Custodian A, HMS

Harvard University • Boston, MA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Facilities Maintenance Operations provides building, landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. The Custodian A performs routine and specialized cleaning in academic and non-academic spaces at Harvard Medical School, maintaining assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner. Duties may vary according to customer service level agreements and may include residential housekeeping during Reunion and Commencement events, snow removal, and support during emergencies. This position is based on-site and is designated as Critical Operations Personnel, requiring on-site support during emergencies as determined by management.

The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, overnight Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday and Monday off. The employee may be required to work occasional overtime and respond to off-hour emergencies. Compensation is $28.75 per hour plus a $2.00 shift differential. Employees must wear a clean uniform and ID badge, maintain a professional image, and use safety equipment and clothing when required.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of cleaning industry experience.
• Basic proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English with coworkers and customers.
• Ability to provide responsive customer support in custodial and related building operations.
• Quality-focused and customer-service-oriented approach.
• Ability to observe and comply with standard safety codes and practices and perform work in accordance with recognized industry and university standards.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team under the guidance of an Area Supervisor and/or Crew Chief.
• Availability to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying.
• Ability to tolerate dust, airborne particles, and approved cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds routinely on a daily basis; may need to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids weighing up to 50 pounds. Employees hired before January 2026 have a 40-pound lifting requirement.
• Ability 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 and 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 and/or wash furniture, walls, and horizontal surfaces.
• Vacuum carpeted floors using light- and/or heavy-duty vacuums.
• Empty and clean trash and recycling receptacles and transport waste and recyclables to designated pickup points.
• Strip, wax, and burnish floors using powered 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 and 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.
• Provide on-site support during emergency situations as directed by management.
• Respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• Wear a clean, neat uniform and ID badge, maintain a professional image, and wear safety equipment and clothing when appropriate or required.
• 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