Custodial Supervisor

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building and landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore must manage itself under the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.

About the role

To advance Harvard University’s mission of teaching and research, we partner to provide stewardship, strategies, and services that create exceptional community experiences. The Custodial Supervisor is guided at all times by the mission, vision, and principles of Campus Services and instills a commitment to these values among all team members. The Custodial Supervisor fosters a welcoming, supportive, and diverse workforce and environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily custodial services operations in an assigned area(s), including all routine and specialty work.
• Work closely with customer representatives and other members of Campus Services management to provide consistently high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Ensure all Custodial Services operations adhere to customer-determined standards.
• Develop cleaning schedules and routines to meet customer expectations for cleanliness and sanitary conditions in compliance with all applicable environmental health and safety requirements.
• Continually review and adjust schedules and routines as needed.
• Provide hands-on training to custodians in effective cleaning procedures, proper use of equipment and cleaning solutions, building security, and environmental health and safety regulations.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with custodial staff, community members, and customers electronically and face-to-face to ensure excellent customer service.
• Utilize Microsoft Office software and customer electronic work order systems to prepare and validate operational data.
• Meet with staff as needed to address issues and concerns.
• Implement Green Cleaning procedures and train custodians in Green Cleaning techniques in accordance with the FMO Green Cleaning Program.
• Assign and supervise work performed by hourly custodial employees and sub-contracted cleaning services (as required).
• Perform regular cleaning quality inspections for all areas. Document inspection results and initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Implement quality improvement recommendations made by independent, third-party cleaning auditors.
• Manage employee performance; provide counsel or disciplinary actions as necessary. Demonstrate sound judgement in the application of performance management in accordance with both the collective bargaining agreement and established Campus Services management practices.
• Ensure compliance with all Departmental, University, and governmental procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Assure compliance with bargaining unit agreement.
• Ensure custodial operations compliance with all customer-established procedures for use and care of facilities.
• Ensure custodial operations compliance with all procedures of workplace safety, environmental regulations, resource efficiency (recycling and energy conservation programs) and building safety.
• Coordinate and supervise customer requested function set-ups, snow removal operations, and response to emergency conditions.
• Perform finance and administrative duties such as maintaining records of employee attendance and payroll, work schedules, key distribution logs, equipment, and assist with monitoring supply of inventory.
• Work closely with the department human resources representatives to ensure the proper maintenance of all personnel records.
• Lead, provide support to, or perform special projects (short and long-range), initiatives, and tasks as assigned/directed.

Working Conditions

• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel. This position is on-campus and is required to provide full on-site support, as well as during emergency situations determined by management.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, and access non-handicap accessible workspaces/areas as well as confined spaces.
• Must be able to walk up and down stairs, climb ladders, etc., and routinely walk between campus buildings/areas.
• Must be able to enter various types of buildings, industrial plants, and/or construction sites.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. as needed.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment where necessary.
• Must be physically able to perform and demonstrate all custodial duties required of his/her crews.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent work experience required.
• Two to three years of supervisory experience in a customer-focused custodial operation required.
• Specialized knowledge of effective custodial and housekeeping procedures and cleaning systems required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and time management skills required.
• Demonstrated proficiency with various computer software systems and applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications required.
• Must be able to understand, explain, and enforce departmental and University policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and perform financial calculations and administrative duties.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.
• Successful completion of an annual Driver’s License check. DMV background checks and clearances are required prior to hire.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• An understanding of Harvard’s academic, administrative, and collective bargaining agreement structures is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and willingness to both lead a team and serve as an active team member.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems involving multiple parties without clear lines of authority.
• Demonstrated ability to implement data-driven decision-making and process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain flexibility in assignments and work with constrained resources on tight deadlines or in emergency response roles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop favorable interpersonal relationships in a diverse, customer-focused environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• In-depth knowledge of cleaning technology and procedures utilized in a higher education setting.
• Working knowledge of network-based systems preferred.
• Familiarity with handheld computing, equipment diagnostics, bar-coding, and related technologies desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole is preferred.

Certificates and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.

Schedule

40 hours per week. Friday - Tuesday from 6:00 am - 2:30 pm. Days Off: Wednesday and Thursday.

Pay

Salary Grade 056. View salary range details.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.