Lead Custodian

The California State University; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego State University Facilities Services is seeking an experienced Lead Custodian to provide lead direction to custodial staff while supporting daily cleaning and maintenance of campus facilities.

This role coordinates work assignments, monitors safety and quality, trains staff, and performs hands-on custodial work to keep the SDSU campus clean and welcoming.

The position is full-time, non-exempt with overtime eligibility; standard hours and on-site work at SDSU in San Diego.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to 1-2 years of custodial experience with leadership.
• APPA Supervisor Toolkit or equivalent training is preferred.
• Experience training staff and leading a custodial team is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead direction to 10–30 custodial employees, including assigning work and monitoring progress.
• Train staff on custodial equipment, cleaning procedures, safety practices, and emergency protocols.
• Maintain employee time records and assist with performance evaluations.
• Perform custodial cleaning of classrooms, laboratories, offices, restrooms, and other campus spaces.
• Complete floor care, furniture cleaning, trash removal, dusting and replenishment of supplies.
• Respond to urgent calls, bio cleanup, floods, etc.

Skills

Custodial methods

Safety practices

Lead/supervisory skills

Education

High school diploma

APPA Supervisor Toolkit

Job description

Job no: 562509
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

San Diego State University Facilities Services is seeking an experienced and dependable Lead Custodian to provide lead direction to custodial staff while supporting the daily cleaning and maintenance of campus facilities. This role coordinates work assignments, monitors quality and safety standards, trains staff, and performs hands‑on custodial work to maintain a clean and welcoming campus environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Work Assignments & Oversight
• Provide lead direction to 10–30 custodial employees, including assigning work, monitoring progress, and inspecting completed work for quality.
• Train staff on custodial equipment, cleaning procedures, safety practices, and emergency protocols.
• Maintain employee time records, provide input on performance evaluations, and coordinate custodial supply and equipment needs.
• Campus Building Maintenance
• Perform and support custodial cleaning of classrooms, laboratories, offices, restrooms, and other campus spaces.
• Complete floor care, furniture and surface cleaning, trash removal, dusting, and replenishment of custodial supplies.
• Assist with minor custodial equipment repairs and ensure assigned areas meet cleanliness standards.
• Provide Porter service throughout the campus.
• Respond to urgent calls, bio cleanup, floods, etc.

Why Join Us?

• Provide guidance to a large custodial team.
• Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities across the SDSU campus.
• Combine hands‑on custodial work with team coordination and training.
• Join a Facilities Services team dedicated to quality and service.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU .

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Wednesday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

SDSU Facilities Services (FS), a department of Business and Financial Affairs, is a customer service-based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. Facilities Services employs over 235 employees (full-time and students) and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land with an operating budget of approximately forty-five million dollars.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to 1-2 years of related custodial experience and providing on-the-job training and leadership to others

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the methods, chemicals, and equipment used in custodial work
• Working knowledge of safety and sanitation practices and measures used in custodial work
• Working knowledge of effective lead/supervisory practices and techniques

Preferred qualifications

• Graduation of high school or equivalent education and training
• Completion of APPA Supervisor’s Toolkit or equivalent training
• At least 5 years of work experience as a Custodian or an equivalent position
• 3 or more years of experience leading or supervising employees
• Working knowledge or general understanding of collective bargaining agreements
• Previous experience maintaining wood flooring surfaces, vinyl composite tile, LVT, asbestos composite tile and carpet care.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth.

Compensation

Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 5 ($3,893per month) for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,596.00 - $5,035.00 per month (Step 1 – Step 18).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Supplemental Information

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa).Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of theImmigration Reform and Control Act.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at [e-mail] .