Custodial Supervisor

Posting date: January 29, 2026

External Reference: 002197SR

Job Details

1. Job Type: Full-time
2. Location: Cambridge
3. School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
4. Salary Grade: 056
5. Job Function: Facilities
6. FLSA Status: Exempt
7. Term Appointment: No
8. Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO)

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building & landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore must manage itself under the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.

Job Description

The Custodial Supervisor is guided at all times by the mission, vision, and principles of Campus Services and instills a commitment to these values among all team members. The Custodial Supervisor fosters a welcoming, supportive, and diverse workforce and environment.

As part of the Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) group in Campus Services, this position is responsible for the daily supervision of custodial services operations in an assigned area(s), including all routine and specialty work. The FMO supervisor works closely with customer representatives as well as other members of Campus Services management to provide consistently high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Ensures all Custodial Services operations adheres to customer-determined standards. Develops cleaning schedules and routines to meet customer expectations for cleanliness and sanitary conditions in compliance with all applicable environmental health and safety requirements. Continually review and adjust schedules and routines as needed.
• Provides hands-on training to custodians in effective cleaning procedures, proper use of equipment and cleaning solutions, building security, and environmental health and safety regulations.
• Communicates effectively and consistently with custodial staff, community members, and customers electronically and face-to-face to ensure excellent customer service. Utilizes Microsoft Office software and customer electronic work order systems to prepare and validate operational data. Meets with staff as needed to address issues and concerns.
• Implements Green Cleaning procedures and train custodians in Green Cleaning techniques in accordance with the FMO Green Cleaning Program.
• Assigns and supervises work performed by hourly custodial employees and sub-contracted cleaning services (as required).
• Performs regular cleaning quality inspections for all areas. Document inspection results and initiate corrective actions as needed. Implement quality improvement recommendations made by independent, third-party cleaning auditors.
• Manages employee performance; provide counsel or disciplinary actions as necessary. Demonstrate sound judgement in the application of performance management in accordance with both the collective bargaining agreement and established Campus Services management practices.
• Ensures compliance with all Departmental, University, and governmental procedures, policies, and regulations. Assures compliance with bargaining unit agreement.
• Ensures custodial operations compliance with all customer-established procedures for use and care of facilities.
• Ensures custodial operations compliance with all procedures of workplace safety, environmental regulations, resource efficiency (recycling and energy conservation programs) and building safety.
• Coordinates and supervise customer requested function set-ups, snow removal operations and response to emergency conditions.
• Performs finance and administrative duties such as maintaining records of employee attendance and payroll, work schedules, key distribution logs, equipment and assist with monitoring supply of inventory.
• Works closely with the department human resources representatives to ensure the proper maintenance of all personnel records.
• Leads, provides support to, or performs special projects (short and long-range), initiatives, and tasks as assigned/directed.

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Working Conditions

• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

This position is on-campus and is required to provide full on-site support, as well as during emergency situations determined by management.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, and access non-handicap accessible workspaces/areas as well as confined spaces.
• Must be able to walk up and down stairs, climb ladders, etc. and routinely walk between campus buildings/areas.
• Must be able to enter various types of buildings, industrial plants, and/or construction sites.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. as needed.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment where necessary.
• Must be physically able to perform and demonstrate all custodial duties required of his/her crews.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent work experience required
• Two to three years of supervisory experience in a customer-focused custodial operation required.
• Specialized knowledge of effective custodial and housekeeping procedures and cleaning systems required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and time management skills required.
• Demonstrated proficiency with various computer software systems and applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications required.
• Must be able to understand, explain, and enforce departmental and University policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write and perform financial calculations and administrative duties.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License
• Successful completion of an annual Driver’s License check
• DMV background checks and clearances are required prior to hire

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• An understanding of Harvard’s academic, administrative, and collective bargaining agreement structures is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and willingness to both lead a team and serve as an active team member.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems involving multiple parties without clear lines of authority.
• Demonstrated ability to implement data-driven decision-making and process improvements
• Demonstrated ability to maintain flexibility in assignments and work with constrained resources on tight deadlines or in emergency response roles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop favorable interpersonal relationships in a diverse, customer-focused environment. Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• In-depth knowledge of cleaning technology and procedures utilized in a higher education setting.
• Working knowledge of network-based systems preferred. Familiarity with handheld computing, equipment diagnostics, bar-coding, and related technologies desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole is preferred.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License
• Successful completion of an annual Driver’s License check
• DMV background checks and clearances are required prior to hire

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, CORI, References

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.