Custodian

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 38,624 - 53,032; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in San José seeks a Custodian to provide cleaning and custodial support for campus buildings and facilities. Key responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness of various areas, handling custodial equipment, and adhering to safety standards. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and the ability to follow instructions. This is an on-site, full-time position with a monthly salary range of $3,461 to $4,752, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform work involving regular physical activity.
• Ability to observe safety requirements and safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain assigned areas, including dusting and surfaces.
• Replenish custodial supplies and materials.
• Record work efforts within computerized recordkeeping systems.

Skills

Ability to read and write

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to operate custodial equipment

Customer service approach

Communication with constituents

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Custodial systems

Job description

Job no: 555630
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Custodial Crew Manager, the Custodian provides general cleaning and custodial care and support for assigned campus buildings, facilities, structures and adjacent areas. Responsibilities include cleaning offices, classrooms, laboratories, art rooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, locker rooms, health and child care centers, student residences, patios, entryways, walkways, and workshops. Custodial staff may work independently or as part of a custodial team.

Key Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain assigned areas, including dusting and cleaning all surfaces
• Remove and properly dispose of trash, ensuring diversion from the waste stream for all recyclable materials
• Clean and disinfect restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and other similar areas
• Replenish custodial supplies used by others including soap, toilet paper, paper towels and other items
• Clean glass doors, windows, and blinds
• Remove graffiti
• Clean furniture, upholstery and light fixtures
• Identify and organize necessary work supplies, materials and equipment, including loading, stocking and maintaining inventory of cleaning supplies and materials
• Operate and maintain appropriate hand and powered equipment and tools to perform assigned duties
• Record work efforts in detail within computerized recordkeeping systems and, where directed, on log sheets
• Maintain clean work areas, tools, equipment and associated structures
• Use protective equipment, as required for personal safety

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to ensure safety
• Ability to operate and care for custodial equipment and supplies applicable to the position
• Ability to move up to 35 pounds
• Ability to implement a customer service approach, with a commitment to high ethical standards and to present work to a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to develop and apply knowledge pertaining to the methods, chemicals, and equipment used in custodial work and of the safety and sanitation practices required to maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary University environment
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to ensure safety
• Ability to operate and care for custodial equipment and supplies applicable to the position
• Ability to use custodial systems such as those used to track work orders and two‑way radios for communication
• Ability to observe safety requirements and safe work practices and methods as required
• Ability to perform work involving regular physical activity
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships
• Some positions may require ability to move up to 50 pounds

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma and/or equivalent education
• Six months of full‑time custodial or service industry experience in an institutional or commercial setting
• Six months of full‑time experience with industrial commercial cleaning equipment
• Experience working within a University setting
• Valid California Driver’s License and possession of a driving record that allows for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for the position

Compensation

Classification: Custodian
Anticipated Hiring: $3,747/month (Step 5)
CSU Salary Range: $3,461/month - $4,752/month (Step 1 – Step 20)

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following document: Resume.

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: March 11, 2026, through March 26, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Work Schedule

• Tuesday - Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Sunday - Thursday, 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Tuesday - Saturday, 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university’s third‑party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1‑B VISAS).

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.