Custodian

Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Bargaining Unit -TMS
Job function: Custodian
Workplace type: On-site
Contract type: Regular
Grade: A13 - Bargaining Unit Role
Posted: 2026-10-07

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

About Us:

The Veterinary Service Center (VSC) at Stanford University provides Laboratory Animal Care and operates within the Department of Comparative Medicine. We are fully accredited by the Association for Accreditation and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). Our vision is to pioneer in laboratory animal care, driving research innovations from bench to bedside.

Position Summary:

Anticipated Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:45AM-3:15PM or 7:00AM-3:30PM.

The Veterinary Service Center within the Department of Comparative Medicine is seeking a full time Custodian to perform a variety of custodial duties. Work assignments are provided by the lead worker and/or supervisor. Completed work is reviewed to ensure it meets established quality standards and scheduling requirements.

Desired Qualification:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Working Conditions:

• May be required to work variable shifts, days of week, overtime, in various locations, evenings and weekends, including holidays, sometimes in inclement weather conditions.
• High exposure to cleaning chemicals, dust and/or other allergens.
• Required to work in confined spaces.
• Required to wear issued and appropriate uniform.
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Required to become a mandatory reporter.
• Work occurs in a research laboratory environment. Depending on research, may work in the vicinity of animals, chemicals, gasses, or hazardous materials.
• Work occurs in a secured facility, in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• The incumbent should be free of animal-related allergies.
• The incumbent will be required to complete an initial and annual Occupational Health Surveillance questionnaire and may be required to undergo a physical examination and/or immunizations.
• Responsible for the wearing, use and proper care of uniforms, supplies, and equipment provided by VSC. Including uniforms required for health & safety purposes.
• Must observe and support good health and safety practices regarding the use of chemicals and equipment. Expected to follow all safety requirements and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Constantly stand/walk, twist/bend/stop/squat, perform work which requires light/fine grasping.
• Frequently, reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, write by hand, grasp forcefully, scrub/sweep/mop/rake, operate hand controls, and/or lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), and/or lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 10-40 pounds.
• Rarely perform seated work, desk-based computer tasks, and/or sort/file paperwork or parts.
• Must be able to lift moderately heavy items, ranging from 25 to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb and work from step ladders up to six feet.

Working Standards:

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu, and the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/workplace-essentials/employee-labor-relations/labor-relations-collective-bargaining/seiu-higher

Core Duties:

• Clean a variety of floors and floor coverings using light cleaners, waxers, and buffers or shampooers, strippers, etc.
• Clean and remove trash and debris from patios, sidewalks, flower beds and lawn areas immediately adjacent to buildings using brooms, rakes or blowers.
• Clean, scrub, sweep, pick up, wipe, wash, dust, brush, oil and polish all common interior/exterior areas including walls, handrails, fixtures, woodwork, ceilings, furniture, light fixtures, appliances, picture frames, mirrors, water fountains, switch covers, and shelving.
• Clean and sanitize bathrooms (private and communal) which include, but are not limited to, showers, tubs, sinks, toilets, and fixtures.
• Clean and sanitize all common areas including, but not limited to, lounge areas, laundry rooms, kitchenettes, and locker areas.
• Clean kitchenette, including removing and relocating dishes from counter to designated area; clean exterior and interior of stove, refrigerator, sink, counter tops, cabinets, and drawers.
• Clean glass windows and doors.
• Organize and maintain all equipment and chemicals in the custodial closet in a secure, clean, and ready condition for use.
• Report emergencies, damages, fixtures/furniture losses, and maintenance needs, safety issues, and needed equipment repairs.
• May perform a variety of labor related tasks including, but not limited to, moving and setting up furniture for special events; replacing light bulbs, replacing vacuum cleaner bags and belts, picking up and delivering flyers, performing periodic inspections, and various other tasks required in the event of an emergency.
• Provide full-service support for summer programs including, but not limited to, cleaning guest rooms, making beds with clean linens, and providing towels for bathroom use.
• Empty ash trays and wastebaskets; make beds and change linens.
• Perform a variety of labor and related duties, such as moving furniture; may pick up and deliver mail or other items.
• Ensure that keys are secure at all times and checked in at the end of each shift.
• Clean Resident Fellow and other staff residences, if applicable, on an annual basis.
• May provide information and on the job training on cleaning techniques, equipment or materials to new and/or seasonal temporary employees.
• Adhere to safety rules.

Minimum Education and Experience

One year previous custodial experience preferred or a combination of equivalent education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good written and oral communication skills in English; ability to communicate effectively and cooperatively with co-workers, guests, other departments, and management.
• Knowledge of cleaning and waxing methods, materials and equipment used in industrial cleaning is desirable, but may be learned on the job.
• Knowledge of custodial safety procedures.
• Ability to read, understand, properly prepare, store, and use all chemicals and maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) manual on cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to learn and apply safe work practices, including hazardous waste management and handling, injury and illness prevention program, confined space procedures, and safe chemical practices.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a positive service attitude and approach to students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university.
• Ability to be respectful of residents and co-worker's privacy and property.
• Ability to maintain and support a respectful work place.
• Ability to respond to rapidly changing priorities.
• Ability to operate appropriate communications equipment.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Valid California Non-commercial Class C Driver's license at most locations.