Custodian I, Steward Observatory (Part-Time) (Safford)

University of Arizona; Safford (AZ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory is seeking a reliable Custodian I for the Mt. Graham Observatory and Base Camp. This part-time position offers about 30 hours per week at Safford/Mt. Graham sites, with a focus on cleaning and site upkeep.

Responsibilities include general cleaning, annual deep-clean tasks, and transport of supplies. The role requires physical work, adaptability to weather, and good teamwork with a small on-site crew.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• Ability to perform physical tasks and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Comfortable working at high altitudes and outdoors.

Responsibilities

• General Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing, and trash removal in various areas.
• Annual Shutdown Tasks: Deep cleaning including mattress vacuuming, carpet shampooing, wall cleaning, and floor maintenance.
• Vehicle & Supply Management: Transporting employees, supplies, and laundry; driving in varying weather conditions.

Skills

Communication skills

Reliability

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Job description

Custodian I, Steward Observatory (Part-Time) (Safford)

Custodian I, Steward Observatory (Part-Time) (Safford)

Posting Number req27392

Department Steward Observatory

Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu/

Location Outside of Tucson

Address AZ USA

Position Highlights

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

The Mt. Graham International Observatory is seeking a reliable and dedicated individual for a part-time Custodian position. This role involves custodial duties at both the Base Camp on Swift Trail and the observatory site on Mt. Graham. Responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining various observatory buildings three days a week. Candidates must be comfortable working at high altitudes, driving in varying weather conditions, and performing physical tasks. Strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team are essential.

The position offers a flexible schedule with approximately 30 hours per week.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

• General Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing,and trash removal in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas, commonspaces, and public restrooms.
• Annual Shutdown Tasks: Deep cleaning including mattress vacuuming, carpetshampooing, wall cleaning, stripping and waxing floors, and fixturemaintenance.
• Vehicle & Supply Management: Transporting employees,supplies, and laundry. Driving in varying weather conditions which may requirethe installation and removal of snow chains.

Physical Requirements and Environment Demands

• Lifting: Employees are frequently required tolift/move/transport items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Outdoor Environment: Employees work outdoors and maynot be protected from weather conditions.
• Extreme Cold: Temperatures are typically below 32degrees for more than an hour.
• Extreme Heat: Temperatures above 100 degrees for morethan an hour.
• Noise: There is sufficient noise to cause you toshout to be heard above the noise level.
• Vibration: Exposure to oscillating movements ofextremities or whole body.
• Hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions,such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electricalcurrent, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals in awork setting.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Conditions that affect therespiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dust, mist, gases, or poorventilation.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous custodial experience with cleaning equipment is preferred.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

30

Job FTE

0.75

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Facilities, Grounds and Infrastructure

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$16.50 - $18.75

Compensation Type

hourly rate

Grade

2

Compensation Guidance

Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .

Career Stream and Level

OC1

Job Family

Facilities Mgmt & Services

Job Function

Facil, Grounds, & Infra

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Contact Information for Candidates

Donna Ornelas
[e-mail]

Open Date

10/20/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume

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In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].