintain building security for an assigned area and report suspicious conditions.
• Request, sign for, and receive delivery of materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Maintain adequate stock of supplies and equipment.
• Conduct periodic safety meetings for custodians supervised.
• Direct and assist in the preparation of rooms for meetings.
• May assist custodians in performing work as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

License:

• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California class C driver license or its equivalent.

Education and Experience: 
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

• A typical way to qualify is three years of experience performing custodial/janitorial work.

Knowledge of: 

• Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, scheduling, review, evaluation, and employee training and discipline
• Cleaning methods, equipment, and supplies
• Proper methods for clean-up and disposal of hazardous waste  

Skill/Ability to: 

• Plan, assign, supervise, inspect and evaluate the work of others.
• Train others in safety and work procedures.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Maintain professional, effective and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Learn and carry out departmental policies and procedures.
• Bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry equipment, materials and supplies used in the course of work.
• Work courteously and effectively with staff, co-workers, customers and the public.
• Make minor repairs and do minor maintenance work.
• Adjust to an immediate change in priorities.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score
 
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight:  pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
 
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
Applicant Screening: Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Panel Interviews: Monday, December 14, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
 
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.