Job Description

Position Description

The Custodian plays a vital role in creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for children, families, staff, and partners at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center. This position supports daily operations by ensuring Museum spaces meet high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and presentation, helping every guest feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to explore.

The Custodian works collaboratively with Museum staff to support guest experience, assist with facility needs, and identify potential maintenance or safety concerns. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys working independently, and feels comfortable in a lively, child-centered environment.

Responsibilities:

Perform daily and deep cleaning of Museum spaces, including exhibit galleries, program rooms, classrooms, restrooms, cafe areas, offices, and staff spaces Ensure consistent sanitation and disinfection of high-touch surfaces throughout the facility by following established cleaning and safety protocols Monitor, stock, and maintain restroom supplies to ensure cleanliness and guest readiness throughout operating hours Assist with Museum service requests, including room set-ups, deliveries, emergency clean-up, and support for special events or programs Support opening and closing cleanliness needs to ensure the Museum is guest-ready each day Identify custodial supply, equipment, or tool needs and assist with inventory tracking and order placement as requested Observe and report facility, equipment, or building concerns to the Vice President of Play and Learning or appropriate staff Communicate proactively with Museum staff regarding cleaning schedules, space usage, and facility-related needs Support a positive and safe guest experience by maintaining clean, organized, and well-presented spaces Other duties as assigned

Desired Skills:

Dependable, consistent, and self-motivated Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively Strong attention to detail and cleanliness standards Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a team Comfortable working in a fast-paced, public environment with children and families Janitorial, custodial, or housekeeping experience preferred

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions Previous custodial, janitorial, or housekeeping experience preferred

Position Conditions:

Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening Ability to lift up to 50 pounds Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, and perform physical tasks for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors

About the Kansas Children's Discovery Center:

The Kansas Children's Discovery Center is a hands-on children's museum with a mission to enhance the lives of children and enrich the communities it serves. Since opening in 2011 in Topeka, Kansas, the Discovery Center has become a destination for playful learning, welcoming visitors from all 50 states and more than 20 countries.

The Kansas Children's Discovery Center believes play is powerful, and quality play experiences are transformational for children and families. The Discovery Center serves as the gateway for a lifelong love of learning filled with curiosity and exploration. Centrally located in Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, the museum is filled with educational exhibits promoting science exploration, art creation, and dramatic play. Outside, children explore forests, streams, vegetable gardens, and a tallgrass prairie. The entire museum is designed for children to lead the way and follow their interests as they learn and grow, strengthening relationships with their caregivers along the way. More than 120,000 annual visitors experience the museum. Access programs provide free and discounted admissions that account for more than a third of daily admissions. The museum has built programs to meet the unique needs of medically fragile children, children with incarcerated caregivers, children with autism, children in foster care, and other vulnerable populations. We advocate for play, and the importance of informal education opportunities that allow children to chart the course of their own learning.

What is a Children's Museum?

Children's museums are places where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them. There are more than 300 children's museums in the world serving millions of families, but every institution is unique. Children's museums are known for being joyful spaces for learning and play, and much more than just places to visit. In fact, all children's museums, regardless of size, function as local destinations , educational laboratories, and act as community resources and advocates for children.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $17.31 per hour

Work Location: In person