As a custodian in the Marin County Department of Public Works, Mark Stewart looks after public investments in county infrastructure. His work ensures county employees and the public feel comfortable and safe when they visit Marin County.
Which department do you work with and how long have you been with Marin County?
I work as a custodian in the Department of Public Works and have been with the county for nearly five years.
In a few sentences, could you please describe the work of your department and the work that you do?
Sure – It is the responsibility of our department to keep the County buildings maintained, updated and safe for both county employees and Marin County residents. My job is to keep the county facilities clean. Daily, I empty the trash, clean and sanitize restrooms, clean windows, maintain locker rooms, dust walls, get rid of cob webs, strip and re-wax floor and move furniture in and out of rooms as it is needed.
What brought you into this line of work?
In 1988, I started working at a grocery store called Alpha Beta. I really loved hearing my supervisor and customers express to me how clean the store was - I get great pleasure from people that are pleased with my work. I have been doing maintenance work ever since.
What have been some of the most rewarding experiences that you have had on the job?
The most rewarding experience is just doing a great job for the people and county of Marin. I go home at the end of every day with a smile.
What is one of your most memorable experiences from this job?
My most memorable experience is winning the Department of Public Works Get Your Work Done Award on January 8, 2009 and when our custodial team won recognition as the Outstanding Employee Team for 2009/2010. Knowing that other people are happy with my work, allows me to know that I am giving back to this community.
What impact do you see your work having in the community you work with in Marin County?
I believe that the impact I see my work having is in making the county employees and the public feel comfortable and safe, knowing that they are in a clean, up kept, well cared for building.
What do you think would happen if your department were downsized or eliminated?
If our department were downsized or eliminated, it will be a disaster. Cleanliness and sanitation would fall through the cracks and there would be no one to look after public investments and national treasures like the Franklin Lloyd Wright Civic Center.
