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Custodian B

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Harvard University

Cambridge, MA, USA

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Custodian B

Staff

August 3, 2026

Location

Cambridge, MA, USA

Harvard University

Type

Full-time

Required Qualifications

1+ year cleaning industry experience
Basic English proficiency (read/write/speak)
Customer service focused
Ability to lift 50 lbs routinely
Safety compliance and uniform required
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Custodian B

Job Summary:

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-Specific Responsibilities:

  • As described in the customer service level agreement, responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • Performs routine and specialized cleaning of academic and non-academic spaces, including but not limited to: offices, dormitories, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, classroom and assembly spaces, restrooms, common areas and entryways, as assigned.
  • Maintains all assigned areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner.
  • Sanitizes bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and food handling/preparation areas.
  • Restocks restroom and kitchen area consumable supplies daily.
  • Broom sweeps, dry/damp/wet mops hard surface floors and stairs as assigned.
  • Dusts and/or washes furniture, walls, and horizontal surfaces.
  • Vacuums carpeted floor surfaces using light and/or heavy-duty vacuums.
  • Empties and cleans trash and recycling receptacles and moves trash and recyclables to designated pick-up points.
  • Strips, waxes and burnishes floors using power floor machines.
  • Operates heavy-duty wet pick-up machines to remove liquids from floor surfaces.
  • Washes interior windows and first floor exterior windows.
  • May be assigned to perform residential housekeeping during Reunion/Commencement events.
  • Performs related duties as required.
  • May be required to move furniture or other heavy objects for extended periods of time.
  • Performs snow removal assignments including shoveling, sweeping, and applying ice melt or sand.
  • May be required to operate equipment, including heavy floor machines.
  • May be required to use ladders on a regular basis.
  • May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.
  • Required to wear a clean, neat uniform and maintain a professional image at all times.
  • Must display and wear an ID badge at all times.
  • Wear safety equipment and clothing when appropriate and/or required.

Working Conditions:

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

Physical Requirements:

For employees hired after January 2026, must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. routinely, on a daily basis. May be required to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids at various times (weighing up to 50 lbs.). Employees hired before January 2026, the lifting requirement as described above is 40 lbs. Ability to perform repetitive tasks as listed in the Duties and Responsibilities. Such tasks require repetitive stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying, especially to vacuum, sweep and mop stairwells, perform high and low dusting or cleaning, etc. Must be able to tolerate dust and other airborne particles as well as approved cleaning chemicals. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. routinely, on a daily basis. May be required to lift and carry five-gallon pails of cleaning liquids at various times (weighing up to 50 lbs.)

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 1 year of cleaning industry experience required.
  • Basic proficiency in the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Provide responsive customer support in all phases of custodial and related building operations.
  • Must be quality focused, customer service oriented and able to routinely communicate clearly in the English language with co-workers and customers in a professional environment.
  • Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices and perform work in accordance with recognized industry and university standards.
  • May be assigned to work independently or as part of a team under the guidance and direction of the Area Supervisor and/or Crew Chief. Must be available to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
  • May be required to work occasional overtime in support of business needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What are the key qualifications for Custodian B roles at Harvard?

Applicants need a minimum of 1 year cleaning industry experience and basic English proficiency. Strong customer service skills, safety compliance, and physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs are essential. Explore similar administration jobs or higher-ed admin roles.

🧹What does a typical day look like for a Custodian B at Harvard FMO?

Daily tasks include routine and specialized cleaning of offices, labs, dorms, and restrooms; floor care; trash removal; and supply restocking. Work may involve snow removal, heavy equipment, or overtime during events. See related higher-ed jobs.

⚠️Are there physical or safety requirements for Custodian B positions?

Yes. Roles require lifting up to 50 lbs daily, repetitive movements, ladder use, and tolerance for dust/chemicals. Safety equipment and uniforms are mandatory. Emergency on-site support may be required. Check specialty jobs for similar roles.

📝How can I apply for Custodian B or similar Harvard staff positions?

Submit applications via the official Harvard portal before the August 3, 2026 deadline. Highlight relevant experience in cleaning and customer service. View current openings on higher-ed admin jobs.

💼What benefits or working conditions come with Custodian B jobs at Harvard?

Positions offer stable university employment with opportunities for overtime. Staff must wear uniforms and ID badges. Roles support Harvard's fee-for-service model with customer-focused standards. Discover more university jobs.
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