Custodian A, HMS

Harvard University • Boston, MA

10d • $29 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) provides building, landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculty and departments according to customer-determined service standards. The Custodian A performs routine and specialized cleaning in assigned academic and non-academic spaces at Harvard Medical School, maintaining clean, orderly, and sanitary areas. The role is designated as Critical Operations Personnel and requires on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management.

The position is fully on-site and scheduled for 40 hours per week on overnight shifts, with Mondays and Tuesdays off. Duties may include residential housekeeping during Reunion or Commencement events, snow removal, moving furniture or other heavy objects, and occasional overtime or response to off-hour emergencies. The employee must wear a clean uniform and ID badge, maintain a professional image, and use required safety equipment and clothing.

The role requires physical work including repetitive stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds routinely; and tolerating dust, airborne particles, and approved cleaning chemicals. The posting notes a 40-pound lifting requirement for employees hired before January 2026, while also listing the 50-pound requirement in its physical requirements.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of cleaning industry experience.
• Basic proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers and customers.
• Able to provide responsive customer support and maintain a quality-focused, customer service-oriented approach.
• Must comply with standard safety codes and practices and perform work according to recognized industry and university standards.
• Must be able to work independently or as part of a team under the guidance of an Area Supervisor and/or Crew Chief.
• Must be available to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks involving stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds routinely and may need to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids weighing up to 50 pounds. The posting states a 40-pound lifting requirement for employees hired before January 2026.
• Must be able to tolerate dust, other airborne particles, and approved cleaning chemicals.
• May be required to move heavy objects for extended periods, operate heavy floor machines, and use ladders regularly.
• May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.

Responsibilities

• Clean assigned academic and non-academic areas, including offices, dormitories, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, classrooms, assembly spaces, restrooms, common areas, and entryways.
• Sanitize bathroom surfaces and fixtures, as well as 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 floors using light- 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 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 heavy floor equipment when required.
• Provide responsive customer support in custodial and related building operations.
• Respond to off-hour emergencies as needed and provide on-site support during emergencies as directed by management.
• Wear a clean, neat uniform and ID badge, maintain a professional image, and use 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