Housekeeper, Wiess President’s House

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a professional Housekeeper for the President’s official residence. The role maintains cleanliness, organization, and guest-ready presentation of the home and supports event hosting for the President and family.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years of residential housekeeping experience, impeccable discretion, and a hospitality mindset. This on-site, part-time position requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and special events, with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four or more (4+) years related work experience.
• Experience in residential housekeeping and handling fine furnishings.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and clean all rooms, furnishings, fixtures, and surfaces with attention to material preservation.
• Perform laundry care of fine linens and garments.
• Support household organization, inventory, and supply management.
• Assist with event preparation, setup, and cleanup.
• Ensure discretion and confidentiality due to residence visibility.
• Work evenings or weekends as schedule requires.

Skills

Cleaning knowledge

Discretion & confidentiality

Organization

Initiative / self-motivated

Communication skills

Hospitality mindset

Flexibility

Welcoming environment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Housekeeper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation of the Rice University President’s official residence. This role ensures the home reflects the highest standards of care, supporting both the private living environment of the President and his family, and the professional use of the residence for hosting events, receptions, and guests of the University.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, discreet, and professional, with a strong commitment to service and hospitality. They should be experienced in high-standard residential housekeeping, including care of fine furnishings, delicate surfaces, and event support. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as the position occasionally requires adjusting to special functions, visitors, and irregular schedules. The candidate should demonstrate excellent judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to anticipate needs with minimal direction.

Workplace Requirements

• Workplace: This role takes place in a large private residence that also functions as a professional hosting space. Candidates must be comfortable working in both private household and event settings.
• Schedule: Standard workdays will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with shift arrival/departure times as requested by President and Mrs. DesRoches. However, flexibility is required to accommodate evening, weekend, or holiday events. Occasional overtime may be necessary during periods of high activity.
• Physical Demands: The role requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 25-30 lbs), reaching, and handling cleaning equipment. Must be able to move quickly and efficiently during standard tasks and event preparations.
• Health and Safety Protocols: Compliance with safety procedures, cleaning product handling, and household security standards is required. Protective equipment and all products necessary to complete tasks will be provided.
• Dress Code: A neat, professional appearance is always required. A uniform will be provided to maintain a polished household standard.
• On-Site Position: This position is exclusively non-remote, necessating all duties to be performed in-person at the Wiess President's House. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a part-time, benefits-eligible position with a hiring rate of $24.00-$26.00 per hour, contingent on experience and qualifications. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Four or more (4+) years related work experience

Skills

• Extensive knowledge and skills regarding residential cleaning and the use of cleaning products
• Ability and high commitment level to keep things clean and organized
• Ability to organize workdays efficiently; takes initiative and self-motivated
• Demonstrates a high energy level as well as the ability to maintain a busy schedule under general supervision
• Desire and willingness to promote a welcoming, friendly, and respectful environment for family and guests
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to take direction, improve performance, and cooperate with other House Staff
• Extraordinary ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality of all activities of the President and the President’s family.

Preferences

• Prior experience in estate management, executive residences, or luxury hotels.
• Training or certification in hospitality, housekeeping, or a related field.
• Experience supporting events, including setup and guest service.
• Familiarity with effective cleaning products and practices.

Essential Functions

• Maintain and clean all rooms, furnishings, fixtures, and surfaces with attention to detail and preservation of materials.
• Perform laundry services, including care of fine linens and garments.
• Support household organization, inventory, and supply management.
• Assist with event preparation, setup, and cleanup as needed.
• Adhere to high standards of discretion and confidentiality given the visibility of the residence.
• The ability to work evenings or weekends as necessitated by the President’s House schedule.
• Physical ability to perform housekeeping tasks, including lifting, bending, and extended periods of standing or walking.

Additional Functions

• Assist catering staff or external vendors during special events.
• Assist with seasonal décor, floral arrangements, or holiday preparations.
• Support minor household organization projects (e.g., closets, pantries, storage areas).
• Assist with inventory management and reporting maintenance issues to the appropriate staff.
• Participate in occasional household meetings or training sessions.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.