Custodian (Limited Pool)

University of California, Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 28,998 - 32,662; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking a Housing Custodian to perform a wide range of cleaning tasks, assist with minor maintenance, and ensure cleanliness and security of assigned areas on campus. The role may include evenings, holidays, and weekend shifts to meet operational needs.

Under supervision, you will support custodial operations, manage supplies, and follow safety procedures while maintaining respectful interactions with residents, staff, and campus community.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Six months of custodial cleaning experience or training.
• Valid Class C California Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Dust and mop floors daily per master cleaning schedule.
• Clean stairs, hallways, windows, and fixtures.
• Assist with emergency cleanup and inventory of supplies.
• Secure areas after cleaning and report hazards.
• Follow safety procedures and wear protective equipment.

Skills

English literacy

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Communication

Deadline orientation

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Vacuum cleaners

Floor scrubbers

Carpet steam extractors

Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range for this position is $21.05/hr. - $23.71/hr. Please note the realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr., steps less than $25/hr. will include an additional amount elevating to $25/hr.

Job Closing Date

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months so please re‑apply if you remain interested in the position. This position will close on 12/31/2026.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

About The Job

Under close supervision of the Housing Custodial Supervisor the Housing Custodian performs a wide variety of cleaning tasks and is responsible for minor maintenance and storage of equipment. Assists with emergency cleanup projects, maintains closet inventory of equipment and supplies, and maintains work assignments at campus standards. Responsible for cleanliness and security of assigned areas.

Alternate Work Schedule in order to meet operational needs, working occasional evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Technical Responsibilities

• Dust mops, spot mops, and auto scrubs front and back of the house floors on a daily basis in accordance with master cleaning schedule.
• Cleans stairs, hallways, corridors, walls, moldings, boards, outside steps, terraces, roof decks, window sills, exteriors and other designated areas.
• Cleans venetian blinds, radiators, grills, intake and exhaust vents, light fixtures, elevator interiors, tracks and front, stainless steel counters, chairs and tables.
• Cleans doors, partition glass, shower stalls, handicapped benches, glass panels, inside and outside windows at ground level; polishes metal fixtures and handrails.
• Cleans public and residential hall restrooms, toilets, urinals, fixtures, mirrors and replenishes soap and paper goods.
• Empty and cleans a variety of trash and recycle receptacles. Able to lift, and dump containers into trash chutes and dumpsters.
• Dusts, cleans and/or polishes cabinets, desks, furnishings, conference or dining tables, wood wall paneling and metal surfaces.
• Performs on‑the‑spot cleaning inspections, correcting discrepancies immediately.
• Wears appropriate protective equipment, gloves, masks, goggles, slip‑free shoes, etc.
• Locks unoccupied areas/offices after cleaning in accordance with University and Housing guidelines. Reports all lost and found property to proper authorities.
• Responsible for minor maintenance to and storage of cleaning equipment.
• Performs other janitorial duties as assigned.

Leadership/Communication, Administrative, Safety/Work Habits

• Establishes and maintains a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of department, residents, students, and campus community.
• Effectively communicates both orally and written.
• Maintains open lines of communication with residents, Housing staff, and Facilities Maintenance.
• Maintains proficiency at current level and continually updates knowledge through participation in training sessions.
• Participates in mandatory meetings, training sessions, and seminars.
• Safeguards keys.
• Submits regular written supply requests.
• Sets up rooms for conferences and performs occasional conference laundry during peak conference season.
• Submits written work orders, damage reports, and common area furniture inventories.
• Promptly reports accidents on the job, preparing and submitting accident reports.
• Follows instructions for correct chemical use and mixture.
• Follows established procedures for dealing with hazards and potential hazards.
• Always knocks and announces yourself before entering a resident’s space.
• Understands and applies University and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Assists any student, staff, faculty or guest in need at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Six months of experience working for a custodial cleaning operation (or a combination of training and experience).
• Must have valid Class C California Driver’s License. Position is subject to the California DMV’s "Pull Notice System" and offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, stoop, kneel, and reach when performing a wide range of custodial/housekeeping duties. Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment; interact with peers and other staff in a positive way.
• Ability to receive and follow instructions from a supervisor.
• Ability to meet deadlines (accomplish duties on‑time).
• Ability to multi‑task and recognize priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when finding solutions for problems.
• Uses clear and effective communication skills with students, peers, employees, supervisors, Faculty and Staff and always remains professional.
• Recognizes typical hazards that may be encountered in a University such as biological, radiation, chemicals, etc. and follows prescribed procedures for safety.
• Skilled and knowledgeable with correct use of cleaning/chemical mixtures.
• Ability to operate vacuums, floor scrubbers, polishers, and carpet steam extractors.
• Ability to determine when equipment repairs are necessary.

Performance Expectations

• Complies with the Facilities Management Safety Program.
• Understands and adheres to both UC Merced and Department policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions and factors including outdoors, wet and damp areas, areas that have odors, fumes, and dust.
• Required to wear UC Merced issued uniform.
• Required to maintain an acceptable attendance record which includes punctuality for all shifts.
• Shift requirements include weekends, evenings and occasional holidays.
• May be required to work overtime by supervisor with little or no advanced notice.
• Promptly reports any hazards (biological, radiation, chemical, etc.).
• ALWAYS knocks and announces yourself before entering a resident’s space.

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy.

Vaccination Program Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID‑19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke And Tobacco Free Policy

The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E‑Verify

All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E‑Verify, an Internet‑based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E‑Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I‑9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E‑Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E‑Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/