HISD hiring 400 custodians as district shifts operations in-house

HISD is looking to fill more than 400 custodial positions before the end of the year as the district transitions from outsourced contract custodian services to fully in-house operations.

More than a quarter of the district’s 280 schools are currently serviced by contracted vendors.

The transition will move the 79 outsourced campuses ­­to in-house service by Dec. 1, 2021, in accordance with Texas Legislative Budget Board recommendations for improving operational efficiency.

“We are looking for dedicated, punctual, and dependable custodial service workers who understand the importance of safe operations,” said Facilities Operations and Fleet Services General Manager Nicole Ware Barnett, who oversees custodial operations for the district.

Custodial Operations is the largest department among the Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations division. The unit is tasked with ensuring learning and work environments are safe, sanitary, and comfortable for students, employees, and visitors.

The group is also responsible for maintaining buildings in compliance with industry standards, monitoring and inspecting buildings, and staffing facilities appropriately so custodial needs can be addressed.

Campus leadership at the 79 outsourced schools were notified earlier this month.

“Our goal is to make this transition to be as seamless as possible,” Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations Officer Alishia Jolivette said. “We will continue to provide the best service possible to our schools.”

All new custodial positions will be full-time, 12-month jobs and employees will be eligible for paid holidays, benefits, and retirement plans.

Interested individuals can apply online at HoustonISD.org/careers or in person at the Business Operations Job Fair on Saturday, July 31, 2021, for 9 a.m. to noon at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St.

Representatives will be on hand to review applications and conduct onsite interviews. Applicants should bring a valid driver’s license and social security card or their employment authorization card.