Nelson CARES Society is a not-for-profit organization that provides programs and initiatives in advocacy, housing, employment support services, and environmental stewardship. The Emergency Housing Services (EHS) is its program that runs the emergency shelters in Nelson.

Job Summary: Reporting to the EHS Program Manager, the custodian is directly responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, laundry, and other light maintenance of the Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter site. This position requires union membership with CUPE.

This is a benefited position upon successful completion of the probation or trial period.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Clean the rooms and other areas as required, including, but not exclusively:
    • Washing floor, doors, door handles, walls, kitchen surfaces, couches, other furniture,
    • Use and maintain supplied equipment,
    • Follow instructions in the use of cleaning chemicals,
    • Empty and clean waste baskets and dispose of waste in dumpster,
    • Clean windows and window ledges using provided ladder,
    • Assist with the set up and take down of facilities as needed
    • Restock supplies as needed,
    • Maintain storage areas and equipment,
    • Perform laundry services and daily bed bug check,
    • Other related duties as needed.
  2. Report all damage or safety concerns to Frontline Supervisor.
  3. Maintain safe work practices, particularly in the realm of care to avoid needle poke injuries.
  4. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Manager.


Education, Training and Experience:

  1. Minimum grade 10
  2. A minimum of 1 year experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.


Employment Requirements:

  1. Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
  2. Driver’s license and regular access to a reliable vehicle (travel within West Kootenay region required; travel expenses paid)

For full job description and requirements, please read the full job description here.

Start Date: March 16
Days & Hours of Work: 20 hours/week, Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm
Compensation: $21.72/hr (JES Grid level 3, Step 1)
Application Deadline: Open until filled

How to Apply:

Please e-mail the Housing Director: housingdirector@nelsoncares.ca the following:

  1. Subject Line: Custodian #12_2025_EHS
  2. Your current resume and cover letter
  3. The e-mail addresses for three references

Nelson CARES Society is an equal opportunity employer. Only short-listed external candidates will be contacted.
All internal applicants will be contacted as to the status of their applications.
Position will be filled through a competition/selection process.
This position requires the candidate to be a CUPE member.