Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $14 DOE
JOB TITLE: Custodian
DEPARTMENT: Operations
REPORTS TO: Lead Custodian/Director of Building Operations
Work Week: Saturday to Wednesday 4pm to 12pm.
Term/Hours: Full time, Benefit eligible position. Must be willing to work holidays if they fall on your shift(we have paid time off you can request in advance).
Start Date: January or February 2026
Evening Custodian Great Lakes Aquarium
Position Summary
The Evening Custodian plays a vital role in ensuring the Great Lakes Aquarium remains clean, safe, and welcoming for guests and staff. This position requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
- During public hours (until 6 PM):
- Be on call to respond promptly to spills or urgent cleaning needs.
- Maintain cleanliness in staffonly areas behind the scenes.
- After closing:
- Complete a set schedule of deepcleaning tasks to prepare the facility for the next day.
- Ensure restrooms, floors, and common areas are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
- Teamwork & Independence:
- Some shifts will be solo, requiring selfdirection and accountability.
- Other shifts will involve working alongside another custodian to complete larger tasks.
- Special Events (weekends and evenings):
- Support facilitywide events that may run late into the night.
- Adapt to different responsibilities, such as maintaining cleanliness during hightraffic activities and assisting with event setup/teardown.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- General Cleaning of the building and keeping it maintained and in good condition.
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors.
- Cleaning and stock restrooms.
- Ensure doors and facility are locked and secure after hours.
- Clean up spills with appropriate equipment.
- Perform minor repairs.
- Operate a ride on floor scrubber.
- Notify supervisors of minor and major repairs.
- Collect and dispose of trash.
- Complete tasks in a timely manner with minimal supervision
- Follow a set daily schedule of tasks.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Individual must have excellent communication skills; written and verbal.
- Individual must have basic computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Access (or other database software).
- Must also have and maintain a valid drivers license.
- Ability to manage your time efficiently.
- Work well when supervisors are not present.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
- Able to use basic cleaning equipment.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma
- 1-2 years of Custodial experience preferred
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:
Starting rate is $14.00/hr. Staff also have the opportunity to receive annual merit increases. This is a Full-time position. Benefits include: Free waterfront parking when space is available, discount on Aquarium programs and gift shop items, and free admission to the Aquarium for self and guests. Great Lakes Aquarium promotes a fun and collaborative work environment!
Great Lakes Aquarium offers a competitive benefits package, as follows:
- 401k managed through Ascensus, with a 3% company match
- Blue Cross Blue Shield health and vision insurance.
- Delta Dental PPO dental insurance.
- Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and Short-Term Disability Insurance, provided through Unum.
- New employees earn 4.0 hours of vacation per pay period, which increases after four years of employment. All employees also receive Earned Safe & Sick Time, per Duluth ordinance.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job an individual must have the ability to lift 50 pounds. Individual must have a flexible schedule for any overnight, weekend, and/or holiday shifts plus extra hours when needed. Individual must be capable of working safely in elements, which may include but are not limited to; dust, dirt, chemicals (sanitizing and cleaning products, chlorine and aquarium water conditioning chemicals), and humidity. In addition, employee is regularly expected to walk, crawl, kneel, climb, and work overhead.
EOAA Statement:
Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. Great Lakes Aquarium shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Great Lakes Aquarium aims to be a supportive community for all people. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please connect with our Access and Inclusion Coordinator, Annie Thors athors@glaquarium.org.
If you have any questions, please emaildreinke@glaquarium.org.