Custodial Worker (Janitor) in Germany at U.S. Air Forces in Europe

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe is recruiting for a Custodial Worker (Janitor) position at Ramstein Lodging, located at Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein, Germany. The role involves maintaining lodging facilities, performing cleaning duties, handling cleaning equipment, and supporting a clean and orderly environment for transient personnel and their families.

The position is permanent and offers part-time employment of 20 to 40 hours per week, with an hourly pay range of $17.78 to $20.75. The role requires shift work, including possible evening, weekend, holiday, and special-situation coverage.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Custodial Worker (Janitor)
• Employer: U.S. Air Forces in Europe
• Location: Ramstein, Germany
• Workplace: Ramstein Lodging, Ramstein Air Base
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Work Schedule: Part-time, 20–40 hours per week
• Salary: $17.78–$20.75 per hour
• Job Series: 3566 Custodial Working
• Pay Grade: NA 2
• Travel Required: No
• Remote Work: No
• Telework: Not eligible
• Relocation Expenses: Not reimbursed
• Application Deadline: October 7, 2026
• Requisition/Announcement Number: 9N26FSV412169SR

About the Employer

The position is with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and is part of a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position supporting Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities for the Air Force and Space Force.

The role is based at Ramstein Lodging, whose function is to provide lodging services to transient personnel and their families.

Job Description

The Custodial Worker will perform a range of cleaning and maintenance-related duties within lodging facilities. The position involves physical work, including frequently moving heavy equipment and objects, as well as standing, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods.

The successful candidate will be responsible for keeping lodging areas clean and orderly while following established cleaning procedures and instructions. The role may also involve seasonal outdoor duties and other related assignments.

Key Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Custodial Worker include:

• Cleaning and maintaining lodging facilities.
• Vacuuming rugs and draperies.
• Sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, waxing, and polishing floors.
• Operating industrial cleaning equipment and adjusting its attachments when necessary.
• Dusting, waxing, and polishing furniture and other surfaces.
• Cleaning ledges, woodwork, mirrors, glass partitions, windows, and water fountains.
• Cleaning windows both inside and outside using appropriate ladders.
• Emptying wastebaskets and ash trays.
• Cleaning and polishing door knobs and other metal fixtures.
• Replacing items such as toilet tissue, hand towels, soap, and deodorizers.
• Reporting water leaks, clogged drains, equipment problems, and other maintenance concerns to a supervisor.
• Monitoring cleaning supplies and informing the supervisor when additional materials are needed.
• Advising the supervisor when cleaning equipment requires repair or replacement.
• Performing seasonal tasks such as snow shoveling, applying ice-control materials, picking up litter, mowing grass, and watering lawns.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must have experience and physical ability relevant to the custodial duties involved in the position.

Required Experience and Skills

Candidates must:

• Have experience using cleaning and sanitizing solutions correctly.
• Be able to operate and adjust powered cleaning equipment.
• Be capable of performing the full range of required cleaning duties.
• Be able to follow oral and written instructions involving multiple tasks or steps.
• Be physically capable of frequently moving and controlling heavy equipment.
• Be able to push carts weighing more than 100 pounds when loaded with laundry or wastepaper.
• Be able to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Be able to stand, bend, stoop, and reach continuously for extended periods.

Education cannot be substituted for the required experience for this position.

Foreign education may be considered if the applicant provides evidence that the credentials are equivalent to the required U.S. education standards.

Eligibility Requirements

The listing states that the position is open to the public, but specific eligibility requirements apply.

The area of consideration is U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents in Germany. Under the applicable Status of Forces Agreement requirements, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a citizen of a NATO country with a U.S. permanent resident card to be eligible for NAF employment.

The listing also states that citizens of Germany, including individuals with dual citizenship where Germany is one of the countries, as well as ordinarily resident U.S. citizens, are not eligible for NAF employment under the applicable agreement.

Applicants who are not already within the commuting area must be able to verify that they can arrive before a firm job offer is issued.

Working Conditions

This is a physically demanding custodial position. Workers may need to handle heavy equipment and objects and remain active for extended periods.

The position also requires shift work to provide coverage during:

• Evenings
• Weekends
• Holidays
• Special situations

A background investigation with favorable results is required, and the successful candidate must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment physical.

The applicant must also be physically present in Germany before receiving a firm or final job offer.

Salary and Benefits

The advertised pay range for the Custodial Worker position is $17.78 to $20.75 per hour.

The position is permanent and scheduled for 20 to 40 hours per week.

The listing states that the position is eligible for use of various NAF activities and facilities, including the fitness center, lodging, golf course, bowling center, and library.

The listing also states that Post Allowance is authorized for Regular Full Time employment category.

Permanent Change of Station costs are not authorized, and Locality Quarters Allowance (LQA) is not authorized.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be suitable for candidates who have practical custodial or cleaning experience and are comfortable performing physically demanding work.

Applicants should be prepared to operate powered cleaning equipment, follow detailed instructions, work different shifts, and handle heavy equipment and materials.

Candidates should also carefully review the eligibility requirements because the position has specific requirements concerning citizenship, residency, and location in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Custodial Worker position?

The advertised salary is $17.78 to $20.75 per hour.

Where is the Custodial Worker job located?

The position is based at Ramstein Lodging, Ramstein Air Base, in Ramstein, Germany.

Is the Custodial Worker position full-time?

The position is listed as part-time, with a schedule of 20 to 40 hours per week.

Is this a permanent position?

Yes. The appointment type is listed as permanent.

What experience is required?

Applicants must have experience using cleaning and sanitizing solutions, operating and adjusting powered cleaning equipment, performing cleaning duties, and following oral or written instructions involving multiple tasks.

Does the job require physical work?

Yes. The position requires frequent movement of heavy equipment, pushing carts weighing more than 100 pounds when loaded, and occasionally lifting or carrying objects weighing 50 pounds or more. Employees must also be able to stand, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods.

Is shift work required?

Yes. The position requires shift work to provide coverage during evenings, weekends, holidays, and special situations.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. The listing states that the announcement may close earlier if qualified applicants are selected.