Custodian Jobs

Campus Services’ Energy & Facilities Unit:
Through our three primary operating departments, Engineering & Utilities (E&U), Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO), and Green Building Services (GBS) we maintain the University’s energy supply and utility infrastructure, provide facilities support (including MEP, fire safety, custodial, and landscape), and provide a wide range of engineering and technical services that improve efficiency and sustainability.
Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) Sub-Unit offers building & landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties 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.

• Performs snow removal assignments including shoveling, sweeping, and applying ice melt or sand.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.
• May be assigned to perform residential housekeeping during Reunion/Commencement events.
• Empties and cleans trash and recycling receptacles and moves trash and recyclables to designated pick-up points.
• Washes interior windows and first-floor exterior windows.
• Dust and/or wash furniture, walls, and horizontal surfaces.
• Maintains all assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner.
• Operates heavy-duty wet pick-up machines to remove liquids from floor surfaces.
• Sanitizes bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and food handling/preparation areas.
• Broom sweeps, dry/damp/wet mops hard surface floors, and stairs as assigned.
• May be required to use ladders on a regular basis.
• Performs related duties as required.
• May be required to operate equipment, including heavy floor machines.
• Vacuum carpeted floor surfaces using light and/or heavy-duty vacuums.
• 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.
• Restocks restroom and kitchen area consumable supplies daily.
• May be required to move furniture or other heavy objects for extended periods of time.
• Strips, waxes, and burnishes floors using power floor machines.

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

• 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.
• Required to wear a clean, neat uniform and always maintain a professional image.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.
• 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 be available to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices and perform work in accordance with recognized industry and university standards.
• Must always display and wear an ID badge.

Emergency Status Designation:

• Critical Operations Personnel

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks as listed in the Duties and Responsibilities.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lb. routinely, daily.
• Such tasks require repetitive stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying, especially vacuuming, sweeping, and mop stairwells, performing high and low dusting or cleaning, etc.
• May be required to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids at various times (weighing up to 40lbs.)
• Must be able to tolerate dust and other airborne particles as well as approved cleaning chemicals.

NOTICE:
Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other healthcare individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

• Harvard Central Administration & Campus Services is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.

• Please provide a cover letter with your application (resume) and upload it as one PDF document

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on the date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.

• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability, and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on-campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Programs, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.

• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options are handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts, and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.