Custodian

Job Description

Job Summary:

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building & landscape maintenance and custodial services to Harvard faculty and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore must manage itself under the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

As described in the customer service level agreement, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Performs routine and specialized cleaning of academic and non-academic spaces, including but not limited to offices, dormitories, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, classroom and assembly spaces, restrooms, common areas, and entryways, as assigned. Maintains all assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner.
• Sanitizes bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and food handling/preparation areas.
• Restocks the restroom and kitchen area consumable supplies daily.
• Broom sweeps, dry/damp/wet mops hard surface floors and stairs as assigned.
• Dusts and/or washes furniture, walls, and horizontal surfaces.
• Vacuums carpeted floor surfaces using light and/or heavy-duty vacuums.
• Empties and cleans trash and recycling receptacles and moves trash and recyclables to designated pick-up points.
• Strips, waxes, and burnishes floors using power floor machines.
• Operates heavy-duty wet pick-up machines to remove liquids from floor surfaces.
• Washes interior windows and first-floor exterior windows.
• May be assigned to perform residential housekeeping during Reunion/Commencement events.
• Performs related duties as required.
• May be required to move furniture or other heavy objects for extended periods.
• Performs snow removal assignments, including shoveling, sweeping, and applying ice melt or sand.
• May be required to operate equipment, including heavy floor machines.
• May be required to use ladders regularly.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.
• Required to wear a clean, neat uniform and always maintain a professional image.
• Must always display and wear an ID badge.
• Wear safety equipment and clothing when appropriate and/or required.

Working Conditions:

• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

Physical Requirements:

*  For employees hired after January 2026,

• must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. routinely, on a daily basis. May be required to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids at various times (weighing up to 50 lbs.) 

 **  For employees hired before January 2026

• The ability to lift requirement described above is 40 lbs.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks as listed in the Duties and Responsibilities.
• Such tasks require repetitive stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying, especially to vacuum, sweep, and mop stairwells, perform high and low dusting or cleaning, etc.
• Must be able to tolerate dust and other airborne particles as well as approved cleaning chemicals.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. routinely, on a daily basis.
• May be required to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids at various times (weighing up to 50 lbs.)

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 1 year of cleaning industry experience required
• Basic proficiency in the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Provide responsive customer support in all phases of custodial and related building operations.
• Must be quality-focused, customer service-oriented, and able to routinely communicate clearly in the English language with co-workers and customers in a professional environment.
• Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices and perform work in accordance with recognized industry and university standards.
• May be assigned to work independently or as part of a team under the guidance and direction of the Area Supervisor and/or Crew Chief. Must be available to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule:

• 25 hours per week

• Monday – Friday
• 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Days off: Sunday & Saturday
• Location: Harvard Athletics, Cambridge, MA (USA

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

• $28.75

Visa Sponsorship Information:

• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Identity, Education, Criminal, Drug Test, CORI, References

Other Information:

Work Format Details

• This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location.
• Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
• Certain visa types may limit work location.
• Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 000