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The California Department of General Services directly oversees 58 office buildings across the state. But nearly 1 in 5 custodial positions are currently vacant.
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When other departments need help providing custodial services, they can go to DGS’ facilities management division for assistance — which DGS isn’t mandated to provide. Some of these requests are denied because it lacks the staffing required to help out. Many of these agencies then seek out contract workers to clean their properties.
California’s hiring process for state workers has long been criticized. Michelle Allen, a career coach who helps prospective state workers in Sacramento, said the application has several nuances people can miss like including the specific months of previous employment.
“It can be very confusing for the average person, and I always start out my classes by telling them, ‘I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news, I’m gonna give you the bad news first. Most of you are perfectly capable of holding down a state job, but most of you will not get one. Not because you’re not qualified. You’re gonna give up,’” Allen said.
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The hiring process for a custodian in DGS generally takes about 60 days, according to DGS spokesperson Fallon Okwuosa. That includes time to advertise the position, ensure medical clearance and interview candidates.
Applicant interest varies by region, according to DGS data. There are typically 134 applications per custodial position in the Sacramento region, 103 near Los Angeles and 56 in the Bay Area.
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Department officials declined an interview request but, in an email, disclosed it hopes to increase recruiting efforts when it secures a contract for a new online hiring platform.
The pay range for a custodian I classification is about $39,900 to $50,000 annually. For the custodian II classification, it’s $41,900 to $52,500.
Okwuosa reports the average salary for a custodian is about $45,000 this fiscal year, up from $36,900 in fiscal year 2021-22. This year’s salary, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator, is about $13,500 less than a what a single person with no children needs to afford living in Sacramento. It is about $15,150 less than what’s needed in Los Angeles and a $22,450 gap for those in San Francisco.
The average salary for a custodian in California is around $43,500 a year, according to an average of job postings listed on Indeed.
Custodians are represented by SEIU Local 1000. The union is currently in negotiations and is asking for 20% raises across three years.
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