Custodian

Colgate University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking dedicated custodians to maintain a safe and clean environment. This role involves engaging with students and staff while ensuring high cleanliness standards are met. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a commitment to teamwork. With opportunities for professional growth and a competitive benefits package, this position is perfect for those who take pride in their work and want to make a meaningful impact on campus life.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Gym discounts

Bookstore savings

Access to cultural facilities

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a professional work setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of standard cleaning methods and procedures is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for cleaning assigned areas to meet established standards.
• Conduct detail-oriented cleaning tasks such as dusting and polishing.
• Maintain cleanliness in restrooms and assist with special events.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Customer service skills

Basic computer proficiency

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Availability to work beyond the normal schedule as needed and respond to emergencies.
• Strong ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Effective communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to engage with students, faculty and staff in a positive, professional, and friendly manner.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use or learn Gmail, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, (or similar applications) and systems for work order and time card management.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment ( PPE ) as required.
• Prior experience in a professional work setting.
• Demonstrated reliability and ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous custodial experience in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of standard cleaning methods and procedures.
• Experience using cleaning equipment, chemicals and tools.

Education

A high school diploma or GED is required.

Certifications

A current, valid driver’s license, in accordance with the University’s Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy may be required for certain work opportunities.

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform all of the job duties required of a custodial position including the ability to stoop, bend, stand for long periods of time as well as lifting, carrying up to a maximum of 50 pounds on a daily basis in order to perform work-related responsibilities.
• Must be able to conduct manual snow removal when applicable.
• Must be able to handle heavy equipment, such as industrial vacuum cleaners, shampooers, buffers as well as containers, such as trash bags and cans.
• Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor. Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.

Other Information

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page .

Department Statement

The Facilities Department at Colgate University is committed to providing a safe, clean, and comfortable environment that upholds the university’s reputation for excellence. Custodians play a vital role in maintaining these high standards, directly supporting the university’s educational and research mission. We value teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong customer service mindset. With opportunities for training and professional growth, we foster a workplace where employees are encouraged to take initiative and develop their skills. If you take pride in your work and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and join our team.

"One team, one mission”

Accountabilities

• Responsible for cleaning in assigned area(s) to meet established standards and maintain safe conditions.
• Conducts detail-oriented cleaning tasks such as dusting surfaces, cleaning walls, and polishing fixtures and furniture.
• Maintains floor care through processes such as vacuuming, shampooing carpets, spot removal, burnishing, and stripping and waxing.
• Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness in restrooms, shower rooms and locker rooms through detail-oriented cleaning and disinfection practices.
• Removes garbage and recycling from assigned areas and assists with garbage removal around the exterior perimeter of assigned building(s).
• Responsible for following all safety protocols while carrying out assigned duties including properly wearing all required Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) and keeping up-to-date will all required safety training.
• Responsible for reporting maintenance and safety concerns to the Facilities main office.
• Assists with moves, deliveries, setups for special events and coverage for athletics events.
• Maintains all custodial areas (offices, closets, storage areas) in an orderly and clean state.
• Manages inventory of cleaning supplies within assigned areas.
• Works with Custodial Forepersons for day-to-day needs.
• Works well with colleagues within the Facilities department as well as across campus.
• Responsible for maintaining professionalism and a positive attitude when working with colleagues across campus.
• Upholds Department mission and values by continuously providing exceptional customer service to students, staff and campus visitors.
• Maintains flexibility to handle diverse job assignments.
• Other job related duties as assigned.

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2025S028Posting

Temporary

Temporary No

Work Schedule

Current available shifts are:
5:00 am – 1:30 pm (Monday – Friday)

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 04/17/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Clery Act

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at [e-mail] .

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a Colgate employee?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you ever been a Colgate employee?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have a spouse/domestic partner who currently is, or will be, employed at Colgate University?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please let us know how you heard about this position.
  • Albany Times Union
  • Binghamton Press & Sun
  • BlackCoachesinSports
  • Careerbuilders.com
  • Cazenovia Republican
  • Centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Chronicle of Philanthropy
  • Colgate Employee
  • Colgate Website
  • CoSIDA
  • Diverse Issues of Higher Education
  • HERC (Upstate New York HERC)
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Indeed.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Mid-York Weekly
  • NACWA
  • naviGATE
  • NCAA News
  • Norwich Evening Sun
  • Oneida Daily Dispatch
  • Sherburne News
  • Studentaffairs.com
  • Syracuse Post Standard
  • Utica Observer Dispatch
  • Waterville Times
  • WomenLeadersinCollegeSports.com
  • Other
• If you selected "Colgate Employee" or "Other" for how you heard about this position, please provide the employee's name or where you heard about/saw the position.

  (Open Ended Question)