Lead Custodian

About the role

Custodian Lead

Job Disclosures: Location: (On-site) Los Angeles, CA

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $27/hr. "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated position grade, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Job Summary

The Custodian Lead is a hands-on role responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the site while partnering closely with the contracted cleaning team to uphold Meow Wolf's high guest experience standards. Reporting directly to the Facility Manager, this position oversees daily cleanliness efforts, monitors site needs, coordinates supplies and equipment inventory, and communicates operational recommendations to support efficient facility operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary hands-on custodian, keeping the site clean, well-maintained, and guest-ready.
• Work closely alongside the vendor custodial team to maintain the highest possible standards for guest experience.
• Clean, inspect, and care for artwork, specialized exhibit elements, flooring, and surfaces across Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) spaces.
• Coordinate day-to-day cleaning tasks, assign specific items or areas to be cleaned, and ensure routine coverage across designated work zones.
• Perform daily inspections of cleaning equipment and facilities, carrying out minor equipment repairs as needed.
• Report daily operations, site conditions, supply needs, and vendor team matters directly to the Facility Manager.
• Provide input to the Facility Manager on scheduling, resourcing, and broader vendor service updates managed at the Facility Manager level.
• Identify ongoing training needs or skill gaps for cleaning staff and communicate recommendations to the Facility Manager.
• Maintain routine operational logs, check-in records, and reports relative to custodial maintenance.
• Perform related custodial and coordination duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Custodial/EVS/Janitorial.
• Experience with general Janitorial duties and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to follow and enforce safety rules.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt in a fast-paced work environment.
• Professional demeanor in public spaces.
• Ability to follow instructions and pay attention to detail.
• A positive attitude.
• A flexible schedule: ability to work days and weekends.
• Prior work experience in a physically demanding field: Environmental Services and Janitorial.
• Thorough knowledge of the common tools, equipment, and materials used in cleaning and maintenance activities.
• Thorough knowledge of methods used in cleaning of buildings.
• Experience operating general hand tools and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to maintain cleaning equipment and machinery.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of employee policies and procedures.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to interpret directions on cleaning products and equipment.
• Accepts criticism and deals calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Willingness to take on challenges and responsibility.
• Embrace and exemplify Meow Wolf Culture.
• Be enthusiastic about work and creating a transcendental guest experience.
• Listen and communicate with compassion and positivity.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a receptiveness to change.
• Willing to work outside the comfort zone to assist guests or fellow team members.
• Maintain professional courtesy and behavior at all times.
• Be a "People Person" - friendly, understanding, compassionate, positive.

Additional information

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment: This job operates in an office environment and a museum/art exhibit. This role routinely uses cleaning equipment such as mops, vacuums, and other cleaning tools.

Physical Demands

Employees may be required to lift up to 60 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Work Schedule: This is a full-time position.
• Schedules are based on business needs.
• This position requires a flexible schedule to accommodate the times the exhibit is closed to the public.
• Occasional evening, overnight, weekends, and holidays will be expected as job duties demand.

Travel: This position does not require travel.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Impact

• Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles.
• To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation.
• As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

Benefits

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*
• Dental and Vision Insurance*
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes
• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

*Regular or Project Based Full-time positions