Laborer
Job Summary
Under general supervision of the Associate Director, Custodial and Moving Services, the incumbent works independently or as a team member to perform general, unskilled manual labor which includes moving heavy objects such as furniture, equipment, materials, and supplies; assists in campus event set-up; loads and unloads furniture, equipment, supplies, and materials; cleans assigned areas, including such activities as removing construction debris; cleans gutters, culverts, and other drainage structures; power washes assigned areas; cleans roadsides, streets, and related areas; cleans applicable equipment assists in other cleaning projects; removes and hauls waste and recyclables from areas of central aggregation, special events, and special clean-up sites; assists crafts and construction workers by performing unskilled tasks such as preparing work areas; performs rough repair work; tears down structures; patches pavement; and performs pick and shovel work; assists in grounds maintenance, including such activities as pruning, trimming and removing undergrowth and debris; and using a spade, hoe, or rake to prepare or clean assigned areas; operates and performs basic preventive maintenance on appropriate hand and powered equipment and tools, supplies, and materials. The position uses a motor vehicle and other moving equipment to transport and deliver items, including those that are heavy or large in size.
The Maintenance & Operations unit of Facilities Development & Operations provides maintenance and operations services to a university campus spread across multiple sites comprised of +151 acres, 81 buildings, and more than six million gross square feet. The Moving & Recycling Services Unit is one of nine total shops in the Maintenance & Operations Unit and is comprised of three Laborers who report up, through the Associate Director – Custodial & Moving Services.
Key Responsibilities
- Move heavy objects such as furniture, equipment, materials, and supplies
- Assist in campus event set-up; load and unload furniture, equipment, supplies, and materials
- Clean assigned areas, including such activities removing construction debris; cleaning gutters, culverts, and other drainage structures
- Use computer for communicating, coordinating, documenting work details, and recording time log
- Power washing assigned areas; cleaning roadsides, streets, and related areas; cleaning applicable equipment; and assisting in other cleaning projects
- Remove and haul waste and recyclables from areas of central aggregation, special events, and special clean-up sites
- Operate radio for communication of urgent needs, critical information and status updates Uses protective equipment, as required for personal safety
- Maintain inventory and records, order parts and supplies
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Safely move heavy items more than 50 pounds
- Ability to operate all applicable tools and equipment necessary to perform the essential functions of the position
- Follow verbal and written instructions to ensure safety
- Ability to maintain records and retrieve data related to work performed using manual and computerized record-keeping systems, and to prepare standard reports
- Ability to implement a customer (constituent) service approach, with a commitment to high ethical standards and to present work to a wide variety of audiences
- Ability to recognize and accommodate changing priorities; meet deadlines/goals; and complete routine tasks despite intermittent interruptions. This includes managing multiple tasks and working proactively to avoid crisis and backlog
- Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is for the operation of any vehicle required for this position
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle, utility cart, scissor lift, boom lift, and forklift (as certified) and other equipment and tools required to successfully complete assignments
Required Qualifications
- Ability to read and write at a level appropriate for the duties of the position and follow verbal and written instructions to ensure safety
- Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations
- Perform regular strenuous manual labor
- Safely move heavy items in excess of 50 lbs
License
A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.
Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.
Preferred Qualifications
- Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent
- Moving Professional Certification or equivalent
- Two years of experience moving furniture, equipment, supplies or materials in a large commercial, educational, or warehouse setting
- Two years of experience utilizing equipment to clean buildings, roadsides or other hardscape surfaces in a large commercial or educational setting.
Compensation
Classification: Laborer
Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,747/month - $3,898/month (Step 5 – Step 7) CSU Salary Range: $3,461/month - $4,752/month (Step 1 – Step 20)
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.
Application Procedure
Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:
- Resume
- Letter of Interest
All applicants must apply within the specified application period: November 25, 2025, through December 10, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.
Work Schedule
Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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