Custodian

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Custodian is part of the Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations (VUMO) and is an individual contributor responsible for performing general housekeeping and cleaning duties in various buildings across the Vanderbilt University campus. Without this team, our university would not look or feel as it does today. In this role, you will help ensure the campus is pristine and presentable to all students, staff, and visitors. This position reports directly to the Housekeeping Supervisor.

About the Work Unit:

VUMO provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.


Facilities' annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. Facilities manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Perform general cleaning duties; empty trash buckets; dust and polish furniture; wash windows and walls; clean restroom fixtures, sinks and commodes; replenish restroom supplies such as towels, tissues and soap.
• Inspect areas for cleanliness, mechanical failures, and other inappropriate conditions.
• Notify supervisor when maintenance repairs are needed
• Maintain individual custodial closet supplies inventory and request supplies and equipment as needed
• Turn on and off lights, and assigned equipment
• Clean appliances (when requested)
• Clean plumbing fixtures
• Clean & service waterless urinals
• Dispense cleaning chemicals from J-fill station
• Respond to custodial emergency calls if on call
• Sweep, mop, wash, and vacuum floors. Spray, buff, and burnish tile floors.
• Move furniture as necessary for cleaning.
• Clean light fixtures.
• Pick-up and deliver supplies to various areas at the University.
• Perform trash removal functions and recyclables.
• Snow removal from entrances of assigned building
• Perform custodial duties in support of events
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Housekeeping Supervisor.

Education and Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED is preferred.
• Valid Driver License is preferred, but not required.

Experience and Skills:

• Previous custodial, housekeeping experience is preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience in higher education is preferred
• Customer Service driven attitude is necessary

About the Work Unit:

VUMO provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.


Facilities' annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. Facilities manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Perform general cleaning duties; empty trash buckets; dust and polish furniture; wash windows and walls; clean restroom fixtures, sinks and commodes; replenish restroom supplies such as towels, tissues and soap.
• Inspect areas for cleanliness, mechanical failures, and other inappropriate conditions.
• Notify supervisor when maintenance repairs are needed
• Maintain individual custodial closet supplies inventory and request supplies and equipment as needed
• Turn on and off lights, and assigned equipment
• Clean appliances (when requested)
• Clean plumbing fixtures
• Clean & service waterless urinals
• Dispense cleaning chemicals from J-fill station
• Respond to custodial emergency calls if on call
• Sweep, mop, wash, and vacuum floors. Spray, buff, and burnish tile floors.
• Move furniture as necessary for cleaning.
• Clean light fixtures.
• Pick-up and deliver supplies to various areas at the University.
• Perform trash removal functions and recyclables.
• Snow removal from entrances of assigned building
• Perform custodial duties in support of events
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Housekeeping Supervisor.

Education and Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED is preferred.
• Valid Driver License is preferred, but not required.

Experience and Skills:

• Previous custodial, housekeeping experience is preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience in higher education is preferred
• Customer Service driven attitude is necessary

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.