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Job Description
Description DREAM! BELIEVE! ACHIEVE! The Washington Youth Challe NG e Academy (WYCA) is seeking a detailed-oriented Maintenance Custodian to join our team. The ideal candidate takes pride in maintaining clean, safe, and well-functioning facilities while contributing to a positive environment for Cadets, staff and visitors. This role plays a vital part in ensuring our building operations run smoothly through routine cleaning, basic maintenance tasks, and proactive problem-solving. The WYCA Maintenance Custodian works under the general supervision of the WYCA Business Manager and with additional direction from the Youth Academy Deputy Director, performs various housekeeping, custodial, and maintenance related tasks for the Washington Youth Challe NG e Academy. Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work independently are essential for success in this position. This position is permanently assigned to the WYCA in Bremerton, WA. If you are dependable, hardworking, and committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our team. This recruitment will remain opened until filled. Screening of application materials will begin on July 13, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. It is in the applicants' best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice. This position is eligible for on-site, 24/7 facility premium pay of 5%, as well as shift differential pay for applicable shifts.
Who we are:
The WYCA was established under the authority and guidelines of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. This is a voluntary program which includes a 22-week residential phase followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. The purpose of the program is to provide a highly disciplined, safe and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and become responsible and productive citizens of the State of Washington. The National Guard Challenge Program is one of the most successful alternative education programs designed for high school dropouts or youth that are not progressing in a traditional high school setting and has graduated over 215,000 Cadets to date. What makes WYCA a great place to work? Work that matters -building character, enriching lives , one Cadet at a time! A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days .
Visit http:
//careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information . Tuition Discount! Washington State Employees are eligible for a 10% tuition discount with Western Governors University (WGU) for Bachelor's & Master's Degree programs in Business; Information Technology; Healthcare and Education. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility Support for employee growth and development
Mission:
WMD :
The mission of the Military Department is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on people, property, environment and the economy of Washington State and the region; provide trained and ready forces for state and federal missions; and provide structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.
WYCA:
The mission of the Washington Youth Challe NG e Academy is to provide a highly disciplined, safe, and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational level and employment potential and become responsible and productive Washingtonians. To learn more about the Washington Military Department and the Washington Youth Challe NG e Academy visitwww.mil.wa.gov/youth-academy.
Duties Responsibilities include:
Janitorial maintenance and routine cleanliness of assigned buildings and work areas. Routine grounds maintenance and clean-up. Routine or minor maintenance in assigned buildings and/or equipment. Under general guidance may be required to complete or assist higher level staff in the completion of non-routine maintenance activities and/or special assignment, including but not limited to: Repair leaky faucets, flush meters, and other minor plumbing repairs and maintenance. Maintain and make minor repairs to gasoline and hand powered tools and equipment used in accomplishing grounds work. Maintain and make minor repairs to electrical powered janitorial tools and equipment. Repair and replace hardware on doors, bunks, windows, cabinets, lockers, etc. Assemble, repair and adjust furniture and window shades. Replace broken windows. Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
One year of experience in janitorial services, grounds maintenance, building maintenance, and/or construction.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Custodial knowledge: Knowledge of cleaning methods, safety practices, chemicals, equipment and supplies used in general custodial work.
Skills / Abilities
/
Competencies:
Operate and handle tools, equipment, and materials in a safe and efficient manner and follow published safety rules and regulations (OSHA, WISHA, etc.) to create a safe and efficient work environment.
Operate custodial appliances:
Operate vacuum cleaners, electric polishers and other professional custodial equipment.
Operate and drive light truck:
Drive light truck to transport supplies and equipment, haul refuse and garbage. Operate and maintain electrical or gas-powered lawn equipment such as hand mower, riding lawn mower, edger, blowers, brush cutter, etc. to mow lawns and clear brush, limbs, and trees.
Ice and snow removal:
Remove snow and ice from walkways and driveways, parking lots and roads using truck or equipment mounted on plows and blowers. Operate truck and equipment mounted spray tanks.
Growth Mindset:
Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth and contribute to continuous improvement of agency processes.
