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Cal Poly Humboldt is seeking a Custodian to perform cleaning and custodial tasks across campus facilities, under supervision. The role includes general cleaning, teamwork on special assignments, and semi-annual deep cleaning, with responsibilities during breaks and events.
A strong safety mindset and ability to handle custodial equipment are essential. As part of the CSU system, this full-time, 12-month position offers a premium benefits package, vacation, health and retirement plans, and a
Job no: 561696
Work type: Staff
Location: Humboldt
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time
Facilities Management
Job # 561696
Close Date: October 28 th , 2026
4 Positions Available
Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.
Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands‑on learning, inspired teaching, ground‑breaking research, and thought‑provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.
Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field. As part of the California State University (CSU) system, Cal Poly Humboldt is part of one of the nation’s largest and most impactful public university systems, where education, innovation, and service create meaningful change for California and beyond. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future at Cal Poly Humboldt.
(Job #561696) Custodian, Custodian, CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,461-$4,752 per month (Step 1-Step 17), Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,461-$3,747 (Step 1 – Step 5) per month. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full‑time, benefited, non‑exempt, 12‑month pay plan permanent position with a one‑year probationary period in Facilities Management. This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre‑tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.
Under general supervision of the Custodial Services Manager and/or Custodial Supervisor with direction provided by the Lead Custodians where appropriate, Custodians perform a wide range of daily, weekly, monthly, semi‑annual and annual general care, custodial cleaning and support for assigned campus buildings, facilities, structures and adjacent areas and/or portions thereof, which may include but are not limited to: campus offices, classrooms, restrooms, science laboratories, art rooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, locker rooms, health and child care centers, patios, entryways and walkways, and workshops. Custodial staff may work independently or as part of a custodial team.
Duties include but are not limited to: detail cleaning of floor, walls and ceilings; scrub, mop; detail cleaning and sanitizing of lavatories, locker rooms, shower rooms, kitchens and laundry rooms; detail cleaning of restrooms, offices, lounges, stairwells, entryways, corridors; replenish lavatory supplies, empty wastebaskets and remove trash, recyclables, and compost or food waste; routine floor maintenance including auto scrubbing, vinyl and carpet floor care and cleaning.
Work on special assignments as necessary, including coverage in building areas across campus. Attend and participate in departmental meetings and trainings. Includes working with custodial student assistants and community service students (where appropriate) as part of a custodial team; communicate with lead custodian and/or supervisor daily; work as a team member with other custodians. Includes stripping, waxing, deep carpet care/cleaning, window work. During university break periods detail cleaning of classrooms, whiteboards, chalkboards, windows and floors; clean curtains, interior and exterior windows, blinds and other window treatments
Deep clean areas during winter and summer breaks at all facilities; clean kitchens, bathrooms, common areas, furniture; wash and wax all linoleum floors; extract carpets; clean all fixtures; restock custodial closets as needed.
Ability to move heavy furniture such as tables, chairs and other furniture and equipment; assist in setting up and preparing for events.
Monitor individual custodial bases and storage areas and report to the lead custodian the supply needs; ensure that equipment is in good repair, supplies are in adequate supply and stored in a safe manner and that the work area is kept clean and free from safety hazards. Safeguarding assigned areas from unauthorized use and access by locking and unlocking doors and windows; watching for and where appropriate, reporting unauthorized persons and/or use of facilities.
Knowledge and ability to safely operate and maintain appropriate hand and powered equipment and tools, supplies and materials to perform assigned duties
Knowledge, skills, and ability to effectively clean and maintain assigned areas including restrooms, all surfaces and materials, floors and stairs, ceilings, doors and windows, furniture and upholstery, and any other facilities or facilities components as assigned
Knowledge and understanding of the safe use, storage and transport of cleaning chemicals
Ability to transport equipment, materials, supplies in a safe and appropriate manner
Ability to observe safety requirements and safe work practices and methods
Ability to understand the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as appropriate
Ability to work independently or as part of a collaborative Custodial and larger Facilities Management team
Ability to follow established policy and procedure
Ability to communicate effectively and work harmoniously with a wide variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds
Ability to perform the strenuous work required to complete the duties required of the position, including climbing stairs, bend and move objects up to 50 pounds routinely.
Ability to use custodial systems such as those used to track work orders and two‑way radios for communication and obtain warehouse supplies
Ability to recognize and accommodate changing priorities; meet short and long term deadlines/goals; and complete routine tasks despite intermittent interruptions
Ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economy, society, environment) into all aspects of performing job duties
Ability to communicate effectively and work harmoniously with a wide variety of individuals.
Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.
Weacknowledgethat Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the uncededlandsof the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand‑alone major in Native American Studies.
Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.
Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee’s assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on‑campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.
CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on‑ or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.
Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a "Campus Security Authority", pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.
CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution