Custodian I

Rice University•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Talent Pipeline for Upcoming Custodial Roles We believe in building relationships and laying the groundwork for identifying exceptional talent, even when a specific role is not yet available. Coming very soon, we will have openings for Custodian I and II positions. If you're interested, this posting is a way to introduce yourself to our team and for us to connect with you when these opportunities come available in the near future. This is not an application (yet) but an invitation to our talent network. We are looking for reliable custodial professional with experience in daily cleaning practices. We anticipate these positions being posted the last week of February and/or the first week of March. About Rice Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — which stands for Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. Position Summary The Custodian I performs routine custodial duties to maintain safe, sanitary, and well-maintained facilities across assigned campus areas. Responsibilities include cleaning tasks such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, restroom sanitation, trash removal, window and surface cleaning, and basic furniture care. This role may assist with minor floor care tasks such as buffing and basic carpet maintenance, operate standard custodial equipment, and respond to routine cleaning requests. The Custodian I documents daily services, completes cleaning checklists, and supports the Custodian II or supervisory staff as needed. The ideal candidate for Custodian I is a reliable custodial professional with experience in daily cleaning practices. They are safety-conscious, adaptable, and attentive to detail. This individual works well independently and as part of a team, follows established procedures, and supports the department’s commitment to maintaining clean and welcoming campus facilities. They demonstrate a willingness to learn, follow APPA and OSHA standards, and provide responsive customer service. Workplace Requirements This is an on-campus, on-site position requiring all duties to be performed in person. Classified as essential, the Custodian I may be called to duty during inclement weather, campus closures, or other emergencies. Night and weekend work may be required. Work arrangements are subject to change per Rice policy 440 . Work Schedule : Standard shifts (day/evening) with occasional weekend or event support. Rotating assignments across classrooms, offices, lounges, restrooms, and public spaces. Hiring Range Hourly rate commensurate with experience. This position is non-exempt under the FLSA and eligible for overtime pay.

Requirements

No formal education required
Zero to one year of custodial experience
Ability to operate standard custodial equipment (e.g., vacuums, floor buffers, carpet extractors under supervision)
Must be able to speak, read, and write basic English
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team with others
Must be able to record work hours in Rice iO system and work task system, as needed

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent
Familiarity with OSHA custodial safety practices
Knowledge of basic APPA custodial standards

Responsibilities

Perform routine cleaning tasks, including dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, restroom sanitation, trash removal, and window and surface cleaning
Assist with minor floor care and carpet maintenance under supervision
Operate standard custodial equipment safely and effectively
Support Custodian II or supervisor with special projects or emergency cleaning tasks
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and Rice University safety standards
Assist with inventory management and supply replenishment as directed
Support university operations during events or periods of high demand
Manage building access
Perform other duties as assigned
On-site support for campus emergencies, as needed
When short of staff, may be required to clean multiple buildings as part of daily assignments
Identifies building repairs and reports them following university protocol