019104 - Housekeeper/Custodian

University of North Carolina; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Arboretum is seeking a Housekeeping Team Member to keep indoor and outdoor spaces clean, welcoming, and safe for guests. You will join a dedicated facilities team focused on high standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction on a 434-acre campus.

Responsibilities include general cleaning, recycling, and assisting with event setups, with opportunities for overtime based on needs. The role typically requires weekend shifts and a strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cleaning procedures and ability to follow instructions.
• Requires ability to perform medium to heavy physical work and follow directions.
• Computer skills are required for emails and reporting time worked.

Responsibilities

• General cleaning duties (trash, sweeping, mopping, supplies)
• Manage recycling and environmental duties
• Event space setup and maintenance as needed
• Maintain safety and sanitization standards for staff and guests

Skills

Cleaning procedures

Physical stamina

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Job description

Join our team at The North Carolina Arboretum, where every detail contributes to creating a memorable guest experience. As part of our housekeeping staff, you'll play a vital role in ensuring our beautiful spaces are clean, welcoming, and ready to inspire every visitor.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a supportive team culture where every role contributes to our mission of cultivating connections with people, plants and places. As a Housekeeping Team Member, you’ll work alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure our indoor and outdoor spaces are spotless and inviting for guests. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will help create a welcoming environment where visitors can fully enjoy all we have to offer.

The hiring salary will be $32,000 to $35,880. Full benefits will be offered from the State of North Carolina and University of North Carolina System including paid time off, employer-sponsored health insurance and supplemental benefits. The position typically works Sunday through Thursday; rotational shift coverage and overtime may be required based on operational needs.

This position provides a clean, safe and healthy environment for the staff and guests of The North Carolina Arboretum. In addition, this position collects recycled materials from bins, maintains the recycling storage area, and delivers recycled materials to the recycling center. Under the direction of the Facilities Manager, this position carries out assistance with meeting and special event set up, providing stellar appearance and functionality for all guests by anticipating their needs and keeping an organized, safe, and neat environment.

General cleaning duties (emptying trash receptacles, sweeping, mopping, replenishing supplies, etc.), managing recycling, event and room setup and maintenance are the primary focuses of the position.

Competencies required:

Technical Knowledge -Success in this role requires a strong understanding of cleaning techniques, the ability to care for various surfaces and materials, and the knowledge to safely use cleaning tools and products. You'll rely on your expertise to ensure all spaces are maintained to the highest standards while upholding our commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction.

Communication- Employees work from oral instruction and written directions. The employee is required to be able to perform the majority of tasks assigned with little supervision after being given directions and training in all areas of housekeeping and setup.

Physical Capabilities: A majority of this position requires physical effort; some examples include moving heavy objects, walking up and down stairs, bending to clean things low to the ground, lifting heavy coffee pots, reaching clean high places, climbing ladders, and pushing a mop or vacuum. Some Arboretum facilities have large rooms and require high endurance to mop or buff the entire space. Most of this position's work is indoors except the verandah or outdoor events. This position would be expected to complete duties outside or on property as needed when directed by Manager. Employees working in the areas of cleaning and floor-finishing duties are exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals. Equipment and tools include low and high-speed buffers, vacuum cleaners, window washing tools, brooms, dust pans, dust mops, wet mops, brushes to clean restrooms, buffing and stripping pads, and cleaning chemicals.

Safety Awareness:Several duties require attention for the safety of others: floor care, correct use of warning signs, sanitation of restrooms and spraying hazardous cleaning materials. Safety for the employee and the people around them must always be a top priority of this position. The safety of visitors, workers, and the environment is foremost in the mind of every person involved in Arboretum activities. All Arboretum employees are conscious of safety issues that might affect the well-being of our colleagues, volunteers and guests.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.Computer skills are required for corresponding through emails and reporting time worked

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

Preferred: Graduation from High School or possessing GED and six months of institutional or commercial cleaning experience, particularly in a university, guest services, or medical setting.

About the Team

The North Carolina Arboretum's Facilities unit is responsible for maintaining the 434-acre campus to meet the needs of employees and visitors. The unit's duties include strategic planning and day-to-day operations, with particular emphasis on buildings and premises. Facilities is responsible for building and basic grounds maintenance, cleaning, health and safety, and assisting with the set-up and break-down of event spaces as necessary.

• Position Number: 019104
• Employment Type: SHRA
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Recruitment Salary Range: 32000-35880
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 11/6/2026
• Posting Close Date: 11/16/2026

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum)is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum)participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [e-mail].