By Kayla Duley
Pete’s Clean Team is looking for more employees to help out in the different buildings across buildings on Youngstown State University’s campus.
Right now, there are about 30 students currently employed on the team. Jalon Tirado is the supervisor for both Pete’s Clean Team and the janitorial staff.
Tirado said Pete’s Clean Team provides a crew of students dedicated to the health and safety of the campus community. The team assists with cleaning high-touch areas 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., before it is turned over to the janitorial staff for the rest of the day. It is flexible with student schedules, and has a maximum work week of 25 hours in accordance with YSU’s employment policy.
“They do this job so YSU can have classes back in person and to make sure the student feels safe on campus,” Tirado said.
Pete’s Clean Team was established during summer 2020 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus and to help get back to fully in-person classes.
“We are looking for more employees to ensure the health and safety of the campus while the seasons change and COVID-19 numbers [are] increasing globally,” he said.
The job, Tirado said, consists of the students cleaning door handles in entrances, exits of buildings, door handles of classrooms and lounges, tables in student lounges, other high touch areas, and refilling hand sanitizer stations that are posted across buildings on campus.
Tirado said the students are paid out of a COVID-19 grant, which means employing the team is not an additional cost to the university. The hourly wage is $9.25 per hour.
Corey Tidswell is a student employee for Pete’s Clean Team. He’s been a team member since August 2020.
“It provides a sense of safety knowing that everything that you’re touching is being disinfected and constantly cleaned, throughout all day, everyday,” Tidswell said.
He works in Cafaro Hall, previously known as the Lincoln Building. His work day consists of checking the paper towel, hand sanitizer and disinfectant dispensers. Tidswell makes sure to disinfect all frequently touched surfaces.
“[It’s] a laid-back job, and it’s for a good cause, with how serious this pandemic has been, and I just feel like it’s something good if you’re looking for a job on campus,” he said.
Students interested can apply to work for Pete’s Clean Team by emailing Jalon Tirado at jdtirado@ysu.edu with a copy of their class schedule. Posting for this job can also be found at jobs.ysu.edu for the listing under student postings.
