Lead Custodian

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits start when you start

403(b) plan

Free and discounted commuter benefits

Tuition and training assistance

Job summary

SLAC is seeking a Custodian Lead to oversee custodial staff on site in California. The role requires leading routine cleaning tasks, teaching safety practices, and coordinating with supervisors to meet standards.

The position is essential and onsite only, with a Tuesday–Saturday shift (6:45am–3:15pm) and pay around $32.18 per hour. Placement follows the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement; internal promotions use CBA language.

Qualifications

• Two year’s previous custodial experience or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Valid California Non-commercial Class C Driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Answer questions and solve routine problems for custodians.
• Assign and explain tasks to workers based on instructions from supervisor.
• Inspect work for conformance with specifications.
• Train employees to meet quality and quantity standards.
• Advise supervisor of work progress.
• Promote adherence to safety rules.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety procedures

Custodial knowledge

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Safety protocols

Hazardous materials handling

Job description

This series of job classifications describes positions in which the major function is performing a variety of custodial duties, and/or overseeing others who perform custodial duties. Employees perform routine cleaning of floors, floor coverings, furniture, walls, wood-work, etc. They also carry out other facilities services, such as cleaning guest rooms and public areas, replacing lamps in light fixtures and removing trash around building exteriors, etc. In addition, they may also perform light labor and light maintenance duties. There are two levels in the series: Custodian and Custodian Lead. These levels are differentiated on the basis of degree of oversight responsibility.

Under the direction of a supervisor, employees in this classification participate in and oversee the work of custodians. They directly lead the work activities of custodians on the job. They receive daily work assignments and guidance in solving unusual or difficult problems which arise, from a supervisor or manager.

This role is designated as essential and requires incumbents to report to work onsite. Telecommuting is not available for this role.

Shift: Tuesday through Saturday 6:45am – 3:15pm

The expected pay for this position is $32.18 (Step 1) per hour.

Placement in the pay range is subject to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Internal candidate rates will be applied based on the CBA language for promotion and transfer.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Answer questions and solve routine problems for custodians.
• Assign and explain tasks to workers based on instructions specifications received from supervisor.
• Inspect work for conformance with specifications.
• Train employees to meet quality and quantity standards.
• Advise supervisor of work progress.
• Promote adherence to safety rules.
• May perform any of the duties described in the Custodian specification or other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

Two year’s previous custodial experience or a combination of equivalent education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good written and oral communication skills in English; ability to communicate effectively and cooperatively with co-workers, guests, other departments, and management.
• Knowledge of cleaning and waxing methods, materials and equipment used in industrial cleaning is desirable, but may be learned on the job.
• Knowledge of custodial safety procedures.
• Ability to read, understand, properly prepare, store, and use all chemicals and maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) manual on cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to learn and apply safe work practices, including hazardous waste management and handling, injury and illness prevention program, confined space procedures, and safe chemical practices.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a positive service attitude and approach to students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university.
• Ability to be respectful of residents and co-worker’s privacy and property. Ability to maintain and support a respectful work place.
• Ability to respond to rapidly changing priorities.
• Ability to operate appropriate communications equipment.
• Must be able to maintain good working relationships and exercise initiative and good judgment in organizing work and solving routine problems.
• Knowledgeable about all custodial methods, materials and equipment used in the work.
• Ability to lead regular, temp and casual staff in turning property in time and motion requirements.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Valid California Non-commercial Class C Driver's license.

• Pay Range $32.18, Step 1
• Pay Frequency Hourly
• Fixed Term N
• Stanford Schools and Units Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE)
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Bargaining Unit -TMS
• Posting Date 10/01/2026, 04:52 PM
• Grade A15 - Bargaining Unit Role
• Job Identification 201183

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Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations

hips.

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