Custodian B, , FAS Academic Science Center

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) provides building and landscape maintenance and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis, following customer-determined standards. The Custodian B performs routine and specialized cleaning of academic and non-academic spaces, maintaining assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner. Duties may include cleaning offices, dormitories, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, classrooms, assembly spaces, restrooms, common areas, and entryways, as well as related custodial and housekeeping work.

This is a 16-hour-per-week, fully on-site position at Harvard’s North Harvard Yard location in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The schedule is Saturday and Sunday, 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., with Monday through Friday off. The position is designated as Critical Operations Personnel and must provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management. The role may require occasional overtime and availability to respond to off-hour emergencies.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of cleaning industry experience.
• Basic proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Ability to provide responsive customer support in custodial and related building operations.
• Quality-focused and customer-service-oriented approach.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English with coworkers and customers.
• Ability to observe and comply with standard safety codes and practices and follow 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.
• For employees hired after January 2026, ability to routinely lift and carry up to 50 pounds daily and occasionally 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized cleaning of assigned academic and non-academic spaces.
• Maintain assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner.
• Sanitize bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and food handling or preparation areas.
• Restock restroom and kitchen consumable supplies daily.
• Broom 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 move waste 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 for extended periods 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 and work occasional overtime in support of business needs.
• 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: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed