"Custodian Lead (On-site)"

Custodian Lead (On-site)

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range for this position is $21.91/hr. - $27.21/hr. Please note the realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr., steps less than $25/hr. will include an additional amount elevating to $25/hr.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around September 18, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

About the Job

Lead Custodian provides guidance and direction to Custodians and Sr. Custodians, assures work is completed by staff, performs custodial duties in an assigned area, assists in such duties as training new employees, conducting inspections and inventories, and ordering supplies. Responsible for safeguarding assigned area keys and care of custodial supplies and equipment. This position will be primarily responsible for major cleaning projects like floor refinishing, carpet cleaning, interior window cleaning and exterior only at ground level, water damage mitigation and emergency response.

This position may require working weekdays, night shifts, graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PERFORMS CUSTODIAL DUTIES:

• Using various cleaning supplies and equipment, able to perform floor care projects, window cleaning and emergency response cleaning, cleans assigned public spaces, including restrooms, offices, and teaching spaces as scheduled.
• Cleans assigned area in campus buildings, i.e. maintaining restrooms, vacuuming carpets, offices, classrooms and research areas.
• Provide back-up custodial services during absences and vacations of other employees.
• Maintain cleaning equipment and insure that cleaning equipment is in working order and securely stored.
• Maintains security of areas assigned and keys for those areas by checking windows and door locks, and keeping access cards and keys on person at all times when working. Checks all rooms at quarter breaks and secures building.

GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION OF SR. CUSTODIANS:

• Provide direction to assigned Senior Custodians in absence of area supervisor to assure daily duties are completed satisfactorily.
• Inspects assigned buildings and custodial work assignments assuring that custodial standards are met and work is being done in a safe and efficient manner.
• Provide on-the-job training to new employees in cleaning techniques, maintaining equipment, use of cleaning supplies, and safety.
• Responsible for daily distribution and collection of custodial keys to senior custodial staff.
• Provide requested information or services to any student, staff, faculty, or guests and maintain satisfactory work performance.
• Provide excellent customer service by creating a clean, safe, and comfortable work environment.
• Provide custodial services in an efficient, effective, and professional manner to students, staff, faculty, and guests at all times.
• Direct staff or faculty who are locked out of facilities to the appropriate parties to gain access into the building.
• Effectively perform in a customer service environment.
• Maintain an acceptable attendance record, punctuality and meet deadlines.
• Participate in training sessions and seminars.
• Maintain a functional awareness of the typical hazards that may be encountered at UCM such as biohazard waste, radiation, chemical exposure, etc. Follow established procedures for dealing with such hazards.
• Promptly report accidents on the job, submit accident reports to supervisor/risk management.

PERFORM LEAD CUSTODIAL DUTIES / COMMUNICATION:

• Writes, submits, or calls in maintenance work orders to Facilities Management Service Desk and checks all buildings for any maintenance problems. Reports all maintenance problems via work order system.
• Follows up on completed work orders through random checking.
• Completes any required forms and reports and submits to supervisor.
• Conducts a monthly supply inventory by counting stock and recording on an inventory form; submits form to supervisor.
• Attends staff and divisional meetings giving and receiving information related to custodial duties.
• Attends staff development classes and meetings to increase knowledge and skills in lead job duties and personal development.
• Interacts with Campus Police on theft, suspicious persons, etc. with relation to safety of staff or the facilities.
• Interacts with the Grounds Department regarding problems around facilities.
• Interacts with Maintenance and operations staff regarding necessary repairs.
• Calls in any lock or key problem to Facilities Management.
• Report concerns to supervisor that may require Environmental Health and Safety (E&HS) Office' assistance regarding issues related to the health or well being of campus community.
• Recommends changes in policy and procedures to supervisor to reduce operational costs or increase work efficiency.
• Meet with campus customers to survey their satisfaction and identify any problems that need attention.
• Completes work orders for all problems found during check-in inventory and submits to work order desk.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• Two years of custodial experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to read, write, perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to communicate verbally, in writing and electronically with the general public, students and staff.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Skill in prioritizing workload to meet daily schedule.
• Ability to work in an environment with changing priorities.
• Knowledge of general and specialized custodian duties and procedures.
• Ability to transfer information and figures into report format for supervisor.
• Ability to determine when repairs are necessary and inform supervisor.
• Ability to safeguard access card and keys issued for assigned areas.
• Skill in the operation of custodial equipment, including but not limited to vacuums, floor scrubbers, buffers, carpet steam extractors.
• Must be able to conduct periodic training in all custodial procedures and for equipment.
• Skill in the safe use of cleaning solutions and equipment.
• Knowledge in campus and highway driving rules and regulations. Preferred
• Observe general safe working practices.