Custodial
The Mission
The Division of Public Works Custodial Department’s mission is to provide clean, safe, and welcoming environments across Oneida Nation’s nongaming facilities, enhancing the quality of life and supporting spaces where the community comes together for the common good.
The Vision
The Division of Public Works Custodial Department will serve as dedicated caretakers of the Oneida Nation’s environments—preserving their integrity, enhancing their functionality, and creating clean, safe, and welcoming spaces that strengthen the Oneida Nation community.
History of Department
The Division of Public Works Custodial Department (Custodial) was established to ensure that all Oneida Nation nongaming facilities are clean, safe, and properly maintained to support the needs of employees, community members, and visitors. While the department’s exact founding date is not formally documented, a memo from July 1985 mentions its establishment. Custodial services have long been a core function within Public Works, growing in scope as the Nation expanded essential services such as education, healthcare, government administration, and cultural programs.
Over time, the department developed into a structured custodial service capable of maintaining more than 1.1 million square feet across approximately 58 buildings, with additional facilities scheduled for future operations. The increase in building square footage and service complexity required more formalized staffing structures, stronger partnerships with vendors, and adoption of systems to support scheduling, tracking, and continuous improvement.
Key milestones in the department’s evolution include the establishment of multiple shifts to meet 24/7 operational needs; expanded service to specialized facilities such as the Oneida Nation Schools, Anna John Resident Centered Care Community (ARJCC), and the Oneida Community Health Center; and integration of grant-funded service components. Over the years, the department has increased its emphasis on professional standards, safety, and creating welcoming environments that reflect Oneida values and community expectations. Today, the Custodial Department is an essential contributor to the health, safety, and functioning of Oneida Nation facilities.
