Custodian Senior (Limited)

University of California - Merced; California; Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of California, Merced is seeking a Senior Custodian to perform cleaning tasks, assist with minor maintenance, and manage equipment storage. Under the Custodial Supervisor, you will ensure campus spaces meet safety and cleanliness standards and may train a small team of custodians.

This role emphasizes reliability, safety, and teamwork across facilities. Remote/Hybrid eligibility depends on department openings.

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 $26.69- $33.18/hr. The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is at a Step 1: $26.69/hr.

Job Closing Date

Remote/Hybrid eligibility:

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.

Please note: These are temporary positions.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Dependent on openings.

Must obtain scissor lift operating certification, boom lift operating certification and fork lift certifications within six months of hire. University provided training and certifications.

CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter.

Other special conditions of employment.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About the Job

Under the supervision of the Custodial Supervisor, the Sr. Custodian performs a wide variety of cleaning tasks and are responsible for minor maintenance and storage of equipment. Assists with emergency clean-up projects, maintains closet inventory of equipment and supplies, and maintains work assignments at campus standards. The Sr. Custodian is responsible for the cleanliness and security of assigned areas. They may act as work leaders/trainers for a small group of custodians (usually less than five). All staff are required to wear appropriate protective clothing/equipment as directed for safety concerns.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

TECHNICAL

Interior:

• General: Cleans all assigned areas for use by residents, students, staff, guests, public, and faculty. Conducts laundry services for summer conference groups. Performs other janitorial duties as assigned. Maintains a positive interaction with all residents, students, staff, guests, public, and faculty. Operates a variety of machinery for all assigned areas.
• Furniture Care: Cleans all furniture as directed, lifts furniture to access areas to clean, rearranges, and sets up furniture for summer conference guests and conference events.
• Floor Care: Performs proper cleaning functions for all interior areas of buildings as directed. Operates a variety of machinery designed for floor care.
• Restroom Care: Cleans all assigned areas of public and private restrooms as directed. Replenishes products designed for restroom use. Clears minor drain stoppages.
• Equipment Care: Cleans and maintains all machinery designed for cleaning purposes in all different areas.
• Waste Management: Removes and transports all trash (recycle, landfill, cardboard, and compost) from assigned areas to the proper location for disposal. Replaces all receptacles with new liners as directed in all areas that generate trash. Clears trash chute blockages located within buildings.

Exterior:

• Building: Cleans all assigned exterior areas of buildings as directed. This may include but is not limited to sidewalks, landings, stairwells, windows, window screens, grills, intake- exhaust fan vents, light fixtures, and other assigned areas. Operates a variety of machinery for all assigned exterior areas. Requires pest elimination as needed.
• Waste Management: Removes and transports all trash (recycle, landfill, cardboard, and compost) from assigned exterior areas to the proper location for disposal. Replaces all receptacles with new liners as directed at all exterior areas that generate trash. Clears trash chute blockages located within buildings.
• Operates a variety of machinery designed for waste management. Replenishes supplies and maintains storeroom pars. Performs on-the-spot cleaning inspections, correcting discrepancies immediately.
• Response Time: Must respond to calls from Customer Service Centers, Police Department, other staff, and Supervisors promptly, especially during an unforeseen crisis. Will respond to routine and emergency work requests from supervisors, other staff, maintenance staff, and faculty.

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION

• Establishes and maintains a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of department, residents, students, and campus community.
• Effectively communicates both orally and in writing.
• Maintain open lines of communication with residents, Housing staff, and Facilities Maintenance staff.
• Maintains proficiency at current level and continually updates knowledge through participation in training sessions.
• May act as a work leader/trainer for a small group of Custodians (usually less than 5).
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record, punctual and meets deadlines.

ADMINISTRATIVE, SAFETY & WORK HABITS

• Participates in mandatory meetings, training sessions, and seminars. Safeguard keys.
• Submit regular written supply requests. Submit written work orders, damage reports, and common area furniture inventories.
• Promptly reports accidents on the job, preparing and submitting accident reports.
• Follow instructions for correct chemical use and mixture.
• Follow established procedures for dealing with hazards and potential hazards.
• Always knock and announce yourself before entering a resident's space.
• Understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Accomplish work within deadlines.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.

AND

• 6 months of experience in a custodial cleaning operation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and EXPEREINCE

• Ability to read, write, follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Ability to multitask and handle more than one project at a time.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and other staff.
• Has the ability to maintain functional awareness of the typical hazards, such as bio-hazards,
• radiation, chemicals, etc.
• Knowledge of correct chemical use and mixture.
• Knowledge of general custodial duties.
• Has experience with operating vacuums, floor scrubbers, polishers and carpet steam extractors.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment subject to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to determine when repairs are necessary.
• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments.
• Skill to work both autonomously and in a team environment.

Background Check

Background check required.

This position will be required to complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation, the University's credentialing process, and verification of licensure and/or certification through the appropriate California licensing or certifying board(s), as applicable.

Policy Statement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

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.

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/