Sr. Custodian (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 $21.48/hr. - $26.19/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

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around March 5, 2026.

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

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

About the Job

Under the supervision of the Custodial Supervisor, the Sr. Custodian performs a wide variety of cleaning tasks and are responsible for minor maintenance and storage of equipment. Assists with emergency clean-up projects, maintains closet inventory of equipment and supplies, and maintains work assignments at campus standards. The Sr. Custodian is responsible for the cleanliness and security of assigned areas. They may act as work leaders/trainers for a small group of custodians (usually less than five). All staff are required to wear appropriate protective clothing/equipment as directed for safety concerns.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

TECHNICAL

Interior:

• General: Cleans all assigned areas for use by residents, students, staff, guests, public, and faculty. Conducts laundry services for summer conference groups. Performs other janitorial duties as assigned. Maintains a positive interaction with all residents, students, staff, guests, public, and faculty. Operates a variety of machinery for all assigned areas.
• Furniture Care: Cleans all furniture as directed, lifts furniture to access areas to clean, rearranges, and sets up furniture for summer conference guests and conference events.
• Floor Care: Performs proper cleaning functions for all interior areas of buildings as directed. Operates a variety of machinery designed for floor care.
• Restroom Care: Cleans all assigned areas of public and private restrooms as directed. Replenishes products designed for restroom use. Clears minor drain stoppages.
• Equipment Care: Cleans and maintains all machinery designed for cleaning purposes in all different areas.
• Waste Management: Removes and transports all trash (recycle, landfill, cardboard, and compost) from assigned areas to the proper location for disposal. Replaces all receptacles with new liners as directed in all areas that generate trash. Clears trash chute blockages located within buildings.

Exterior:

• Building: Cleans all assigned exterior areas of buildings as directed. This may include but is not limited to sidewalks, landings, stairwells, windows, window screens, grills, intake- exhaust fan vents, light fixtures, and other assigned areas. Operates a variety of machinery for all assigned exterior areas. Requires pest elimination as needed.
• Waste Management: Removes and transports all trash (recycle, landfill, cardboard, and compost) from assigned exterior areas to the proper location for disposal. Replaces all receptacles with new liners as directed at all exterior areas that generate trash. Clears trash chute blockages located within buildings.
• Operates a variety of machinery designed for waste management. Replenishes supplies and maintains storeroom pars. Performs on-the-spot cleaning inspections, correcting discrepancies immediately.
• Response Time: Must respond to calls from Customer Service Centers, Police Department, other staff, and Supervisors promptly, especially during an unforeseen crisis. Will respond to routine and emergency work requests from supervisors, other staff, maintenance staff, and faculty.

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION

• Establishes and maintains a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of department, residents, students, and campus community.
• Effectively communicates both orally and in writing.
• Maintain open lines of communication with residents, Housing staff, and Facilities Maintenance staff.
• Maintains proficiency at current level and continually updates knowledge through participation in training sessions.
• May act as a work leader/trainer for a small group of Custodians (usually less than 5).
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record, punctual and meets deadlines.

ADMINISTRATIVE, SAFETY & WORK HABITS

• Participates in mandatory meetings, training sessions, and seminars.
• Safeguard keys.
• Submit regular written supply requests. Submit written work orders, damage reports, and common area furniture inventories.
• Promptly reports accidents on the job, preparing and submitting accident reports.
• Follow instructions for correct chemical use and mixture.
• Follow established procedures for dealing with hazards and potential hazards.
• Always knock and announce yourself before entering a resident's space.
• Understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Accomplish work within deadlines.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• Six months of experience in a custodial cleaning operation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must obtain scissor lift operating certification, boom lift operating certification and fork lift certifications within six months of hire. University provided training and certifications.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to read, write, follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Ability to multitask and handle more than one project at a time.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and other staff.
• Has the ability to maintain functional awareness of the typical hazards, such as bio-hazards, radiation, chemicals, etc.
• Knowledge of correct chemical use and mixture.
• Knowledge of general custodial duties.
• Has experience with operating vacuums, floor scrubbers, polishers and carpet steam extractors.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment subject to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to determine when repairs are necessary.
• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments.
• Skill to work both autonomously and in a team environment.