About Our Academy

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child’s love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

As a dedicated school custodian, the primary goal is to create a clean, safe, and inviting environment for students, staff, and visitors. By diligently maintaining the cleanliness of classrooms, hallways, and common areas, the custodian aims to promote a conducive atmosphere for learning and productivity. With a strong commitment to providing a welcoming space, the custodian strives to contribute positively to the overall educational experience of everyone in the school community.

What you'll do

Maintaining Cleanliness and Neatness:

• Keeps buildings and premises, including walkways, parking lots, and play areas, neat and clean at all times.
• Sweeps or vacuums classrooms daily; dusts furniture.
• Cleans corridors daily as needed.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning:

• Regulates heat, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for appropriate temperatures.
• Ensures economical usage of fuel, water, and electricity.

Winter Maintenance:

• Shovels, plows, and salts sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and steps when necessary.

Safety and Security:

• Checks daily to ensure exit doors are open and panic bolts are working during building occupancy.
• Raises and lowers the United States flag daily.

Hygiene and Sanitation:

• Scrubs, hoses down, and disinfects bathroom floors and fixtures daily.
• Washes all windows inside and outside at least twice a year or as needed.

Groundskeeping:

• Keeps grounds free from rubbish.
• Performs yard-keeping chores, such as grass cutting and tree trimming, as necessary.

Building Maintenance:

• Performs minor building repairs.
• Regularly maintains motors and other mechanical equipment on a scheduled basis.
• Reports any damage to school property promptly.

Security and Building Access:

• Remains on school property during authorized hours.
• Assumes responsibility for opening and closing the building each school day.
• Ensures doors and windows are secured and lights are turned off.

Inventory and Supplies:

• Keeps an inventory of supplies, equipment, and fuel on hand.

Ongoing Maintenance and Repairs:

• Conducts an ongoing program of general maintenance, upkeep, and repair.

Furniture and Equipment Handling:

• Moves furniture or equipment as required for various activities and per School Leader's direction.

Waste Management:

• Complies with local laws and procedures for the storage and disposal of trash, rubbish, and waste.

Outdoor Structures and Electrical Safety:

• Assumes responsibility for the safe condition of outdoor structures.
• Conducts periodic inspections and tests of all electrical installations for safety.

Collaboration and Beautification:

• Coordinates and works with volunteers in beautifying Academy grounds.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assumes other duties assigned by the School Leader.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age, unless a minor is approved by school administration and eligible for a work permit.
• Solid record of punctuality. 

Desired Requirements: 

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Custodial experience in a school setting. 
• Knowledge of and skills working with students from all backgrounds.
• Demonstrate aptitude and competence for assigned responsibilities. 
• Ability to work effectively with school personnel and students in a diverse school community.

About Choice Schools Associates

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, WMAES is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.