Custodian

Rutgers University; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Rutgers University-Newark is seeking a Custodian for the Housing area. The role involves cleaning, maintenance of floors and facilities, and ensuring clean, habitable conditions across buildings.

Requires two years of custodial experience, ability to lift 50 pounds, and a valid driver’s license with Rutgers driving course completion. This is a full-time, on-site position with benefits and shift flexibility.

Qualifications

• Two years experience in custodial work.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and Spanish as commensurate with job duties.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Requires a valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience, and the successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.

Responsibilities

• Cleans, dusts, strips, scrubs, waxes, and buff floors, rooms, toilets, offices, and all interiors of buildings; replenishes linen inventory.
• Maintains perimeter of outside buildings, policing grounds and removing trash.
• Inspects the interior and exterior of buildings for custodial needs and general security; reports conditions to supervisor.

Skills

Two years custodial experience

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency

Education

No education required

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Monday 8/17/2026. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are welcome.

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Recruitment/Posting Title Custodian

Job Category

Department

Housing Newark

Overview

Rutgers University – Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution, located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise is seeking a Custodian – Housing. Under the direction of the Area Operations Manager and or Group Leader the individual assigned to this work area is responsible for but not limited to the following: The employee will perform a wide variety of routine custodial duties required to maintain buildings and grounds in the Housing & Dining Facilities area, in a clean and habitable condition.

Posting Summary

Rutgers University- Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution, located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise is seeking a Custodian. Under the direction of the Area Operations Manager and or Group Leader the individual assigned to this work area is responsible for performing all custodial duties necessary to maintain the area in a clean and habitable condition.

This position is responsible for and not limited to the following:

• Cleans, dusts, strips, scrubs, waxes, and buff floors, rooms, toilets, offices, and all interiors of buildings; replenishes linen inventory.
• Maintains perimeter of outside buildings, i.e. policing grounds removing trash, leaves etc. Inspects the interior and exterior of buildings for custodial and general physical security, checks lighting, and replaces light bulbs as needed.
• Detects faulty operation of custodial equipment and building systems and reports questionable conditions to supervisor.

FLSA

FLSA Nonexempt

Grade

Grade 08

Salary Details

Minimum Salary 34723.240

Mid Range Salary 38125.150

Maximum Salary 43757.370

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Position Status Full Time

Working Hours

Working Hours 40

Standard Hours

Standard Hours 40.00

Daily Work Shift

Daily Work Shift Day

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description

AFSCME - Local 888

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

No experience required. Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Two years experience in custodial work.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and Spanish as commensurate with job duties.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Requires a valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience, and the successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a residence hall environment is preferred.
• Will be required to work normal and other then normal work hours on weekends and mandatory overtime as considered essential personnel.
• Bilingual preferred.

Equipment Utilized

• Power tools; hand tools, visual inspection equipment, custodial machinery, motorized equipment, computer systems applications.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Standing, walking, and sitting for sustained periods of time, working sometimes in inclement weather.
• Exerting up to 50lbs of force, occasionally loading and unloading equipment and or supplies.

Special Conditions

Posting Number

26ST1591

Posting Open Date

08/06/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY : To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Monday 8/17/2026. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are welcome.

Regional Campus

Rutgers University-Newark

Home Location Campus

Rutgers University-Newark

City

Newark

State

NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a member of AFSCME - Local 888?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you been in your current position for 6 months?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: Non-Discrimination-Statement .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-3973 or e-mail us .

Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at [e-mail] .

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To learn more about Rutgers University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on its campuses, click here .