Service-Oriented:
Demonstrate a willingness to take action to understand and meet the needs of others. Supplemental Information
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Routinely work a 40-hour work week as scheduled to provide ongoing customer and program support. Skills /
Abilities:
Ability to safely convey materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds alone and up to 100 pounds with assistance using proper handling and lifting techniques to accomplish assigned tasks. Willing to work in environments with a broad range of health and safety issues to accomplish ongoing facilities cleaning, maintenance and grounds maintenance. Perform repetitious movements as required. Perform work requiring bending, stooping, gripping, kneeling, squatting, moving side-to-side, crawling, working overhead, climbing ladders, and reaching away from the body for extended periods of time. Operate tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner and follow published safety rules and regulations (OSHA, WISHA) to create a safe and efficient work environment.
BACKGROUND CHECK
: Must successfully complete a pre-employment personal history and criminal background check investigation, which includes fingerprinting. The background check is required for all employees of the Washington Youth Challe NG e Academy due to the nature of these positions (working with vulnerable youth) and the safety requirements of the job. Applicants are required to complete and sign a WMD Applicant Background and Disclosure Statement and a Waiver and Authority to Release Information Form. Candidates will not have access to any investigative materials and files. Must be willing and able to participate in periodic background checks in accordance with department policy. Failure to successfully complete any required background check may be cause for termination.
DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING AND USE
: Willing not to use or be in possession of illegal narcotics or controlled substances while on, or off duty. Willing and able to be free from excessive alcohol consumption. Willing and able to pass drug testing requirements, including pre-employment (to include testing when employees change job classifications due to promotion or transfer or there is reasonable suspicion).
WYCA CAMPUS
: Ability, willingness, desire and commitment to work with at-risk youth in a 24/7 highly structured residential setting requiring extensive interaction and contact with at-risk youth and parents who may be disgruntled, angry, disrespectful (use of profanity, name calling, etc.), depressed and at times confrontational. The WYCA campus is a tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug and weapons free facility. Weapons and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on campus when employees are on or off shift. This includes any alternate duty station site or in employee vehicles. Use of tobacco and/or vaping products is not permitted anywhere within the confines of the Youth Challe NG e Academy (to include alternate duty stations) or in the view of Cadets when performing off campus duties and responsibilities. Individuals working with at-risk youth in a residential setting are subject to safety and security surveillance. Must be willing to work in and around military facilities and programs.
TRAVEL/TRAINING/POLICIES
: Must complete annual first aid and CPR training/re-certification. On rare occasions, periodic travel in and out of the state for up to one week at a time. May be required to occasionally attend training/meeting at other agency locations. Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.
NGYCP-CA HANDS-OFF LEADERSHIP GUIDANCE
Must be willing and committed to following the
NGYCP-CA
Hands-Off Leadership and Appropriate Relationships Guidance, recognizing that as a staff member of the Washington Youth Challe NG e Academy, our positions have implied authority over Cadets, regardless of their residential or completion status. This policy prohibits staff members from touching Cadets in an aggressive or harassing manner or in any way inappropriate to a professional mentoring relationship. Hands-Off Leadership prohibits staff members from using unprofessional language, including profanity, vulgarity or off-color jokes when interacting with, correcting or motivating Cadets. Must be willing to follow directives and law pertaining to Hands-Off Leadership, Fraternization, Mandatory Reporting, and Appropriate Relationships. The uncompromising expectation for behavior in word and deed on the part of staff is nothing less than complete transparency and total professionalism.
SHIFT WORK
Position is subject to shift work and incumbent must be willing to work beyond the established core hours/days when necessary to accomplish the day-to-day duties and responsibilities. Duty will include periodic weekends and nights depending on program activities and requirements, including responding to emergency situations in a reasonable amount of time when they involve Cadet health, safety, or security.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
: Must possess a valid driver's license and be qualified to drive a state vehicle as required to accomplish program requirements or have an approved accommodation on file.
UNION:
This position is covered by a union shop provision: Washington Public Employees Association.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following: A current application profile, Response to the Supplemental Questionnaire and, A list of three professional references. Please include two past/current supervisors, one peer and/or one subordinate, if applicable. For each reference, please include the following: Name, Professional Title, Working Relationship, Daytime Phone Number, and Email Address.
Recruitment Timeline:
Application Screening Will Begin:
July 13, 2026 Candidates Notified of interview selection: July 13-16, 2026
Interviews Conducted:
July 20-23, 2026
Technical Support :
Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please contact Patricia Acoba at patricia.acoba@mil.wa.gov or (360) 473-2622. Please add info@governmentjobs.com to your email contacts to ensure emails sent to advise you of the status of your application do not get sent to your junk mailbox. The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at:
