Custodian A, HMS

Harvard University • Boston, MA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) provides building, landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments under customer-determined service standards. The Custodian A performs routine and specialized cleaning in academic and non-academic spaces at Harvard Medical School in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. This is a fully on-site role and is designated as Critical Operations Personnel, requiring on-site support during emergencies as determined by management.

The role involves cleaning and sanitizing assigned spaces, maintaining floors and surfaces, handling waste and recycling, restocking supplies, and using cleaning equipment. Duties may also include residential housekeeping during Reunion and Commencement, snow removal, moving furniture or other heavy objects, and responding to off-hour emergencies. The position requires wearing a clean uniform, displaying an ID badge, and using safety equipment and clothing when appropriate.

The scheduled workweek is 40 hours, with overnight shifts Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday and Monday off. The posted compensation is $28.75 plus a $2.00 shift differential. Occasional overtime may be required to support business needs.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of cleaning industry experience.
• Basic proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Provide responsive customer support in custodial and related building operations.
• Be quality-focused and customer-service-oriented, and communicate clearly and professionally in English with coworkers and customers.
• Observe standard safety codes and practices and perform work in accordance with recognized industry and university standards.
• Be able to work independently or as part of a team under the guidance of an Area Supervisor and/or Crew Chief.
• Be available to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• Be able to perform repetitive tasks involving stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying.
• Be able to tolerate dust, airborne particles, and approved cleaning chemicals.
• Be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds routinely each day; may need to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids weighing up to 50 pounds. For employees hired before January 2026, the stated lifting requirement is 40 pounds.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.

Responsibilities

• Clean academic and non-academic spaces, including offices, dormitories, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, classrooms, assembly spaces, restrooms, common areas, and entryways.
• Maintain assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner.
• Sanitize bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and food-handling and preparation areas.
• Restock restroom and kitchen consumable supplies daily.
• Sweep and dry, damp, or wet mop hard-surface floors and stairs.
• Dust or wash furniture, walls, and horizontal surfaces.
• Vacuum carpeted surfaces using light- or heavy-duty vacuums.
• Empty and clean trash and recycling receptacles, and move waste and recyclables to designated pickup points.
• Strip, wax, and burnish floors using power floor machines.
• Operate heavy-duty wet pickup machines to remove liquids from floors.
• Wash interior windows and first-floor exterior windows.
• Perform residential housekeeping during Reunion or Commencement events when assigned.
• Perform snow removal, including shoveling, sweeping, and applying ice melt or sand.
• Move furniture or other heavy objects when required.
• Use ladders and operate equipment, including heavy floor machines, when required.
• Wear a clean, neat uniform, display and wear an ID badge, and use safety equipment and clothing when appropriate or required.
• Provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management.
• Respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed