Senior Custodian

NOTIFICATIONS

This position's intended start date is ASAP. There is a similar position starting 06-15-2026 under the Job ID #85079. Applicants are encouraged to apply for the position that works the best for your individual time frame. If in doubt please apply for both.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 04-01-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department oversees operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out the duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at:

JOB SUMMARY

Under supervision, the Senior Custodian is responsible for unskilled and semi-skilled cleaning and general maintenance duties, including housekeeping of offices, classrooms, laboratories, residential areas, auditoriums, restrooms, and other designated public areas of campus buildings and properties. The incumbent responds to campus-wide custodial emergencies and work orders, including spills, broken glass, bodily fluids, emergency restroom cleaning, and restocking. When performing custodial duties, the Senior Custodian is responsible for the cleanliness of assigned areas, both individually and as part of a team.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $25.02/hour.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Mid-Level benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 5 months from date of hire, with possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: SX Union

Job Code Classification: 005116 (CUSTODIAN SR)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

40% - Daily Custodial Duties

• Sweeps, mops, scrubs, dusts, cleans, and vacuums floor surfaces in hallways, corridors, stairs, lounges, outside steps, terraces, window sills, and other designated areas using a variety of cleaning solutions and supplies.
• Cleans and disinfects restrooms and shower room fixtures, air vents, shower curtains, and drains.
  Empties wastebaskets and other receptacles.
• Unstops minor drain blockages.
• Washes glass and trim on entrance doors.
• Receives and stocks custodial supplies.
• Reports items that need repair.
• Rearranges or moves furniture, supplies, and equipment, as directed.
• Collects recycling from inside buildings and discards it at a designated location.
• Drives a University vehicle to transport cleaning materials and tools between campus work areas.

25% - Periodic Custodial Duties

• Cleans woodwork, light fixtures, Venetian blinds, radiators, grills, ducts, walls, blackboards, washing machines, dryers, and other types of equipment.
• Waxes and polishes furniture.
• Operates floor buffers, shampoo machines, wet/dry vacuums, waxers, and floor scrubbing and polishing machines during stripping, waxing, buffing, and other related cleaning operations.

25% - Miscellaneous Custodial Duties

• Spot-cleans carpets, upholstered furniture, draperies, and other designated materials.
• Makes beds and changes linens and towels.
• Washes interior windows and exterior windows where accessible without a ladder.
• Uses cleaning compounds according to directions indicated on labels.
• Reads and follows chemical safety information and warning signs.
• Acts as a work leader for a small group of custodians.
• Interacts with campus staff and visitors regarding assigned duties as needed.

10% - Building Security Duties

• Locks and unlocks buildings according to written instructions.
• Performs emergency procedures (communicating with fire and police personnel as necessary) and evacuates buildings in the event of a fire or other disaster.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in the use of custodial equipment and tools, including vacuum cleaners, powered floor polishers, industrial carpet cleaners, mops, carts, buckets, and personal protective equipment.
• Knowledge of the proper and safe use of custodial equipment, chemicals, and tools.
• Ability to effectively communicate and follow oral and written instructions, read manuals, signs, and labels.
• Ability to work without close supervision.
• Skill in prioritizing workload to meet daily schedule.
• Ability to accommodate changing priorities and complete tasks despite intermittent interruptions.
• Ability to carry and operate technology, including tablets and cell phones, and to properly use programs and applications.
• Knowledge of procedures related to building safety.
• Ability to safeguard keys issued for assigned areas.
• Ability to incorporate sustainability concepts into daily work.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Must have the ability to: operate a vacuum, floor scrubber, and polisher; use cleaning chemical compounds; perform essential custodial duties including dumping bags into dumpster or moving equipment and materials with or without accommodations.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other