Custodian

Pacific Lutheran University; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA is seeking a dedicated custodial staff member to maintain cleanliness in assigned buildings on a Monday–Friday schedule, 8:00am to 4:30pm. The role reports to the Campus Services Manager and Custodial Shift Supervisor.

The position offers $19.00 per hour plus strong benefits. Responsibilities include restroom sanitation, trash removal, dusting, floor cleaning, window care, and compliance with safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in custodial cleaning preferred.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and use cleaning chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize restrooms; empty trash; dust, sweep, mop, and vacuum.
• Maintain interior and exterior entryways; clean windows as needed.
• Follow instructions regarding chemicals, supplies, and equipment.
• Lock/unlock rooms, report security issues, and participate in safety training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Custodial knowledge

Team player

Diversity & inclusion

Cleaning equipment

Safety procedures

English language

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Commercial cleaning equipment

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Hiring Range: $19.00 per hour, plus excellent benefits.

Location

Tacoma, WA 98447

Department

Department: Facilities Management

Posting Date

Posting Date: 08/28/2026

Closing Date

Closing Date When a sufficient number of qualified applicants have been identified.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday
8:00am-4:30pm

General Description

The custodial staff is responsible for custodial care in assigned buildings each shift. Some overtime is required and vacation approval may be limited during peak activity periods. Reports to the Campus Services Manager and Custodial Shift Supervisor.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize restrooms with established procedures/standards, may include showers.
• Empty all trash containers, both indoor and outdoor.
• High and low dusting.
• Sweep, mop, and/or vacuum floors. Maintain exterior entry ways out to ten feet of entry.
• Clean interior and easily accessible exterior windows.
• Follow verbal and written instructions regarding the use of chemicals, supplies, and equipment.
• Lock and unlock rooms/buildings when cleaning; secure building when not in use.
• Report unauthorized occupants and unsecured doors.
• Participate in safety training as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of custodial and floor care practices.
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work well as an individual, as an active member of a team, and without close supervision.
• Knowledge and prior use of commercial cleaning equipment.
• Knowledge of cleaning practices/safety procedures related to the use of hazardous chemicals ( MSDS ).
• Ability to effectively interact with diverse individuals.
• Willingness and ability to follow verbal and written instructions in English.
• Ability to recognize safety hazards and conduct work in a safe manner.

Required Qualifications

• Highly motivated, fast-learning, team player willing to partake in on-the-job training if necessary.
• High school diploma or GED .
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of work experience in all phases of custodial cleaning.

Work Conditions

• Work is performed primarily inside several buildings and occasionally in outside weather conditions.
• Will be occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• May occasionally work in high, precarious places.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, bend, stoop, and kneel in the completion of normal cleaning duties. Other repetitive motions are required.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds unassisted as a regular part of cleaning duties. May occasionally be required to lift or move over 50 pounds with assistance.
• Must be physically capable of using a backpack vacuum during each shift.
• Good hearing and vision. Able to visually examine cleaning products for labeling accuracy.

Other Information

PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.
PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year’s break), additional flexible time off, and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization.
For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or [e-mail] .

Supplemental Questions

• * Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you 18 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States on your hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship now and indefinitely into the future?
  • Yes
  • No

12180 Park Ave. S
Tacoma, WA 98447
[phone]
www.plu.edu