Custodian

About the role

Within the Business and Administrative Services Division, Facilities Management is responsible for creating and maintaining an environment that enables faculty and staff to fulfill the educational mission of California State University, Bakersfield through the continued maintenance of campus facilities and grounds, by providing services in a reasonable and timely manner, and by maintaining a quality-oriented organization geared toward the enhancement of the educational environment. The Custodian, under direct to general supervision of the Manager of Custodial Services for Facilities, and with daily lead direction from the Lead Custodian, performs essential custodial duties to maintain cleanliness and sanitation across assigned campus areas.

Responsibilities

• Dust and clean all surfaces including desks, shelves, and other furniture using appropriate cleaning agents and tools.
• Remove trash and recyclables from designated areas ensuring proper disposal and recycling protocols are followed.
• Clean and disinfect restrooms thoroughly including toilets, urinals, sinks, floors, mirrors, walls, fixtures, etc.
• Replenish supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, and soap as needed.
• Monitor and empty trash and recycle bins in assigned areas.
• Gather and deliver recyclables to areas of central aggregation as part of sustainability efforts.
• Clean glass doors, windows, and blinds to maintain a clear and presentable environment.
• Remove graffiti promptly from surfaces using approved cleaning methods.
• Clean furniture and upholstery as scheduled, applying appropriate cleaning products to preserve materials.
• Polish woodwork and metal surfaces to maintain their appearance and prevent deterioration.
• Clean stairwells, walkways, and elevators ensuring safety and cleanliness for campus occupants.
• Perform general housekeeping duties to uphold cleanliness standards across assigned areas.
• Identify and organize necessary work materials and equipment, including loading and unloading cleaning supplies and materials.
• Operate and maintain appropriate hand and power equipment and tools, supplies, and materials to perform assigned duties.
• Sweep, mop (dry and wet), and vacuum floors regularly to remove dirt, debris, and stains.
• Strip, seal, wax, and polish floors using appropriate equipment and techniques to maintain their integrity.
• Spot clean and perform full carpet cleaning as needed, utilizing carpet cleaning equipment effectively.
• Use and maintain powered floor cleaning equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Respond promptly to custodial and cleaning emergencies, addressing issues efficiently.
• Replace lamps in light fixtures.
• Arrange and set up furniture, equipment, and related items for events or general use.
• Make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment and furniture, ensuring functionality and safety.
• Report facility repair needs identified during custodial rounds for timely resolution.
• Participate in campus event set-up and clean-up, including tasks such as moving bleachers and furniture.
• Safeguard assigned areas from unauthorized use and access by locking and unlocking doors and windows as needed.

Requirements

• Education & Experience – One (1) year of recent experience (within 3 years) in industrial custodial maintenance work.
• Licenses – Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to ensure safety.
• Ability to operate and care for custodial equipment and supplies applicable to the position.
• Ability to use custodial systems such as those used to track work orders and two-way radios for communication.
• Ability to observe safety requirements and safe work practices and methods as required.
• Ability to perform work involving regular physical activity.
• Demonstrated customer service abilities.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Solid organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to use technology including email, internet, work order system documentation, etc.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.