Lead Custodian

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University, within Facilities Operations, seeks a lead custodian to oversee cleaning across campus sites and supervise shifts in the absence of a supervisor. You will perform routine cleaning, inspect safety equipment, and coordinate small work groups.

Standard shifts are Monday–Friday with weekend options; overtime may be required. The role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and reliability while supporting the university's mission and campus environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to understand English instructions.
• Experience operating janitorial equipment.
• Ability to use an iPad for work orders.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or extra shifts.
• Valid driver's license required to operate campus carts.
• Prior custodial experience with leadership preferred.
• Good physical fitness to perform job duties.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cleaning across campus including restrooms, halls, and common areas.
• Clean light fixtures and replace bulbs within reach.
• Empty trash and transport to disposal containers.
• Assist outdoor maintenance such as snow and debris removal.
• Move furniture for events and special functions.
• Inspect fire extinguishers and safety equipment.
• Operate golf carts or scooters for transport of personnel and materials.
• Lead shifts or small teams and report to supervisor as needed.
• Work overtime as required and fulfill other duties.

Skills

Written and oral English

Janitorial equipment operation

iPad work orders

Overtime willingness

Driver's license

Custodial leadership

Physical fitness

Job description

Overview

A member of Facilities Operations, the lead custodian is responsible for all phases of cleaning across a variety of work sites on the Princeton University campus, in addition to overseeing small working groups and leading shifts in the absence of a supervisor.

More Impact Than You Can Imagine

Facilities supports Princeton's educational mission by stewarding the University’s campus in a sustainable way to create an environment of exceptional quality where learning and research thrive. If you share our values for teamwork, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and sustainability, we welcome you to join our team.

Responsibilities

As a lead custodian, you will:

• Perform routine cleaning duties, such as dusting, mopping, vacuuming, wiping, restocking, and refilling in different spaces across campus, including restrooms, stairwells, and elevators
• Clean light fixtures and change light bulbs within the reach of a 6’ ladder
• Empty waste receptacles and transport contents to designated disposal containers
• Execute outdoor maintenance by removing snow, ice, and debris from building entrances
• Mop, vacuum, strip, refinish, and extract different floor surfaces, including carpet
• Manually transport and arrange furniture for special functions
• Inspect fire extinguishers
• Operate scooters/golf carts for transporting personnel, trash, materials, etc.
• Lead shifts or small working groups and report to the supervisor as necessary
• Work overtime as needed and fulfill miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ability to comprehend written and oral instructions in English
• Ability to operate manual and power janitorial equipment
• Ability to utilize an iPad to execute work orders
• Ability to work overtime before the start of a shift, at the end of a shift, on weekends, etc.
• Valid driver's license for driving University golf carts and scooters
• Previous custodial experience, with leadership experience preferred
• Moderate physical fitness — as a lead custodian, you must possess the following:
  • physical agility, full range of motion, and ability to maintain balance
  • the ability to stand or walk 2-4 hours at one time for a total of 6-8 hours per day
  • the ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds frequently (33-66% of the workday)
  • the ability to lift or carry up to 50 pounds in a range of motion from floor to shoulder height occasionally (up to 33% of the workday)
  • the ability to lift or carry up to 30 pounds in a range of motion from floor to overhead occasionally (up to 33% of the workday)
  • the ability to push or pull using force up to 10 pounds constantly (over 66% of the workday)
  • the ability to push or pull using force up to 60 pounds occasionally (up to 33% of the workday)
  • the ability to use arms and hands for simple grasping, pushing, or pulling frequently (33-66% of the workday)
  • the ability to bend, squat, kneel, climb, and reach or lift overhead occasionally (up to 33% of the work day)
  • the ability to climb stairs or ladders, shovel snow, work at heights, and work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions

Work Schedule

A standard shift is Monday-Friday, however, weekend shifts are also available with different days off during the week. Please indicate in the application process your preferred shift and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Monday-Friday shifts may include: 5:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. (The 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. shift begins Sunday evening and ends Friday morning.)

Weekend shifts may include: Wednesday-Sunday 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thursday-Monday 5:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. (the 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. shift begins Wednesday evening and ends Monday morning), Friday-Tuesday 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or 4:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Saturday-Wednesday 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

40.00

Eligible for Overtime

Yes

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

Per union contract

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Yes

Valid Driver's License Required

Yes

Union Code

SEU-Service Employees Inter Union#LI-NC1

Salary Range

$26.00 Minimum Hourly Rate