This position is open continuously until filled. We will review the first batch of candidates on 5/6/2026.
This position is classified as variable hour. Variable hour employees may not work more than 1040 hours per year.
Do you like being hands-on and enjoy the sense of accomplishment and pride in doing a job well? Do you approach your work with an attitude that no job is too big or too small? Come join the Oregon Zoo as a variable hour Custodian where you will play a vital role in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for our visitors and animals. Your responsibilities will include general cleaning tasks, assisting guests with inquiries, and performing light maintenance duties. You'll operate various equipment to ensure the zoo grounds and facilities are in top condition, while also helping with special projects and events. Join us in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits!
Traits for success
Experience performing custodial duties in a large, public venue with indoor and outdoor facilities.
Ability to safety operate garbage trucks, mini dump trucks, self-dumping hoppers, person-lift baskets, tractors, forklifts, pressure washers, industrial fans, ladders, painting equipment, cleaning equipment, hand tools and similar equipment.
Excellent customer services skills; willingness to assist the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner.
Demonstrated ability to follow safe work habits and contribute to the safety of the work group.
Contribute to a positive work environment.
Push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather Work independently and part of a team.
Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
Walk, stand and work on concrete surfaces for extended periods of time. Work irregular hours, including holidays, evenings and weekends.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications:
High school diploma or GED, and
At least two years of experience in custodial and customer service work; or
We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Required
Valid driver's license
Special requirements:This job requires the ability to obtain and maintain all of the following:
Forklift certification
First Aid/CPR certification
Bloodborne pathogen training
Shift and schedule -As a member of the Custodial Team you need to be available to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedules vary based on operational need, weather and events at the zoo, including school breaks, holidays, summer and the ZooLights season. This position is considered to be variable hour with no fixed or set schedule. This role is expected to conclude at the end of September, with the possibility of extension based on zoo event needs.
Working Conditions:Duties may be performed under various conditions, which may include exposure to contaminated areas, enclosed spaces, at heights, indoor and outdoor locations under inclement weather, and other adverse conditions. Physically demanding position with frequent standing and lifting of 50 pounds on a regular basis; occasionally up to 80+ pounds. Work pressure and workflow disturbances are expected. As necessary to meet workload demands, may work outside of typical schedule including evening/weekend hours and holidays as assigned. May be exposed to working in inclement weather.
Variable hour employees cannot work more than 1,040 hours in a 12-month period.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet:The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
A complete online application
Answers to supplemental questions
The selection process:We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
Initial review of minimum qualifications
In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates/interviews
Reference check
Background and driving records check for finalist candidate
REPRESENTATION
This variable hour position is eligible for overtime and is represented by Liuna union. It is classified as aCustodian(VHE).
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Questions?
Recruiter: Christina Rentas
Email: Christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics.Metrohas established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s“How to apply”page.
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