About First UMC Elgin
First UMC Elgin is a vibrant and active congregation with a rich history spanning over 100 years. Our beautiful and historic building serves as a center for worship, community outreach, and various ministries. The facility includes multiple floors, a mix of offices and meeting spaces occupied by both the church and rental tenants, an elevator, and a boiler heating system. We are seeking a dedicated Facilities Custodian (part time: 15 to 20 hours per week) to ensure our cherished building remains clean, safe, and well-maintained for all who enter.
Position Summary
The Facilities Custodian is a hands-on position responsible for the overall cleanliness, minor maintenance, and operational efficiency of the church's physical plant. This includes monitoring mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and grounds maintenance. The Facilities Custodian will also manage relationships with rental tenants regarding building-related issues and ensure a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for the congregation, staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
1. Building Maintenance & Oversight
- System Monitoring: Perform routine checks on the boiler system, HVAC equipment, elevator, and fire suppression systems. Report major malfunctions to leadership.
- Safety & Security: Maintain high standards of safety and security for the building and its users by identifying hazards, ensuring clear points of egress, and monitoring the integrity of the physical space.
- Minor Repairs: Execute "handyman" tasks including painting, minor carpentry, replacing light bulbs, and fixing leaky faucets.
- Vendor Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for external contractors (e.g., HVAC technicians, elevator inspectors); obtain bids and supervise specialized repairs.
- Safety & Compliance: Conduct regular safety inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes and accessibility requirements.
2. Janitorial & Sanitation
- Daily Cleaning: Maintain the sanctuary, offices, classrooms, and fellowship halls to a high standard.
- Sanitation: Deep clean and restock restrooms and kitchen areas weekly or as needed following the morning walk-through.
- Floor Care: Manage vacuuming, mopping, and periodic carpet cleaning or floor buffing.
- Waste Management: Collect and remove trash and recycling throughout the facility.
3. Tenant & Event Support
- Tenant Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for tenants regarding maintenance requests, ensuring timely resolution.
- Event Setup: Coordinate the arrangement of chairs, tables, and basic equipment for Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and community events.
4. Groundskeeping & Inventory
- Outdoor Upkeep: Oversee general grounds maintenance, including light landscaping, debris removal, and clearing walkways of snow/ice.
- Supplies: Maintain an inventory of cleaning and maintenance supplies; request restocks in line with budget guidelines.
Qualifications
- Experience: 3+ years in custodial work, facility maintenance, or a related "handyman" role, preferably in a historic or institutional setting.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with older building systems (specifically boilers/steam heat) and a solid understanding of basic plumbing and electrical.
- Physical Ability: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and remain active for extended periods.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with staff, tenants, and the congregation.
- Reliability: A "self-starter" attitude with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- Availability: Ability to provide on-call support for building emergencies and work a schedule that may include occasional evenings or weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a non-profit or religious organization.
- Specific trade experience (e.g., basic HVAC or plumbing certification).
- Knowledge of historic building preservation and maintenance.
First UMC Elgin is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15 – 20 per week
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
