Custodian B, HUHRE Smith

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an on-site Custodial Services Associate at Smith Campus Center in Cambridge, MA. The role involves cleaning academic and non-academic spaces, sanitizing facilities, restocking supplies, and assisting with light housekeeping during events.

Applicants should have at least 1 year of cleaning experience and basic English proficiency. This position requires physical fitness, ability to lift up to 50 lb, and readiness for occasional overtime.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of cleaning industry experience required.
• Basic proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Provide responsive customer support in custodial/building operations.
• Follow safety codes and university standards.
• May work independently or with a team; respond to off-hour emergencies.
• Occasional overtime may be required to support business needs.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and specialized cleaning of offices, dorms, labs, libraries, and other spaces.
• Sanitizes bathroom surfaces and food preparation areas.
• Restocks restroom and kitchen consumables daily.
• Vacuum, mop, dust, and clean various surfaces and fixtures.
• Operate heavy floor machines and wax floors as needed.
• Move furniture when required and handle heavy objects.
• Assist with snow removal and ice-melt operations when needed.
• Wear appropriate safety gear and maintain professional appearance.

Skills

Cleaning industry experience

English proficiency

Customer service

Safety compliance

Team or independent work

Overtime readiness

Job description

• Union: 01 - Serv Emp Int Loc 615-Custodial
• Salary Grade: 000
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building & landscape maintenance and custodial services to Harvard faculty and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore must manage itself under the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

As described in the customer service level agreement, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Performs routine and specialized cleaning of academic and non-academic spaces, including but not limited to offices, dormitories, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, classroom and assembly spaces, restrooms, common areas, and entryways, as assigned. Maintains all assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner.
• Sanitizes bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and food handling/preparation areas.
• Restocks the restroom and kitchen area consumable supplies daily.
• Broom sweeps, dry/damp/wet mops hard surface floors and stairs as assigned.
• Dusts and/or washes furniture, walls, and horizontal surfaces.
• Vacuums carpeted floor surfaces using light and/or heavy-duty vacuums.
• Empties and cleans trash and recycling receptacles and moves trash and recyclables to designated pick-up points.
• Strips, waxes, and burnishes floors using power floor machines.
• Operates heavy-duty wet pick-up machines to remove liquids from floor surfaces.
• Washes interior windows and first-floor exterior windows.
• May be assigned to perform residential housekeeping during Reunion/Commencement events.
• Performs related duties as required.
• May be required to move furniture or other heavy objects for extended periods.
• Performs snow removal assignments, including shoveling, sweeping, and applying ice melt or sand.
• May be required to operate equipment, including heavy floor machines.
• May be required to use ladders regularly.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.
• Required to wear a clean, neat uniform and always maintain a professional image.
• Must always display and wear an ID badge.
• Wear safety equipment and clothing when appropriate and/or required.

Working Conditions:

• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

Physical Requirements:

*For employees hired after January 2026,

• must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. routinely, on a daily basis. May be required to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids at various times (weighing up to 50 lbs.)

** For employees hired before January 2026

• The ability to lift requirement described above is 40 lbs.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks as listed in the Duties and Responsibilities.
• Such tasks require repetitive stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying, especially to vacuum, sweep, and mop stairwells, perform high and low dusting or cleaning, etc.
• Must be able to tolerate dust and other airborne particles as well as approved cleaning chemicals.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. routine, on a daily basis.
• May be required to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids at various times (weighing up to 50 lbs.)

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 1 year of cleaning industry experience is required
• Basic proficiency in the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Provide responsive customer support in all phases of custodial and related building operations.
• Must be quality-focused, customer service-oriented, and able to routinely communicate clearly in the English language with co-workers and customers in a professional environment.
• Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices and perform work in accordance with recognized industry and university standards.
• May be assigned to work independently or as part of a team under the guidance and direction of the Area Supervisor and/or Crew Chief. Must be available to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule:

• 20 hours per week
• Sunday, Monday, and Thursday-Saturday
• Days off: Tuesday and Wednesday

Location:

• Smith Campus Center, Cambridge, MA (USA)

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

• $28.75
• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Identity, Criminal, Drug Test, References

Other Information:

• This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location.
• We will discuss additional details during the interview process.
• Certain visa types may limit work location.
• Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

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