Custodian I

About the role

The Custodian I performs routine custodial duties to maintain safe, sanitary, and well-maintained facilities across assigned campus areas. The ideal candidate is a reliable custodial professional with experience in daily cleaning practices, safety-conscious, adaptable, and attentive to detail. This individual works well independently and as part of a team, follows established procedures, and supports the department's commitment to maintaining clean and welcoming campus facilities. They demonstrate a willingness to learn, follow APPA and OSHA standards, and provide responsive customer service.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cleaning tasks, including dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, restroom sanitation, trash removal, and window and surface cleaning
• Assist with minor floor care and carpet maintenance under supervision
• Operate standard custodial equipment safely and effectively
• Support Custodian II or supervisor with special projects or emergency cleaning tasks
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and Rice University safety standards
• Assist with inventory management and supply replenishment as directed
• Support university operations during events or periods of high demand
• Manage building access
• Document daily services and complete cleaning checklists
• Perform other duties as assigned

Workplace Requirements

This is an on-campus, on-site position requiring all duties to be performed in person. Classified as essential, the Custodian I may be called to duty during inclement weather, campus closures, or other emergencies. Night and weekend work may be required. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Work Schedule

• Standard shifts (day/evening) with occasional weekend or event support
• Rotating assignments across classrooms, offices, lounges, restrooms, and public spaces

Pay

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the starting rate is $18.00 an hour. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• No formal education required
• Zero to one year of custodial experience
• Ability to operate standard custodial equipment (e.g., vacuums, floor buffers, carpet extractors under supervision)
• Must be able to speak, read, and write basic English
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Must be able to record work hours in the Rice IO system and work task system as needed

Preferences

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Familiarity with OSHA custodial safety practices
• Knowledge of basic APPA custodial standards

Additional Duties

• On-site support for campus emergencies as needed
• When short-staffed, may be required to clean multiple buildings as part of daily assignments
• Identifies building repairs and reports them following university protocol

Working Conditions

Physical Demands: This is a physically active role requiring the ability to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, up to 30 lbs frequently, and up to 20 lbs constantly. Duties involve walking or standing for long periods, bending, crouching, kneeling, lifting, reaching, and performing tasks requiring good vision and coordination.

Work Environment and Hazards: Work is primarily indoors across offices, classrooms, laboratories, athletic facilities, and covered walkways. Exposure to temperature extremes may occur in non–climate-controlled areas. Tasks may involve wet surfaces and possible exposure to cleaning chemicals.