Custodian B

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

3h • Onsite

About The Position

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

The position is scheduled for 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off. Compensation is $28.75. Duties may vary according to the applicable customer service level agreement and may include occasional overtime, off-hour emergency response, and residential housekeeping during Reunion or Commencement events.

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, customer service-oriented, and able to communicate clearly and professionally in English with coworkers and customers.
• Comply with standard safety codes and practices and perform work according to recognized industry and university standards.
• Be available to work independently or as part of a team under the guidance of the Area Supervisor and/or Crew Chief.
• For employees hired after January 2026, routinely lift and carry up to 50 pounds daily; employees hired before January 2026 have a stated lifting requirement of 40 pounds, although the description also states a 50-pound routine lifting requirement.
• May need to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Perform repetitive tasks involving stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying, including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping stairwells, and high or low dusting and cleaning.
• Tolerate dust, airborne particles, and approved cleaning chemicals.
• Work occasional overtime and respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.

Responsibilities

• Clean assigned academic and non-academic spaces, including offices, dormitories, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, classrooms, assembly spaces, restrooms, common areas, and entryways.
• Sanitize bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and food handling or preparation areas.
• Restock restroom and kitchen consumable supplies daily.
• Sweep, dry/damp/wet mop hard-surface floors and stairs; dust or wash furniture, walls, and horizontal surfaces; and vacuum carpeted floors.
• Empty and clean trash and recycling receptacles and move waste to designated pickup points.
• Strip, wax, and burnish floors using power floor machines; operate 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 and use ladders regularly when required.
• Wear a clean, neat uniform and 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 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